Green Belt Earmarked For Homes 'That May Never Be Needed'

Swathes of green belt in the heart of England have been earmarked for new homes for people who may never exist, in a trend fuelled by the drive to double the number built annually nationwide, campaigners have warned. Fields bordering ancient woodlands are among more than a dozen sites, around Coventry, which have been released from anti-sprawl protections. They will be ploughed up to build more than 11,000 new homes based on population growth predictions that demographers warn are likely to be over-inflated. Read more on the Guardian website.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/sep/09/green-belt-to-be-destroyed-for-homes-which-wont-be-needed

45,000 Residents at Risk of Losing Their Homes

Almost 45,000 people were on the verge of losing their home in the West Midlands last year, shock new figures have revealed. Homelessness charity Shelter said more than 840 residents a week were at risk of eviction or repossession across the region – with Sandwell the worst affected area. There, one in every 74 properties contained residents under threat of losing their homes, followed by Birmingham with one in 82, Wolverhampton with one in 93, and Coventry with one in 100. The list of hotspots was based on possession claims issued in county courts between April 1, 2014 and March 31 this year.  Read more on the Birmingham Mail website.