IFA Berlin is one of the world’s biggest annual tech showcases, with hundreds of exhibitors including appliance manufacturers, gadget makers and smart home technology providers. Look past the hectic crowds and the karate-kicking robots, and there are always some interesting new home tech ideas to discover.

As a home improvement enthusiast, I was eager to traipse the halls to find the best new products that could improve your home, upgrade your DIY and generally make life easier.

From portable heaters that adapt their settings to suit your biometric data, to a dishwasher that uses a camera to see exactly which items you’ve loaded and washes accordingly, here's where home tech is heading.

Appliances that adapt to the body

We all know that smart appliances adapt to the user depending on what you ask them to do – but at IFA 2026, the air treatment brand Dreo revealed plans to integrate its tech more deeply with our individual needs.

Rather than you having to tell it what you want it to do, a new range of appliances will use biometric data from devices like smart watches to automatically adjust their settings. The likely first-use case, potentially scheduled for rollout in 2027, will see biometrics such as sleep scores used to tweak the settings on Dreo’s electric heaters – while the user is asleep.

“We call it ‘Dreo Air Intelligence’, and it’s an AI-powered air management system that connects to different product categories and responds to personal data,” said top Dreo designer, Yunpeng Zhao.

“The first factor we’re looking at is sleep quality, but we’ll also target other aspects of how air quality affects us all, using biometrics like wellness scores. Of course, users can choose whether to share personal data or not, but everyone should have the option to access this technology at an affordable price.”

Dreo is partnering with Finnish wearables specialist, Polar, to realise this futuristic vision. “We already have the data to show that a one- or two-degree deviation in temperature can decrease deep sleep, but the environment is not yet listening,” said Spiros Andreou, Polar’s head of global industry and technology partnerships.

“[This use of technology is] starting with sleep, and it can go from there. Understanding the person is what makes the whole thing meaningful.”

One of the first smart appliances to use biometric inputs is likely to be the Dreo Whole Room Heater 720S. This is a compact portable electric heater that heats evenly towards all sides when its top panel is raised up, or more directionally with the top panel down. The device, which will join Argos’s selection of Dreo heaters soon, also has a cooling mode and LED lighting that can be synchronised to streaming media.

Plug-in solar tech advances for UK homes

Just a week before IFA Berlin 2026, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero made plug-in solar panels legal to buy and use across the UK. This means you can buy wall or floor-mounted panels, connect theb to a unit that converts DC electricity into household-friendly AC, and then plug this into a standard wall socket so that the current can be used to power active appliances.

At IFA, several leading household power brands showcased products that can play into a plug-in solar setup. One company, Jackery, recently announced a new line of solar battery systems to use with plug-in solar panels, including the 1,200W SolarVault 3 Pro, which is due to launch soon.

“The big difference with these set-ups is that you can just plug the panels in rather than having them hardwired, so you can save money on installation,” said Yuanchi Yang, the product manager at Jackery’s IFA booth.

Anker, which you might know for its power banks, also showed impressive solar storage options including the SOLIX Solarbank Max (not yet available in the UK), which can work with up to 20 solar panels. British households can already make use of the brand’s SOLIX Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro, which stores up to 5,000Wh of solar-derived energy.

“Solar is a big topic in the UK as you can now have plug-in solar, but it’s been this way in Germany for 25 years,” said Michelle Kreisig, head of PR & public affairs at Anker SOLIX. “We already have the smart home machines, but energy is what drives them. Our idea is to make it very simple to get that energy via plug-in solar.”

Miele’s smartest dishwasher yet

Some of the screens around Miele’s cavernous IFA 2026 booth displayed a bold statement: ‘The end of housework is in sight’.

This message might have been slightly over-optimistic, but the brand’s new top-of-the-line dishwasher, the G8 Diamond, seems like it might be a step in the right direction for well-resourced households. Its UK launch is estimated for April 2027 and we're interested to see if this new product could make it onto our list of best integrated dishwashers.

“There’s an in-built camera that sees what is inside the dishwasher and how fully it is loaded, so the appliance can adapt its settings to suit,” explained Miele's communications manager, Ines Mundhenke.

“It recognises things that are hard to dry, like plastic pots, or things that are hard to clean inside, like bottles. You close the drawers, the camera takes a photo, and AI recognises the items automatically and selects one of three extras: extra drying for plastics, ‘intense zone’ for pots and pans, and bottle cleaning for bottles.”

While the G8 Diamond is sure to be an investment at launch, Ines pointed out that Miele’s high-end innovations tend to make their way into more accessible machines. “Miele premium features from 2025 are now being added to less expensive models,” she said.

A revolutionary drill

If you’re partial to a spot of DIY, then you’re probably aware that mainstream cordless drill designs haven’t evolved much over recent decades. It was refreshing, then, to visit the Spesyn booth at IFA and witness the Spesyn Tool 3 in action – also known as the ‘ST3’.

Spesyn’s overseas sales manager, George Wu, showed me a variety of features that cumulatively set this drill apart from existing cordless drills, including drilling depth adjustment via a manually adjustable collar, USB-C charging, a tapping mode alongside more commonplace drill and driver functions, and power and torque settings that can be selected via a dial and digital display.

After arriving home, I was also pleased to learn that the ST3 had won the IFA Innovation Award for Best Design at this year’s show. Pre-orders are available via the Spesyn website.

