Legal advice halts government merger of councils

Four proposed mergers withdrawn and 14 more paused for review, following legal challenges.  Plans for a major overhaul of local government across the country, introduced under Keir Starmer, have been ...

newstartmag.co.uk

PM commits more money to end homelessness by Christmas

Andy Burnham announces increased funding of £442m to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas.  Everyone sleeping rough in England this winter will be offered a route of the st...

newstartmag.co.uk

Citizens Advice calls for Warm Homes Plan to tackle summer overheating

One in six people in the UK have taken drastic measures to cope with hot weather, including sleeping in kitchens and gardens, according to Citizens Advice. The charity said millions of people were str...

newstartmag.co.uk

Interview: the art of the built environment

Architect and artist Alexis Butterfield paints distinctive visions of the streets and buildings where he lives in Liverpool, informed by his years working in the sector. He spoke to Newstart about the...

newstartmag.co.uk

Government confirms next phase of local government reorganisation

The government has confirmed the next phase of its local government reorganisation programme, with proposals to replace two-tier council structures in a further 14 areas across England. The plans incl...

newstartmag.co.uk

Starmer resigns: will housing still have a home in government priorities?

In the wake of Keir Starmer’s departure, housing and development experts have called for housebuilding to remain at the centre of the next government’s agenda.  This morning (22nd June), Sir Keir Star...

newstartmag.co.uk

Airborne fungi more diverse indoors than outdoors

The air inside UK homes contains a greater diversity of fungi than the air outside, according to a major new study that could have important implications for public health and housing policy. Research...

airqualitynews.com

New York mould scheme cuts asthma emergency visits

A programme to remove mould from New York’s public housing has been linked to a fall in asthma-related emergency hospital visits, according to new research published on Sunday (17 May). The Mould Bust...

newstartmag.co.uk

Survey reveals low awareness of Renters’ Rights Act

Despite coming into force at the beginning of this month, most tenants have yet to discuss changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act with their landlords.  If you’re currently renting in the UK, y...

newstartmag.co.uk

Mark your ballot, Leeds: polling day is (almost) here

Polling stations are due to open across Leeds on Thursday as residents prepare to vote in the cities local elections.  Over the past few months, election campaigns have spread across the city. Signs a...

newstartmag.co.uk

New lease: everything you need to know about the Renters’ Rights Act

The new legislation marks the biggest change to renters’ rights in a generation, here’s everything you need to know.  Etta James’ famous line, ‘At last’, has arguably never been more relevant. Today (...

newstartmag.co.uk

Home truths: thousands demand rent controls and council homes

Thousands of people attended a housing protest in London on Saturday, calling on the government to introduce rent controls and expand council housing.  The demonstration took place in Soho Square Gard...

newstartmag.co.uk

House prices fall below £300,000 amid Middle East tensions

UK house prices fell in March as uncertainty over the conflict in the Middle East and economic pressures weighed on buyers.  Figures from Halifax, published on Wednesday, highlighted property prices d...

newstartmag.co.uk

4.7 million homes in England at risk of severe energy hardship

Over 6,500 English neighbourhoods face severe financial strain as energy prices spike, Friends of the Earth warns.  New research from the charity shows more than 6,500 neighbourhoods, home to 4.7 mill...

newstartmag.co.uk

Government unveils seven new towns in major housing push

Labour has named seven locations for proposed new towns, part of its most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than 50 years.  The developments are intended to be built ‘from the ground up’, with...

newstartmag.co.uk

Heat pumps for all new homes and plug-in solar in green tech drive

Solar panels that can be plugged in at home could be available to buy in supermarkets in the coming months.

bbc.co.uk

New Kirkintilloch homes offer fresh start for families

Families in Kirkintilloch are beginning a new chapter after moving into 22 new affordable homes delivered by Caledonia Housing Association.

scottishhousingnews.com

Focus turns to 2029 UK City of Culture

Nine places across the UK have been longlisted to become the next UK City of Culture in 2029, with each set to receive funding to support their bids.  Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbo...

newstartmag.co.uk

British housing market shows recovery despite national reset

70% of UK councils are seeing house prices rise, even as the national market remains  in reset.  The British housing market is showing signs of recovery, according to the latest research from Yopa, wi...

newstartmag.co.uk

UK housing costs rise 41% over five years for renters and owners, study shows

Borrowers coming off fixed deals hit hard as Savills says big spike in interest payments made up half the overall rise

theguardian.com

Bristol residents step up to tackle homelessness crisis

A Bristol charity is urging local residents to lace up their walking shoes to support people experiencing homelessness in the city.  Caring in Bristol has launched the Bristol Cares Challenge 2026, in...

newstartmag.co.uk

The race to become the UK Town of Culture 2028

Towns across Sussex and Surrey have become the latest contenders to throw their hat in the ring to be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028. Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing, Bexhill and Littlehampton in Suss...

newstartmag.co.uk

Possession claims fall ahead of rental law shake-up

Landlord possession claims dropped in 2025, but analysts warn a rush to repossess properties could follow before Section 21 evictions are banned.  It’s not news that eviction is a huge problem in the ...

newstartmag.co.uk

UK unemployment climbs to five year high as wages stall

The news has sparked rumours that the Bank of England will further slash interest rates in the Spring.  Today (17th February), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published new data showing that ...

newstartmag.co.uk

Crumbling classrooms expose the depth of England’s school decay

MPs have warned ageing school buildings and the ongoing RAAC crisis are exposing deep-rooted weaknesses in England’s school estate.  The condition of school buildings has come under scrutiny after the...

newstartmag.co.uk

Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to Glasgow this May

Scotland’s only consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by self-build specialists Fleming Homes, is set to return to the SEC, Glasgow on 9-10 May 2026.

scottishhousingnews.com