News

In Darlington, community leaders are raising significant concerns regarding the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and their impacts on local living conditions and safety. As the borough witnesses a surge in these residential properties, calls for new regulatory measures have intensified, with advocates emphasizing that better oversight is crucial for mitigating crime rates and ensuring...

Westminster City Council has initiated a public consultation to discuss the introduction of a new selective licensing scheme aimed at improving standards in the private rented sector across specific areas of the city. As the largest private rented sector in England, Westminster faces unique challenges, particularly amid the ongoing national housing crisis, which has made private renting the only viable...

In a move that has provoked significant local concern, Somerset Council's planning committee has recently approved a contentious 30-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) development on Friarn Street, Bridgwater. The decision has been met with substantial objections regarding flooding risks and parking shortages, igniting a debate about the sustainability of local development practices. Local leaders,...

The UK property market is undergoing a notable shake-up following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent budget speech, which unveiled significant changes affecting both mortgage and property landscapes. Among the key highlights, the increase in the Stamp Duty surcharge for second homes from 2% to 5% has emerged as a focal point, raising concerns among property experts regarding its impact on market dynamics,...

Hyndburn Council has recently announced the implementation of new regulations targeting houses in multiple occupations (HMOs) in response to growing concerns over their effects on local communities. The council's decision to introduce an Article 4 direction signifies a strategic effort to enhance planning controls within nine specific wards, namely Barnfield, Central, Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Netherton,...

In recent months, South Wales has witnessed an alarming rise in cockroach infestations, with Cardiff at the forefront of this troubling trend. Expert Gareth Davies, a respected pest control specialist, highlighted a drastic increase in reported infestations over the summer of 2024, with nearly 20 cases already, compared to only a handful in the previous decade. This surge can be attributed to a combination...

In a groundbreaking move aimed at supporting survivors of domestic abuse, the government of Jersey, under the leadership of Housing Minister Sam Mezec, has announced enhanced housing initiatives. This initiative responds to critical recommendations from the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), focusing on facilitating the transition of victims from temporary refuge accommodations to...

Westminster City Council is poised to implement a significant new licensing scheme aimed at enhancing the standards of the private rented sector within the borough. As the council seeks to gather feedback from stakeholders—comprised of tenants, landlords, property agents, and community members—the proposed scheme would establish regulations for privately rented homes accommodating families or up to two...

Concerns surrounding the growing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Darlington have prompted local leaders to consider implementing new regulations. Recent studies have indicated that these properties, often associated with overcrowding and reduced living standards, may be linked to rising crime rates in the area (Darlington Borough Council, 2024). With the aim of safeguarding community...

In November 2024, Hyndburn Council announced its decision to implement an Article 4 direction aimed at regulating the development of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within nine specific wards, including Barnfield, Central, and Church. This move will mandate that developers seeking to convert properties into small HMOs accommodating between three to six unrelated individuals must acquire explicit...