Multi-drum washing machines

If you’re anything like me, you might sometimes find yourself wishing you could throw your trainers into your washing machine along with your clothing – but you hold back out of a reluctance to mix slightly dirty and very dirty items together.

Multi-drum washing machines are here to solve this conundrum, providing two or more drums so that washing can be compartmentalised. A few models, including the Hoover MultiWash, launched in the UK last year, and judging by the variety of these washers on show at IFA, the category is on an upward trajectory.

A new Hisense model, the X-Zone Master, caught my eye. Featuring two 1kg mini-drums alongside its 12kg main drum, this washer promises a more versatile and hygienic approach to doing the laundry at home – although it is not yet available in this country.

AI ecosystems for the home

AI-equipped devices were everywhere at IFA 2026, from kitchen appliances to smart assistants and security cameras. It soon became clear that several large brands were on a mission to position themselves at the centre of this latest smart home revolution, by providing technologies that bring AI devices and associated data together in an efficient domestic platform.

Anker’s new AI hub, MindBase, is a physical device that processes information from connected gadgets locally, so that it can rapidly enable advanced features such as visitor recognition.

“It’s essentially a huge brain for the home that brings together appliances so they can speak to each other,” said Anker’s UK PR & communications lead, Kate Smart. “You can ask the MindBase questions, and it connects to devices including video doorbells, security cameras and robot vacuum cleaners.”

Another candidate for smart home hegemony is Hisense, which unveiled its ‘AI Companion Suite’ at IFA. “The focus is that appliances such as the fridge, dishwasher, oven, TV and washing machine can all control each other,” said a Hisense representative. “For example, the fridge has three cameras inside, and it can suggest recipes based on the available ingredients, then send one to the oven. When the oven finishes, it sends information to the dishwasher so that it can select the right programme. If you look to the future, everything will be integrated with AI. This is the first step.”

Many of the products and technologies announced at IFA 2026 will become available over the coming months, or in 2027. If you can’t wait that long for a smarter home, read our guides to IKEA’s new smart home range and the best smart hubs to simplify home automation.

While social media and AI can be game-changing tools for learning new skills quickly, there are some home maintenance jobs that you should never tackle yourself – and fixing a heating system is at the very top of that list.

However, an alarming study conducted by BOXT for Gas Safety Week (14–20 September) has found that a third of young people have attempted to repair or maintain their boiler or central heating themselves to save money, with one in four turning to TikTok for heating DIY advice.

The survey, which interviewed 1,000 people aged 18 to 24, also found that one in four has used AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Gemini) for guidance, while one in five had watched YouTube tutorials.

Just a quick search on TikTok confirms this. Within seconds, I found a load of DIY videos on boiler problems – one offering step-by-step guidance on how to repair a leak and another showing you how to remove the casing (both of which require a registered engineer for safety reasons).

While boiler maintenance isn't the most exciting thing to fork out on (and online videos might make it look simple), the experts at BOXT have warned that it could result in costly repairs later down the line, along with serious health and safety implications.

Understanding the potential risks

“Damage an internal component and you could be facing an emergency call-out, replacement parts and potentially a voided warranty. But the financial cost is only part of the risk," says Adam Knight, Lead Gas Safe Engineer at BOXT.

"Get it wrong when working with a gas appliance and the consequences can be far more serious – from gas leaks and carbon monoxide exposure to electric shock and fire. There’s a huge difference between using TikTok to learn how to put up a shelf and using it to start taking apart your boiler."

Patrick Garner, Gas Safe Engineer at Heatable, adds that by "fixing" the system yourself, you may mask the original fault and unknowingly live with an underlying safety issue while it appears to work. "What worked on one boiler, in one set of circumstances, may be completely inappropriate for another!"

But with one in seven people (across all age groups) unsure of which jobs are safe to DIY and which are a no-no, it's clear to see that more conversations need to be had around home maintenance jobs. With that in mind, BOXT has created a traffic light system to make it easier to work out which jobs you can DIY and the ones to leave to a professional, which you can find below.

Which boiler jobs can I do myself?

🟢GREEN: Usually safe to carry out by homeowners when the manufacturer's guidance has been followed correctly.

• Bleeding your radiator
• Topping up boiler pressure
• Resetting your boiler
• Checking thermostat settings
• Replacing thermostat batteries
• Checking radiator valves are open
• Checking for low system pressure

🟠AMBER: "Proceed with caution" and ask an expert if you're feeling unsure.

• Cleaning magnetic filters (where recommended)
• Basic visual inspections 
• Checking for obvious leaks around radiators or pipework

🔴RED: Never attempt these jobs yourself – you must call in a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• Removing the boiler casing
• Working on internal boiler components
• Gas pipework
• Gas valves
• Gas appliances
• Fault diagnosis involving combustion
• Replacing boiler parts
• Repairing leaks inside your boiler
• Anything involving the gas supply or flue

By referring to the traffic light system above and working with a qualified, registered Gas Safe engineer, you can avoid costly repairs, further damage and risks to both your home and health.

For more expert-backed advice, find out how much you can expect a new boiler to cost or learn the seven signs your boiler is about to break down (and how to stop each one from happening in the first place).

Despite offering standard roof-mounted solar PV panels, Octopus Energy has confirmed it is the first energy company to start selling plug-in solar panels.

