Home Insurance News

Housing problem will take generations to get sorted out

November 4th, 2011

Research shows that one in ten people looking for an affordable home in the North West are waiting for a property in Bolton. The NHF (National Housing Federation) claims it will take around two or three generations to clear the backlog unless huge investment is made.

The NHF represent not for profit housing associations throughout England and they report that in Bolton alone 25,000 families with an interest in cheap household insurance are on social housing waiting lists. With spiralling mortgage deposits and private rents, more and more people are finding affordable housing out of reach. Many couples in this situation turn to the social housing waiting list while they wait for the housing market to improve. The NHF also says that the average wait for social housing in Bolton is four times longer than a decade ago. Housing chiefs in Bolton claim the federation’s figures did not show the true picture but agreed that more can be done to get people into a new home.

Jon Longden, the National Housing Federation’s lead manager for the North West, said “Caught in an impossible can’t buy, can’t rent dilemma, families face life-changing years on social housing waiting lists. The North West desperately needs a strong social housing sector to help economic development. The Government must act quickly so more affordable homes are built and empty homes are brought back into use before the North’s broken housing market gets any worse.”

Bolton at Home are the biggest social housing provider in the area and even though they recently took over nearly 20,000 council houses in the borough they fully recognise the need to make more housing available to the people who need it. The organisation plans to build new properties and start a downsizing scheme which will free up some much needed family homes.

Tags: cheap household insurance, housing, National Housing Federation, Social Housing
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New homes to bring an end to Chorley eyesore

November 2nd, 2011

A property developer hopes that a long running battle to build new properties on wasteland will finally be resolved. Elmwood Construction has made a second application to build on what has become one of the worst eyesores throughout Chorley.

The developer has plans to build forty-two properties on the ex-Initial Washrooms factory site which was partly demolished in 2008 leaving just a few offices standing. Last year Elmwood Construction wanted to put fifty new homes on the site but the proposal was later withdrawn. However, Philip Noblett of Elmwood Construction is hopeful that it will be second time lucky and looks forward to seeing families with an interest in household insurance revitalising the area.

Mr Noblett said: “The last scheme we were advised by Chorley Council at the 11th hour that we needed to withdraw it or it would be refused. The frustrating thing is that we had several meetings with the planners and they seemed happy with the plans. However, just when the application was going to be decided, the council found minor problems with it and we don’t know why we were not told sooner. It has cost us a lot of money in terms of architect’s fees to get plans re-drawn and designed. We are hoping that it will be agreed this time and then work can start.”

Despite the current financial situation the developer is keen to start work on the project and he has lots of support from the local population who say the site is an eyesore and is beginning to attract anti-social elements. Chorley Council are pleased that a developer is looking to build on the derelict site but stress they will not say yes to any proposal, it is vital they say, that any planning application is suitable for the area. The new planning application will go through the usual procedure before the council make a final decision.

Tags: Chorley, household insurance, new homes, Property developer
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Tough housing market could get worse for residents of Cookley

October 31st, 2011

Residents with an interest in house insurance online have spoken of their fears of losing a third of the value of their properties if the plans to develop a traveller’s site in the village go ahead. Other concerns include over-subscription at the school and doctors surgery.

A public meeting was held at the weekend at Cookley Village Hall where two-hundred residents turned out. Mike Parker, Wyre Forest District Council’s director of planning and regulatory services was there to represent the council and listen to the fears of locals. Gill Hill from the Cookley action group told how the proposed site, an old hospital, has a huge number of empty buildings as well as a large number of underground tunnels for water, gas and electricity. The action group are not just worried about themselves, they also have worries about the young children on the traveller’s site who may want to go and explore the underground tunnels.

Ms Hill said: “The council’s proposal blights the value of our properties for the next 10 to 12 years, not just this year. The devaluation of our houses can amount to up to 30% of the value. For example, on a £200,000 house this would be a £60,000 loss. Ever since the hospital closed down we have been living with the ongoing uncertainty due to not knowing what will happen to the Lea Castle Site. Over this time we have heard various rumours, such as a prison or a hostel for illegal immigrants being built there. Therefore, this new proposal on top of this is extremely upsetting to us all.”

The village of Cookley is in the north of Kidderminster and is one of the most deprived areas throughout Worcestershire. It also has problems on the employment, education and health front, with 16% of the working-age residents unemployed. Locals feel the site would be better used to help with employment or provide facilities for the incumbent population of the village.

Tags: Cookley, house insurance online, housing market, traveller's site
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Council look to save over one million by dimming street lights

October 28th, 2011

Residents along the Fylde coast have raised concerns about both crime and safety after the council announced that all street lights are going to be dimmed. Lancashire County Council will be turning down lights on every street as part of their cost and energy saving plan.

Locals feel that dimming the street lights between 10pm and 6.30am will lead to an increase in burglaries and claims on buildings and contents insurance policies as well as an increase in vehicle crime. There are also concerns about people being injured by tripping when they are either walking home after a night out or when going to work early in the morning. The decision to dim lights is part of the councils five year plan to save £1m.

