Council Tax Loophole Used by Second-Home Owners
Over 200 English councils now impose 100% council tax premiums on second homes, but owners are switching to holiday lets to avoid charges, with holiday let registrations rising by 1.2%.
Category : Housing Issues
Wolverhampton Council Rejects 'Cramped' HMO Plan
City of Wolverhampton Council has refused plans for a six-bed HMO in Heath Town, citing fears of increased crime and inadequate room sizes.
New Support Hub Opens for Middlesbrough's Vulnerable Youth
A former town house in Middlesbrough has been transformed into a 12-flat supported living facility for 16-18 year olds facing homelessness and serious challenges, following a year-long refurbishment.
Birmingham Restaurant Owner Considers Relocation After Attack
A restaurant owner in Birmingham's Shirley area says he may relocate after a machete attack outside his business left two teenagers injured and blood on the pavement.
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£4,000 Roof Repair Warning for UK Households
Homeowners across the UK are being warned to check roof tiles after Storm Goretti and Storm Chandra, with potential repair costs reaching £4,000 if damage is left untreated.
Widower's Three-Month Wait for Council House Upgrade
John Marshall remains sleeping on a neighbour's fold-up bed as Birmingham City Council delays promised renovations to his mould-ridden bungalow.
Dudley Council powerless in £6k wall dispute
Residents in Upper Gornal face £6,000 each to repair a failing retaining wall, as Dudley Council says legal time limits prevent enforcement action.
HMO Boom Shatters Birmingham's Winson Green Community
A BirminghamLive investigation reveals how Winson Green faces profound community breakdown due to an explosion of HMOs and exempt properties, with residents reporting rising crime, violence and fear.
Labour MP Drives Housing Reforms in Heywood and Middleton
Local MP details Labour Government's housing initiatives, including Awaab's Law, Renters' Rights Act, and efforts to combat furniture poverty in Rochdale borough.
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Eyesore Black Country Hall to Become Supported Living Flats
Edgeview Homes proposes converting neglected John Owen House in Old Hill into six supported living units for adults with complex needs, following recent redevelopment approvals nearby.
Willenhall Residents' 'Hell' as Regeneration Starts
Residents in Willenhall's Moat Street area describe living among derelict factories as 'hell' due to fires and antisocial behaviour, as demolition begins for 109-home regeneration project.
Sutton Coldfield's Identity Crisis and Future
Sutton Coldfield faces a profound identity crisis as it loses retail, nightlife, and green spaces while becoming more exclusive. This in-depth exploration examines the town's past, present challenges, and uncertain future.
Midlands Towns Named Among England's Best Places to Live
Several affluent and picturesque towns across the Midlands have been recognised in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos list of England's best places to live, highlighting top spots for families.
Check If You Qualify for Household Support Fund
Local councils across England are encouraging residents to apply for the Household Support Fund, which provides financial assistance for energy bills, food, and essential items for vulnerable households.
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Birmingham Area in UK's Top 10 for Young People
A Birmingham neighbourhood has been named among the UK's top 10 best places to live for under-35s in The Times 2026 guide, ranking highly for affordability and lifestyle.
West Bromwich Landmark Could Become 101 Flats
Developer Brickstone submits plans to convert the long-vacant former West Bromwich Building Society HQ into 101 one and two-bedroom apartments, reviving the 1960s art deco building.
Worcestershire Cost of Living Payments Increased to £500
Worcestershire County Council announces enhanced Household Support Fund payments of up to £500 for families with children, administered by Act on Energy through DWP funding.
Handsworth HMO plan rejected after community campaign
Plans to convert a family home into a six-bed HMO in Handsworth have been rejected following nearly 80 objections from residents and neighbourhood groups.
Landlords Forced to Install Green Tech Under New Rules
New regulations could require landlords to install heat pumps or solar panels to meet EPC standards, with fines up to £30,000 for non-compliance by 2030.
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Bury's 6,000-Home Neighbourhood Plans Revealed
Bury Council has detailed proposals for three new neighbourhoods at Elton Reservoir, Walshaw, and Simister & Bowlee, featuring schools, community centres, and green spaces.
£300 Supermarket Vouchers Issued to UK Households
Surrey County Council is distributing £300 supermarket vouchers to eligible residents as part of the Household Support Fund, with applications opening monthly from today.
Willenhall's Locksmith Quarter Housing Plans Submitted
Plans for 109 new homes in Willenhall's Locksmith Quarter have been submitted to Walsall Council, aiming to replace dilapidated industrial buildings with modern housing.
Leasehold Reforms Transform Dover and Deal Housing
Labour's Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill promises stronger protections for millions, capping ground rents and ending unfair practices that have trapped homeowners in Dover and Deal.
Hidden £7,000 Costs Warning for First-Time Buyers
New homeowners face unexpected expenses beyond deposits and mortgages, with experts advising a £7,000 reserve for essential appliances and repairs.
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Travellers Occupy Birmingham Park, Eviction Called
A group of travellers moved onto Ley Hill Park in Northfield, Birmingham, minutes before gates were due to be locked, leading councillors to initiate eviction proceedings.
First-Time Buyers' Shift from Flats to Houses Causes Valuation Crisis
Improved affordability is leading UK first-time buyers to purchase larger homes initially, causing a sharp decline in demand for city centre flats and threatening their market value.
Oldbury Police Station to Become Six New Flats
A planning application submitted to Sandwell Council proposes converting the former Oldbury Police Station into six residential flats, reusing the vacant building to support local housing objectives.
70 Homes Planned for Historic Midlands Foundry Site
Plans for 70 new homes have been submitted for the former Chamberlin & Hill Castings site in The Chuckery, Walsall, preserving historic elements of the century-old foundry.
£300 Cost of Living Vouchers Launch in Surrey
Surrey residents can apply for £300 supermarket vouchers from Tuesday as part of the DWP's Household Support Fund scheme to help with rising living costs.
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Leaseholders Hit by £14k Bills Amid Reform Delays
English leaseholders confront soaring service charges, with Birmingham residents facing financial ruin as government delays crucial leasehold reform legislation until 2026.
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