Designed to offer those who aren't able to have a full solar system the chance to generate electricity and lower their bills, the plug-in packages are deemed compliant with the new regulations.

Other energy suppliers have also confirmed they will also be looking to capture their share of the plug-in solar market over the coming months.

What does the Octopus Energy package include?

The initial offering from Octopus Energy is comprised of full-size 460W solar panels (1.8m × 1.1m & 22kg each). You can opt for one or two panels, and each kit comes with a floor or wall mount, micro solar inverter, 3-pin plug and a 5m lead.

You don't need a specialist to fit them, instead the system is designed for simple DIY installation and the company estimates it can be set up in just an hour.

However, if the size of these panels is still to big for your home, you may need to wait a little longer for a smaller version.

"Plug-in solar has only just launched in the UK, so this is really just the start," says Phil Steele, future technologies evangelist at Octopus Energy. "More products will be available, giving customers more choice and making it easier for more homes to make the most of solar. We’ll announce timings on our website as new products roll out."

Kits are due to be delivered from the end of September

Homeowners have been able to place their order for plug-in solar panels via the website since the start of the month, with delivery expected towards the end of September.

"For later orders, it may be a little later, but we’re keeping customers updated on their delivery, which, by the way, is included when ordering on our website," says Phil Steele

Where can you install them?

Before you purchase plug-in solar panels, the most important step to take is to check your home meets the electrical safely advice for installing them at your property. Not all homes are suitable for plug-in solar and it is recommended you get a qualified electrician to check your home before you start.

If your home is deemed suitable, as with standard solar PV installation, the best place to install plug-in solar panels is in a sunnier spot, and in a location where they can be safely mounted on the floor or wall.

And, even though we are heading into winter, Phil Steele is keen to assure homeowners that plug-in solar panels will still work.

"Solar panels work in winter too. They don’t need warmth to generate electricity – they need light. So while shorter days mean they may produce less energy than in summer, they can still generate plenty of electricity, even on cloudy or rainy days," he explains. "A bit of rain can actually help by washing away dust and dirt that could otherwise block light from reaching the panels."

What are the costs and potential savings?

Prices for the new plug-in panels from Octopus Energy will start at £450 for a one-panel set-up, rising to more if you choose two. Homeowners are asked via the company's website to enter their postcode to get an indication of price.

In terms of savings, the company estimates: "Households could save up to £150, depending on factors including sunlight levels and household energy use.* For households opting for two panels, pairing the system with a smart export tariff could also mean paying back the cost of the panels in just five and a half years."

However, as of yet, there isn't a confirmed date as to when solar batteries for plug-in solar will be able to export energy back to the grid. Despite this, homeowners will be able to connect the Octopus Energy plug-in range to its Nook Cube plug-in battery which will launch to the UK and European market early next year.

When questioned why the company has chosen to launch a plug-in option, Phil Steele said: "Plug-in solar is a great option for renters or people with a smaller budget or who don’t have a suitable roof for traditional solar panels. So it’s really opening up solar to more people, rather than replacing rooftop solar.

"We’ve seen huge interest in rooftop solar as people look for ways to bring down their energy bills, and we don’t see that interest going away," he adds. "The amount of sunshine we’ve been getting, particularly this year, has only helped to fuel that interest. With the cost of living still high, we expect people to keep looking for ways to generate their own electricity and save on their bills – and solar is a brilliant way to do that."

* This is an estimated annual saving for a household using the two-panel plug-in solar system.

Two panels meet the maximum guidelines

While the plug-in panels don't generate as much power as roof-top versions, it's not simply a case of buying more kits, says Phil Steele.

"You can plug in one system per household. The government currently limits the system’s output to 800W at any one time, meaning it can supply up to 800W of electricity to power your home.

"Our panels are 460W each, so our two-panel setup gives you 920W of total panel capacity," he explains. "This extra capacity helps the system get closer to the maximum 800W possible when there isn’t much light."

Shop for alternative plug-in solar panels online

Which other energy companies will offer plug-in solar?

OVO, another energy company offering solar PV, has also confirmed they are in the running to join the plug-in solar market.

"OVO is actively working on a plug-in solar proposition which is planned for launch in the coming months," confirmed Scott Duncan, head of domestic exports at OVO.

To mark plug in solar becoming legal to buy and use in the UK, we also launched a plug in solar competition, giving away five plug-in solar kits for free to OVO Beyond customers," he added. "The competition is still open, and is running until Thursday 17 September."

Similar to the Octopus Energy kit, OVO's includes two panels on a rack mount with a micro-inverter, connecting to a standard three-pin.

With regards to other energy suppliers, Angus Struthers, managing director at BOXT told Homebuilding & Renovating: “Maybe we’ll offer plug-in solar in the future, but at this time our business model centres around full home solar installations, allowing the majority of UK households to maximise any energy generation and savings to their household bills.”

At the time of writing, E.ON Next is yet to confirm if they have similar plans or not.

Retailers, including Amazon and Argos are already stocking plug-in solar panels, and although Lidl was named as the first supermarket to launch them, as yet, they have not been spotted in the middle aisle.

Homeowners who paid extra for heating oil during the conflict in the Middle East can expect a windfall after a compensation agreement has been reached.