Wyre councillor Terry Rogers, who runs Fleetwood Neighbourhood Watch group, said: “How would CCTV pick anything up, because there are some places where they are not infra-red? I know the council is trying to save money, but this should not come at the cost of stealing lead and smashing windows when criminals can’t be seen.”

Energy efficient LED lamps will be replacing the traditional lights which will use about 30% of the power currently used and Fylde coast residents feel that while this may be a good idea in the countryside it is not a good idea in a much busier area. Community safety officers will monitor the situation and if crime does increase they hope the council will take the appropriate action. The council will fit new controls to street lights when the make the change to LED lamps and they will be able to save money immediately by dimming them. Lancashire County Council are also replacing all illuminated signs and bollards with reflective versions which do not require any power in a bid save the council even more money.

Tags: buildings and contents insurance, Council, crime, energy saving, neighbourhood watch group, street lights
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North West Police ready for a busy period

October 26th, 2011

Police in Wigan are hoping to reduce the number of burglaries by stepping up patrols in the boroughs hotspots as well as keeping an eye on properties that have obvious security issues through householders leaving doors and windows open.

Any homeowner who does leave their property vulnerable will be given crime prevention advice, and the police will be visiting a number of homes to see if security measures can be improved. It is a fact that household insurance policies can be declared void if the homeowner is negligent in taking simple security measures.

A local town crier will be used to remind everyone that basic measures can be taken to make life harder for a burglar, and community constables are running bike and phone marking events which will show how a simple task can increase the chances of getting back anything that is stolen. In addition to this the police will also be visiting offenders to make sure that they are observing curfews.

Second hand shops are also being monitored to ensure that they are not handling stolen goods and the recording practices at all scrap metal outlets will be checked. The “Stay safe this Autumn” campaign will be running until November 10th to help reduce crime during the school holiday, Halloween and all events leading up to bonfire night. Officers will also visit schools after their break to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences that anti-social behaviour can have on the victims.

Divisional Chief Inspector Jacqui Pendlebury said: “The wide range of tactics being employed shows how seriously we take burglary, and how intent we are on bringing offenders to justice. There is usually an increase in break-ins at this time of year as evenings become darker, and I would remind residents to go all out to beat burglars by remembering alarms, locks and lights, the simple three-point message is a reminder to put the alarm on, lock all doors and windows and leave a light on when leaving your home empty.”

Tags: crime, household insurance policies, Police, Wigan
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Housing associations throughout the UK back new campaign

October 24th, 2011

A Burnley housing association has joined the campaign to demand a Coalition rethink on benefit changes. Accent Foundation are backing the national campaign that is part of Welfare Action Week which is being organised by the NHF (National Housing Federation).

The NHF are the trade body for housing associations, and the crux of the campaign is to raise awareness of the harsh reality of the proposed welfare changes which it is predicted will without doubt push thousands of people into financial hardship. The Welfare Reform Bill recommends that any tenant who has a spare bedroom in their home should have their benefit reduced, even if they have lived in their home for decades. Research carried out found that over 125,000 people who live in social rented housing in the North West, who are of working age and claim Housing Benefit will lose almost £700 per year. This is a significant amount that will have a negative effect of their standard of living and could lead to many homes being left without household insurance cover as residents look to cut expenses to make ends meet.

Accent Foundation Managing Director Claire Stone said: “We take the welfare of our residents very seriously and are concerned these measures could cause a great deal of hardship for our residents around Burnley and the North-West. Should the changes go ahead, we will be supporting our residents in the best way we can so, wherever possible, they are not forced out of the home that they have more than likely grown up in.”

Housing associations are also worried about the plan to scrap a tenant’s right to have housing benefit paid directly to the landlord of the property, and to cap the amount of benefit claimed. Many debt agencies believe the option to pay rent directly helps tenants control their debt and ensures them a “roof over their heads”. Capped benefits will also mean that some will have no option but to move away from their families and communities.

Tags: household insurance cover, Housing associations, National Housing Federation, tenants
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Free bingo used to help educate the elderly

October 21st, 2011

Police are organising free bingo sessions in an effort to stop pensioners becoming victims of crime following a number of burglaries throughout the Bolton area.

Police set up the game at Mecca Bingo in an effort to get as many elderly people as possible together at the same time so that they can warn them about the tricks that distraction burglars use. It comes as police are currently investigating twenty incidents in the last few months where conmen have stole in excess of £20,000 from elderly victims who had to make a claim on their household insurance policy. As well as cash, bogus officials have stolen jewellery, mobile phones and valuable coin collections. Criminals posing as gas fitters, council repair men and gardeners are door-stepping the United Kingdoms elderly. Many vulnerable pensioners, many of whom live alone are falling victim to the scams which leave them seriously out of pocket as a result.

