Housing

Sunday, May 24, 2026 oldbury blackcountry policestation flats sandwell redevelopment housing westmidlands conversion regeneration

Plans have been approved to convert the former Oldbury Police Station on Stone Street into a housing development comprising six flats. Sandwell Council gave the green light for the project, which is spearheaded by BSSO … Read More

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 counciltax surcharge housing propertytax england consultation valuation reform government taxation

The government has unveiled plans to introduce four new council tax bands aimed at the top 1% of the most valuable residential properties in England. This initiative, announced during Budget 2025, includes a proposed High … Read More

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 birmingham council housing bedbugs pestcontrol accommodation toddlers health temporaryhousing safeguarding

A young family in Birmingham was recently relocated from a hotel after their toddler suffered what appeared to be bed bug bites, prompting concern and calls for action regarding the quality of temporary housing. The couple, … Read More

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 birmingham hockley ratinfestation midlandheart tenants housing rodents repairs safety appliances

Chloe Adams, a 20-year-old mother from Birmingham, has spoken out about the ongoing rat infestation in her Hockley home, describing the experience as a “constant nightmare.” For over a year, Chloe and her family … Read More

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 greenbelt knowle housing development solihull opposition planning mp infrastructure affordablehousing

Plans to build a new housing estate on Solihull’s green belt land have sparked significant opposition, including strong objections from Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti. The proposal by developer Richborough Estates … Read More

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 kingswinford wallheath greenbelt housing development population infrastructure schools traffic campaign

Campaigners opposing several proposed housing developments in Wall Heath and Kingswinford predict a significant population surge of more than 4,000 new residents if the plans go ahead. The Wall Heath and Kingswinford … Read More

Sunday, May 17, 2026 housing walsall development canalside affordable environmental infrastructure pedestrians greenbelt planning

Developers behind a new housing estate next to York’s Bridge in Pelsall are moving forward with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the planning process. The assessment will evaluate potential environmental … Read More

Sunday, May 17, 2026 walsall hathertonhouse hmo nhs conservation heritage accommodation renovation historic housing

Plans to convert the historic Hatherton House in Walsall into a 17-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) have been officially approved. The project, led by Sue Boden of the Walsall NHS Trust, aims to provide much-needed … Read More

Saturday, May 16, 2026 renters rent income england landlords housing affordability generationrent evictions tenants

Campaigners are raising alarm over the financial pressure facing renters in England, revealing that landlords typically receive the equivalent of four months' income annually from tenants. According to Generation Rent and the … Read More

Thursday, May 14, 2026 housing market england wales rics inflation mortgages sellers buyers prices

The housing market in England and Wales is showing signs of weakening, influenced by the ongoing war in Iran, according to estate agents and recent surveys. Increased uncertainty around mortgage rate hikes and rising … Read More

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 solihull shirley carehome planning children community housing council development consultation

A proposal has been submitted to Solihull Council to convert a residential property on Radbourne Road, Shirley, into a care home for children. The applicant, Adele Lynch, aims to transform the home to accommodate up to three … Read More

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 greenbelt kingswinford housing development planning community dudley opposition infrastructure urbanplanning

Local campaigners’ worst fears have been confirmed with the submission of a planning application for more than 500 homes on prized green belt land in Kingswinford. Dudley Council is currently reviewing an outline proposal … Read More

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 solihull planning appeal boundary wall gate drainage housing inspector council

Solihull taxpayers may once again bear the cost following a government inspector’s decision to overturn a local council’s refusal of a boundary wall and gate at a high-value property in Lovelace Avenue, a sought-after street … Read More

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 nationwide mortgage rates firsttimebuyers remortgage savings fixedrate loantovalue borrowers housing

Nationwide has announced a fresh wave of mortgage rate cuts, offering significant savings for new customers, existing homeowners remortgaging, and first-time buyers alike. Starting Tuesday, the lender will reduce fixed … Read More

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 birmingham stirchley cooperative housing community development affordable greensquareaccord funding pershoreroad

A promising community-led housing and retail project in Birmingham is approaching a pivotal moment, with local residents and businesses striving to secure ownership of a block of flats and shops designed for cooperative … Read More

Monday, May 11, 2026 housing benefits dwp welfare homebuilding rent housingbenefit labour government spending

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing mounting pressure to control the rapidly escalating Housing Benefit expenditure, which has ballooned to an astounding £39 billion under the current Labour government. … Read More

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 green birmingham elections council community housing environment politics waste change

For the first time in its history, the Green Party is fielding candidates in every one of Birmingham’s 101 wards. This milestone reflects a surge in support and membership, fueled in part by the national profile of the … Read More

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 birmingham conservatives localgovernment elections citycouncil cleanup housing roads community finances

With 101 candidates contesting the Birmingham City Council elections, the Local Conservatives are determined to reclaim leadership by winning a majority of 51 seats. If a majority isn’t secured, they aim to be the largest … Read More

Sunday, May 3, 2026 walsall counciltax regeneration localgovernment elections funding community housing development politics

As the local elections approach, Walsall’s political parties have clearly defined their positions on key community issues, including council tax hikes and major regeneration projects funded by over £120 million in government … Read More

Saturday, May 2, 2026 solihull planning council extension appeal inspector costs unreasonable knowle housing

A government planning inspector has once again overruled Solihull Council, deeming the authority’s decision to refuse a home extension application “unreasonable.” This marks another costly setback for the council and a … Read More

Saturday, May 2, 2026 sedgley dudley healthcentre ladieswalk council housing police investment nhs saving

The future of Sedgley’s Ladies Walk health centre, once threatened with closure, has been secured following Dudley Council’s strategic purchase of the building for £1.85 million. This move not only safeguards existing NHS … Read More

Saturday, May 2, 2026 birmingham homelessness council compensation housing ombudsman father newborn localgovernment socialservices

Birmingham City Council has been held accountable by the Housing Ombudsman for failing to adequately support a homeless father and his newborn child. The council neglected its duty to provide suitable temporary housing, … Read More

Saturday, May 2, 2026 birmingham housing education homelessness eviction families travel children crisis disengagement

Tania Yasmin, the executive headteacher at Greet Primary School in Sparkhill, Birmingham, has shed light on a pressing issue impacting many families and children in the area. Due to a severe housing crisis, pupils are being … Read More

Friday, May 1, 2026 renters pets law england landlords housing dogs cats animalwelfare tenancy

Starting Friday, May 1, a landmark pet law comes into effect across England, impacting over 11 million households living in private rented accommodation. The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 now grants tenants the legal right to … Read More