After heating oil price spikes and cancelled orders saw hundreds of customers out of pocket when bills surged, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intervened to demand suppliers gave appropriate compensation.

Following months of consultation, which began in March 2026, a deal has now been reached.

How much did heating oil costs rise?

It is estimated that for the 1.5 million homes that rely on heating oil to provide warmth and hot water, costs increased by around £150 – £300 during February to April. This was a result of either orders being cancelled and homeowners having to source replacement oil at a higher cost, or orders being charged at an inflated price compared to normal – also referred to as price-gouging.

According to government information: "Consumers paid around £200 more for a typical 500-litre order in March 2026 than they would have in February 2026 – increasing from around £320 to £520 (64%). Around £170 of that increase reflected higher wholesale costs.

"From February to March 2026, average prices for heating oil increased by 64% (41 pence per litre) from 64ppl to 104ppl and peaked at 123ppl in April 2026 – a 92% increase from February."

How much compensation can you expect to receive?

It is expected that thousands of pounds in total will be issued back to homeowners who use a supplier that has joined the compensation scheme.

For those who paid extra for replacement oil, a refund will be made that covers the difference between the original and replacement order.

Those who did not have their order cancelled, but paid more than quoted, will receive an amount that honours the original order.

How the repayment scheme will work

Those customers who are eligible for a refund don't have to do anything, but to be eligible your supplier needs to have signed up to be involved. You will be contacted directly if yours has, and it is estimated that more than 800 homeowners have already been notified.

If you are seeking compensation for a replacement purchase, you will need to be able to provide evidence of the amount paid using a receipt and delivery note.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: "Heating oil isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity that many people rely on to have hot water and warm homes.

"During the price spikes earlier this year, hundreds of customers were left out of pocket or without fuel after their orders were cancelled. That’s why we’ve pressed suppliers to put it right. They’ve now agreed to compensate those affected by issuing compensation or honouring their original contracts."

Although the agreement has been reached, the government confirmed that the CMA will continue to work with suppliers to finalise compensation arrangements and ensure affected customers receive the payments they are due.

A new Approved Code scheme is being launched by the Government this month in a bid to crackdown on rogue traders and cowboy builders.

Designed to offer homeowners confidence that their chosen tradesperson meets higher standards, the scheme will also offer a level of financial protection with a Trusted Payments app.

But with over £10.3 billion lost by homeowners on home and garden maintenance costs in 2024 due to losses, overpriced costs or unfair practices, do the plans go far enough?

What is the Approved Code scheme?

According to the government, the Approved Code scheme will require businesses to sign up to the scheme. In doing so, they will be demonstrating that they, "meet higher standards of customer service, transparency and dispute resolution."

It is hoped this will help protect the many homeowners who fall foul to cowboy builders or tradespeople who either fail to finish projects, complete them to a very low standard, or demand more cash for the work they've done.

Alongside the Approved Code scheme, there is also a Trusted Payments app being launched, which will help ensure payments are released according to major milestones in a project, therefore preventing builders or tradespeople leaving before the work is finished.

Both measures have been developed by the Trusted Payments and the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) respectively.

Launching the scheme, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Cowboy builders don’t just rip people off. They leave families with months of stress, the disruption of unfinished work, and that horrible feeling of being taken advantage of. Not only that, but they give the vast majority of decent, hardworking tradespeople a bad name.

So we’re putting the cowboys out of business. These changes mean you’ll now have the option to make sure your money is held safely and released bit by bit as the work gets done."

How big is the problem of cowboy builders?

Based on evidence from the Citizens Advice 'Built to Fail' report, more than one in four UK adults who carried out home improvements work in the past 18 months experienced problems – whether it was projects abandoned halfway through, undue pressure on elderly people to overpay for shoddy work or even builders disappearing on holiday with upfront payments with little to no work completed.

More than 1 in 3 of these also faced extra costs, losing an average of £750 of their hard-earned cash. Delays and mounting costs can also cause severe stress which destroys lives, making it clear that the problem is one that must be tackled head on.

What else is in place to protect homeowners?

Although this is a government-backed scheme to protect homeowners, there are already a number of options in place for those looking to hire trades to work on their home improvement projects.

One such example is the vetting and payment scheme operated by the Elite Construction Network.

Their 'Vault' houses funds until work is complete and fulfilled to the highest standard, and every registered tradesperson in their network must pass a vetting process before they are approved for membership.

This includes checking their company registration, insurances, health and safety documentation, industry experience and quality control measures. References are also checked directly with past clients rather than relying on online review platforms.

Dan Hensher, co-founder of the Elite Construction Network, said: "We built the Elite Construction Network because homeowners had no reliable way of knowing who they could trust. Vetting has to happen before a trade gets in front of a customer, not after something goes wrong. The government's announcement is a welcome step, and it confirms what we have believed from the start: the industry needs proper standards, properly checked."

As well as homeowners, vetting schemes also help those builders and tradespeople who are perfectly legitimate, do the job well and don't engage in shoddy practises.

"The vast majority of tradespeople do things properly, and for years they have been undercut by those who do not. The Elite Construction Network gives decent trades a way to prove their standards and gives homeowners the confidence to hire them. A crackdown on cowboy builders is good news for every honest business in this industry," agrees Callum Tharratt, co-founder.