It is the bogus gas fitters problem that worries the police most and they are working with the gas providers who have acted swiftly to write to any customer whom they feel may be susceptible. The criminal enters the property to check gas appliances, purports to have found a fault with the system and offers to rectify the fault for a cash payment there and then. The householder is usually unaware that they actually qualify for free gas checks. The illegal gas fitter will then leave the house and become untraceable. Police have invited pensioners to Mecca on Friday morning and will give advice as well as handing out free attack alarms to everyone who attends. Local businesses have donated the prizes which include a big food hamper.

Bolton Crime-Reduction Adviser, Chris Waters, said “These criminals prey on the most vulnerable in society, conning them out of or stealing vast sums of money, which in many cases is their life savings. The event will run from 9.30am until 12.00pm and will be a joint project that also includes advice from police, trading standards, victim support and utility firms.”

Tags: crime, home insurance, Home insurance quote, Illegal Gas Fitters, Theft from homeowners
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Historic pub looks set to be demolished by property developer

October 19th, 2011

Drinkers in Hoxton plan to step up their campaign to stop a pub being demolished. They are refusing to let “time” be called for the final time on the historic boozer which was built in the 1830s.

If the property developers (Wenlock LLP) succeed in getting planning permission, they intend to buy the Wenlock Arms in Wenlock Road and demolish the well known landmark. The cleared space will then be of more interest to people who are looking for household insurance rather than those looking to quench their thirst, as a three storey apartment block will be built there. This has upset locals who feel the public house is a community hub, and holds dear memories for people of all ages. David Beckham even used to go there for a drink with his grandfather, and local residents plan to ask him if he will get behind the campaign.

The Save the Wenlock committee was formed last year when owners Steve Barnes and Will Williams, who have run the pub for almost two decades, announced they intended to sell. Locals had hoped a buyer would keep the building as a pub, but now that the buyer plans to demolish the pub, they are stepping up their action, and have even got the pressure group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to support them. The owners would like to see the pub carry on, but it is a business, and many people are not making much money in this business at the moment.

The Save the Wenlock committee said: “This is a pub that has been in existence since the coronation of Queen Victoria, stood firm in the face of the onslaught of Hitler’s Luftwaffe and V2 rockets and yet is unable to avoid the wrecking ball of 21st century property developers for yet more faceless eyesores. What a sorry world we live in if this beloved local institution cannot be saved.

Tags: household insurance, new properties, property developers, Wenlock Arms, Wenlock LLP
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Northern town sees increase in property sales

October 17th, 2011

A north-west town has come out on top in a report to find the top property sales hotspots in both England and Wales. The property report found that sales in the northern town of Bury have increased by 44% during the first six months of the year when compared to the same period last year.

The researchers put the change in Bury’s property sales down to an increase in the amount of activity at the bottom end of the housing market as more buyers are starting to buy both terraced houses and flats and protecting them with buildings and contents insurance. In Bury, flats and terraced house account for three quarters of the overall increase in sales. Great Yarmouth was the only southern area to get into the top six after they recorded the biggest increase in property sales for two years. However, the company that carried out the research by using Land Registry data feel several of the top areas saw high growth from a relatively low level of sales.

Housing economist Suren Thiru said: “A number of towns across England and Wales have experienced a significant rise in home sales over the past year despite the more subdued picture across the country as a whole. The relatively favourable levels of affordability in many of the top performing northern towns have helped to support housing market activity in these locations, albeit from historically low levels.”

All but one of the ten towns that recorded the biggest declines in property sales during the last twelve months were in southern England. Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire saw the biggest drop in sales and was closely followed by Buckingham. Regions throughout England and Wales saw a drop in sales between the first half of 2010 and it is hoped that the increase happening in the North will eventually spread to the South.

Tags: buildings and contents insurance, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Northern towns, Property sales, Wales
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Eighty year old home to be replaced by a block of flats

October 14th, 2011

A property developer has won her highly controversial appeal which will see her demolish a family home built in the 1930s and replace it with a three-storey block of flats.

Abingdon Council had previously rejected her bid to build the eight flats last year saying that the new flats will be both visually harmful and out of character with the other properties in the area. However, the applicant and property owner Sarah Jones decided to appeal the decision and after a planning inspector reviewed the decision they ruled in her favour and gave the green light for the project. The decision has not gone down well with local residents who feel that the flats will overlook their gardens and that the extra traffic will also be a problem.

Planning Inspector Jane Stiles said: “To my mind, the proposal has been carefully designed so that it would relate to both neighbouring developments in terms of its scale and form. I am satisfied that the proposal would not harm the living conditions of adjoining occupiers in terms of overlooking, over-shadowing, or noise and disturbance. There will be a small increase in traffic but not enough to cause concern and no road improvements will be needed.”

Residents are frustrated that the plan will now go ahead despite so much local opposition. The three-storey flat-roofed building which new owners will be able to protect with household insurance will be built as soon as the paperwork has been completed. Local residents said they were not against building new homes as they understand the area needs them, but found it sad that an 80 year old building which is still in good repair needs to be demolished to make way for the development. One resident speaking about the decision said: “We just hope it isn’t the thin end of the wedge and other grand old houses don’t go the same way.”

Tags: Abingdon Council, Block of flats, household insurance, new homes
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