Other networks such the recently launched findmyjus.com operate similar vetting schemes for any member offering services of any kind, and online search tools such as Checkatrade, Mybuilder.com and Federation of Master Builders are all common starting places for finding reputable workers.

Having a strong building contract in place with your builder is of course also recommended on larger projects such as self-builds or building an extension.

When will the schemes be fully operational?

According to the government website, the Trusted Payments app will go live from the first week of September, "with over 100,000 traders able to access before the end of September. The Approved Code will be live with first retailers by the end of September and fully live by December 2026."

Deputy Chief Ombudsman, Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman, Judith Turner said: "We are pleased that government is recognising the implementation of this code. It is vital in building trust in the sector and helping consumers to identify trusted traders who are committed to increasing consumer confidence and resolving disputes fairly and impartially via an established and approved Ombudsman scheme."

The UK government has announced that plug-in solar panels are now legal to buy and use, with the potential to save households “hundreds” of pounds on their electricity bills while helping to strengthen the country’s energy security.

The panels, which can be bought from a range of major retailers and supermarkets for as little as £280, can be installed on a DIY basis and don’t require an electrician to get started – although one is recommended in some cases, such as when you are unsure of the condition of your wiring.

Plug-in solar panels were previously banned under UK electrical safety laws due to the risks of fires and electric shocks. However, the government assures consumers that independent safety testing has shown that compliant panels are “safe and compatible with UK wiring”.

With this in mind, homeowners will need to check that they are buying UK-compliant panels from registered sellers and ensure that their property and electrical system are suitable before going ahead.

The government has introduced a Permitted Development Right in England to make it easier for homeowners to get started. However, those who live in flats or apartments, “high-risk buildings”, listed buildings, conservation areas, leasehold properties or managed buildings will need to double-check whether they need planning permission or have to follow certain rules.

Unshaded, south-facing spots are the best places to install plug-in solar panels – they are not recommended for north-facing gardens, as they won’t produce enough electricity.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, homeowners can only install one device per property under the new regulations. The device must be plugged directly into a mains socket, without using an extension lead or adaptor or modifying the plug, and must be capped at 800W of output.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has said that installing a plug-in solar panel could save households up to £110 per year on their energy bills, with the devices providing up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use.

Plug-and-play devices have already hit the shelves of retailers such as Argos, making this eco-friendly energy option easier and cheaper for households to access compared with costly rooftop solar panels.

So far, they have been confirmed to be stocked at:

• Amazon
• Argos
• B&Q
• Curry’s
• Screwfix
• Wickes

Where to buy UK-compliant plug-in solar panels

"Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away," said Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. "From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy."

Joanna O’Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: "While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs. As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget."

If you're undecided between traditional and plug-in options, read our guides on solar panel grants and whether solar panels are worth it.

A new scheme, known as the Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge, has been launched to encourage tech companies to develop long-term clean energy storage solutions.

Backed by £28 million from government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), innovators will be asked to bid for financial support for projects that will supply at least 100 hours worth of energy to homes and businesses.

The launch is the final part of the £102m Clean Energy challenge which was created to help develop new technologies that maximise electricity when it's at its cheapest, and focus on renewable energy to help reduce our reliance on gas and the National Grid.

How will the challenge work?

There are two main areas of focus to the challenge, both designed to find alternative and cleaner ways to power homes and business. Although wind and solar power are currently the main sources of renewable energy in the UK, they are dependent on the right weather conditions.

Solar in particular, which could power homes for longer – even more so following the recent summer of heatwaves – isn't able to do so due to the current limitations on solar battery sizes.

The challenge will therefore ask companies to bid for projects that focus on two things: larger batteries that could store enough clean energy to power a home or business for up to four days at a time, and systems which store hydrogen underground and release it when needed.

How will this benefit homeowners?

As well as helping with the global problem of tackling climate change, closer to home it's believed that developing new clean energy storage will offer homeowners far greater protection against the rising energy bills we have seen in recent years.

Providing access to better storage and alternative forms of energy, doesn't just mean our reliance on the National Grid will be reduced either. It will also offer greater energy security in a world where fuel has become a currency of war.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "Homegrown clean energy is our route to more affordable bills and energy security and storing it for when we need it most is critical.

"By backing new cutting-edge battery technology and hydrogen storage with this £28 million grant, we will store more clean power, reduce reliance on expensive gas generation and deliver a more secure energy system."

And, although the projects will take some time to develop and deliver, the government estimates that being able to store hydrogen underground and release it when needed, "holds the potential to reduce total energy system costs by between £14 billion and £50 billion between 2035 and 2050."

What do energy experts think?

Homebuilding & Renovating's energy expert, David Hilton welcomed the news, telling us: "Energy storage has long been the golden goose for future energy solutions. We can now generate clean energy in many different ways but we cannot yet do it in ways that match our energy demand.

"Long term, efficient, storage solutions will unlock the potential to generate and harness energy when it is available, and use it when we need it. Exploring solutions that go beyond today's battery products (which have their own embodied issues) and massively supporting the development of innovative, clean and sustainable energy storage solutions – whether that be hydrogen, super capacitors, new battery technology, or something we have not even thought of yet – is in my opinion, a proactive and positive leap in the right direction."

A competition will run alongside the challenge

As part of the challenge, a UKRI competition will also run offering up to £3 million to fund further studies into the development of electrochemical ultra-long duration energy storage technologies.

According to the government: "The launch also comes as Ofgem consults on plans to support 16 long duration electricity storage projects, unlocking investment in the first new pumped storage hydropower projects in more than 40 years and helping build a more secure, homegrown energy system."

If you've ever been part of a property chain you'll be familiar with the need to supply certain documents when selling your home – one of them being the HM Land Registry Title Plan that outlines your property's boundaries.

While the HM Land Registry has always been the custodian of this document, it relies on the Ordnance Survey (OS) organisation to provide it with the necessary information needed to create it.

Now, as part of digitalisation plans to make access to information quicker and easier, the two have joined forces. The potential result? Buying and selling a home could experience less delays with the data more readily available.

How the partnership will work

Under a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, the two parties have committed to working together more closely in the hope that it will help to create a better-functioning property market.

It is hoped that by sharing data more freely, there will be more in-depth and detailed information about land as a whole, which will improve the property market and boost growth and innovation.

While OS has already undergone a digital transformation to deliver its data more widely, HM Land Registry is still in the early days of its Strategy 2025+ plans which it launched in a bid to make property services “better, faster and less stressful”. This new partnership is part of this umbrella scheme.

This new agreement will also support the government's revised National Planning Policy Framework – the reforms of which were passed this week.

According to the government, The OS and HM Land Registry collaboration includes:

• ensuring strategic alignment, in relation to the OS National Geographic Database and OS Product roadmap and HM Land Registry’s geospatial roadmap and transformation
• sharing insights and concepts: what the market needs and how OS and HM Land Registry can best fulfil their public tasks to drive economic growth
• leveraging opportunities for data distribution including making best use of OS’s DataHub to provide HM Land Registry data to market
• exchanging knowledge, skills and best practice in areas of shared interest such as licensing, geospatial, compliance; helping to create a consistent public sector standard for commercial models and reuse of data

Additional benefits could reduce risk to homeowners

As well as improving the speed at which information can be provided, it is hoped the partnership will also reduce the risk of property fraud, aid with boundary disputes and assist with property insurance assessment risks.

"A more efficient property market is vital to the UK economy. It helps people move home more easily, supports development and investment, and underpins one of the most significant assets many people own," said Tina Kennedy, chief customer officer at OS.

"This is an invaluable opportunity to work closely with HM Land Registry to deliver value to government, homebuyers and developers. Our trusted data has always been integral to the land registration process, so we are delighted to be collaborating with HMLR to further improve data accessibility across government and strengthen connectivity between departments across the housing market.

Lynne Nicholson, deputy director for data and head of data group at HM Land Registry, said: "We have exciting plans to transition from traditional record keeping to actively fuelling economic growth and unlocking new opportunities across the housing sector. I am looking forward to working closely with Ordnance Survey colleagues to share insights and ideas, and build a shared vision for trusted data that will make a real difference for all of our customers."

Forming the basis of the UK's housing plans, reforms to the National Planning & Policy Framework have been confirmed following a three-month consultation period.

And while much of the document is designed to provide rules and guidelines for housing developments, the same rules will apply to individuals applying for permission to renovate, extend or self-build.

On the whole, most of the proposed reforms proposed have been passed, with some updates and amendments. We take a look at what this means for you.

Homes can be built closer to stations

As reported in Homebuilding & Renovating earlier this year, homes built closer to train stations will now get a default "yes", as long as they meet planning guidelines and criteria.

And while this is primarily aimed at stations that have a high number of trains departing and arriving each day, it will also apply to smaller ones, with the criteria outlining properties should be within walking distance (roughly 10 minutes walking time) to well-connected train, tram and Tube stations.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.

“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities."

Some conversions will be subject to tighter restrictions

Although overall the major planning reforms have been made to meet the government's self-imposed goal of building 1.5 million homes, this doesn't always mean building a new home.

For those looking to convert an existing building into a residential property, the reforms offer mixed opportunities.

Despite the growing number of pub closures, developers will now have to prove there is no means of saving the pub as a commercial business, and it will have to be on the market for 12 months before a conversion into a residential property will be considered.

On the flipside, if you own a property that is ripe for a loft conversion, or has enough curtilage to allow for an additional property in the grounds (often referred to as an infill plot), this will be encouraged.

According to the government document, the following will all be well received: "Creating additional homes or floorspace within settlements by using the airspace above existing residential and commercial premises, or through sensitive redevelopment or additional development within existing plots (including, but not limited to, the addition of mansard roofs, proposals to fill gaps in the existing roof line, the introduction of higher buildings at street corners and additional units within residential curtilages)."

Fewer bodies will be involved in the approvals process

Planning permission approvals, which historically take longer than the projected 12 weeks, may also become quicker thanks to the reforms. Some bodies that were previously given a say, may no longer be consulted.

"These proposals aim to significantly streamline the planning system by reducing unnecessary statutory consultations, empowering local planning authorities, and focusing resources where they are most needed," says the government.

However, this matter is still undergoing some work and may also come at a cost to developers who plan a project that does impact certain bodies. According to the government, it "also plans to publish a consultation later this year on a planning fee surcharge to support statutory consultee resourcing."

Wildfire risk will be accounted for

Hot on the heels of this summer's unprecedented wildfires, the planning reforms had already taken into account the need for greater consideration of the risk they pose to housing developments and the reforms have been finalised.

According to the government, it "recognises the importance of ensuring that wildfire adaptation supports high-quality design and placemaking. Changes have been made to clarify that adaptation measures should be designed into the layout and landscaping of development.

"The Framework should be read as a whole, with climate change adaptation considered alongside wider objectives, including environmental quality, design and green infrastructure. Overall, the government considers that these amendments provide a clearer, more consistent and proportionate framework for addressing wildfire risk, allowing for the use of local evidence and site-specific considerations, and reflecting the potential for further evidence and mapping to become available over time."

Will the reforms make a difference?

Only time will tell if the reforms will have the desired effect of reaching the government's target. However, it is hoped these reforms, along with confirmation that grey belt land will still be considered for development could help to ensure more homes become available.

Plans to upgrade the UK's electricity grid as part of the Planning and Infrastructure bill have officially been announced. And, as well as benefiting all homeowners with an improved supply of energy, households located near the proposed schemes could also save up to £2,500 on their electricity bills across a 10-year period.

However, there are strict criteria regarding proximity, and many projects are still to receive final sign-off.

So where are the schemes being proposed and how will the bill reduction scheme work?

Projects are located across the breadth of the UK

A total of 43 projects have been included in the government announcement, which was revealed last year when it was confirmed that the scheme would partially be funded by an 80p increase on everyone's energy bills.

Ranging from locations in Scotland to the South of England, a full list of projects can be found here, although it is suggested that this is just the first phase of improvements, and more will be announced over time.

With much of the UK's National Grid structure built in the 1960s, the government claims the work is needed to meet demand, and potentially provide cheaper electricity for all in the long run.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "Upgrading Britain’s electricity grid is a vital part of how we deliver secure, homegrown energy and unlock economic growth across the country. It is a moment of national renewal – upgrading what was built largely in the 1960s for the modern age to bring down electricity bills for households across the country.

"It’s vital we build again as a country and we are determined those communities which host pylons should benefit," he continued, "which is why we’re bringing down the energy bills of those hosting this vital national infrastructure."

It also follows plans recently announced to scrap mandatory planning consultations for energy infrastructure projects, demonstrating the government is trying to move forward with some of its net zero plans, although other energy related projects have been delayed.

How will the reduced bill scheme work?

To be eligible for lower electricity bills, the plans state that homeowners must live within 500 metres of a proposed project. You won't need to contact anyone if you believe you are eligible (other than potentially those home on commercial meters) as you should be contacted by Ofgem in the first half of next year if you qualify.

Bill reductions will then be automatically applied by your energy supplier every six months, with Ofgem retaining ultimate responsibility for administering the Bill Discount Scheme.

In terms of the projects that are covered under the scheme, according to government information, "Only new onshore, overground transmission infrastructure built by Transmission Operators, where construction started on or after 10 March 2025 will be in scope for the Bill Discount Scheme. This includes associated onshore transmission infrastructure (such as substations, convertors, switching stations and sealing-end compounds) and the onshore infrastructure of any subsea power lines (like converter stations)."

But, simply seeing a proposed project on the list doesn't mean discounts will immediately start next year. Until the projects have secured all the necessary consents, and main work has started, energy bills will remain the same.

Impact on local communities

If you live in an area where schemes are proposed, in addition to the cost savings, there are also plans in place for suppliers to reward local communities with further investment.

Network operators will be required to allocate Community Funds for their transmission projects, with £200,000 worth of funding per km of overhead electricity cable in an area, and £530,000 per substation, converter station or switching station.

That said, living or buying a house near pylons has always been a controversial topic, with many people opposed to them. But, with the grid already under strain, and Net Zero plans requiring the UK to have reduced reliance on fossil fuels, the government claims this is the most cost-effective way of moving forward.

If you've ever dreamed of converting a barn, we've found the perfect opportunity for you on Plotfinder.

Surrounded by idyllic countryside views and bordered by mature woodland, this Dutch-style barn near Kidderminster is waiting for someone to put their own stamp on it.

Whether you'd add a wildlife pond to the expansive grounds or create a scenic patio for enjoying long summer evenings, we can think of countless possibilities for this plot. Find out everything you need to know below, including local insights from our editor.

Plot details

• Location: Chaddesley Corbett, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire
• Price: £450,000
• Plot size: Three acres (approx)
• Flood risk: Very low
• Services: Mains electricity via an existing on-site connection and mains water
• Broadband speed: Download speeds up to 14 Mbps, upload speeds up to 1 Mbps 
• Mobile coverage: Likely available from EE, Three, Vodafone and O2
• Agent: Andrew Grant

What is the plot?

This rural plot in the village of Chaddesley Corbett in Worcestershire is set on three acres of land and includes a rare Dutch-style steel frame barn. These buildings were primarily used to store and protect hay, straw, food and machinery, and feature a curved roof designed to help with water runoff.

Dutch-style barns are popular with architects thanks to their unconventional structure, which is ideal for creating stunning vaulted ceilings, open-plan living spaces and large glazed features – not to mention their industrial charm.

Mature woodland wraps around the large paddock and pasture, helping this secluded spot feel private and tucked away. However, it’s still easily accessible, with an existing gated driveway leading up from the lane, level access and plenty of parking.

What makes this such a good opportunity is that you wouldn’t necessarily need to worry about securing planning permission to turn it into a dream home – it already benefits from Class Q prior approval to create a single dwelling of around 149.5m².

Where is the plot located?

Despite its secluded feel, this plot is located just two miles from Chaddesley Corbett, a historic village in Worcestershire’s Wyre Forest District.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to create your own slice of rural life in a great location,” says Beth Murton, editor of Homebuilding & Renovating. “The Worcestershire village of Chaddesley Corbett was on my previous route to work and I’ve always loved its quaint high street with its mix of timber-framed period architecture.

"There are a couple of pubs, a butcher, a primary school and a 12th century church. You’re surrounded by open countryside here, but also only a short drive from the towns of Kidderminster and Bromsgrove for any other amenities you may require.”

How can you buy the plot?

The freehold site is currently being marketed with a guide price of offers in excess of £450,000.

The listing is available through Plotfinder, a land and renovation finding service featuring opportunities for sale across the UK.

If you like the sound of this plot, but want a bit of inspiration first, take a look inside this Dutch barn conversion in Kent. Or, read our complete guide on Dutch barn conversions, which answers all the questions you need to know.

There has been no receipt of air conditioning grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme since it was announced in November last year, according to government figures.

Only 62 people have applied for the £2,500 vouchers for air-to-air heat pumps since they were made available, Boiler Upgrade Scheme figures suggest, and so far none have been issued.

The reason is said to be due to delays in the certification process, which have effectively stalled the scheme.

What government grants are available for air conditioning?

The grant is for installing air-to-air heat pumps, which provide air conditioning but can also heat homes if run in reverse. Thermal batteries were also made available to claim via the scheme as part of the expansion announced at the end of last year.

Anyone whose home has an oil or gas boiler is eligible to claim on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is part of the government's bid to move households away from fossil fuels.

Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: "The recent June heatwave is estimated to have killed more than 800 people and as is often the case with climate change it is hitting the least well-off the most. The need for air con is now an added expense foisted on families by climate change but not everyone is going to be able to afford it.

“It won’t work for absolutely every home, but help is at hand through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, giving households up to £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump that generates warmth in the winter, but also cool air in the summer."

Why has nobody taken up the air conditioning grants?

The lack of uptake is reportedly due to there being no accredited installers.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the body responsible for giving accreditation but is reportedly still waiting for the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to give the final sign off.

Now, despite the grants being made available in April, there is no timeline for when installers can start to apply for accreditation to install air-to-air heat pumps.

As a result, while 62 people reportedly applied, no installations were carried out.

Jess Ralston told the The I Paper that it was frustrating as the money was there waiting but nobody could claim it due to the paperwork not being in place

Homebuilding & Renovating approached MCS and UKAS for comment, but a reply had not been received at the time of publishing this article.

What did the government say in response to this?

The government neither confirmed nor denied the delays.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson told Homebuilding & Renovating: “Brits are showing record demand for heat pumps and our Warm Homes Plan will help roll out clean power technology to millions.

“With our new £2,500 grant for air-to-air heat pumps, we are making sure everyone can access the savings they can bring and boosting our energy security.”

Solar farms, nuclear plants, reservoirs and train links will no longer be required to undergo planning consultations if deemed to be nationally significant.

Changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 come into effect this month, scrapping the need for mandatory assessments for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

Ministers hope this will cut up to 12 months from the planning process and save the industry £1 billion in costs. But critics of the law change highlight that removing the need for surveys leaves local communities feeling disenfranchised and unable to have their voices heard.

What are the changes to planning legislation?

The statutory requirement for NSIPs to undergo mandatory pre-application consultations has been repealed from the Planning Act 2008 for NSIPs. Before its removal, the Act made sure developers talked to the local community about any proposals as well as having to publicise the plans. A preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) was also necessary.

Elsewhere, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 was changed to remove mandatory pre-application consultations for onshore wind projects.

The changes have been made through the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. This government has also promised to give developers technical support and "meaningful" advice from the Planning Inspectorate before applications are submitted.

The rules governing cost recovery for local authorities when dealing with NSIPs has also been changed to allow planning authorities to set their own fees.

Why did the government make the changes?

The government states the projects could create "over 82,000 jobs" as well as generating most clean energy to power millions of UK homes and businesses.

It also said it would speed up the decision-making process to help push through dozens of what it considers critical infrastructure projects to help grow the economy, and welcome a "new era of clean energy."

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: "This government is determined to make the UK a world leader in building infrastructure. Our reforms will get work started quicker on wind farms, solar panels and transport links to connect our communities and grow our economy."

Meanwhile Energy Minister Michael Shanks added: "Britain cannot afford to wait years for the clean energy infrastructure needed to strengthen our energy security and grow the economy.

"Every turbine, every solar panel, every cable we connect helps protect families from volatile fossil fuel markets and paves the way for a new era of clean energy for our country."

Do environmental groups welcome the change to planning regs?

"Government initiatives to speed up decision-making for development projects, as the Planning and Infrastructure Act is designed to do, are to be welcomed but only if they lead to good development. Good development is well-designed development in the right place, with proper consideration and mitigation of environmental and community impacts," explains Sally Hayns of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

"Early involvement of environmental consultants at the earliest stages of project design and the provision of pre-application advice can effectively manage project risks and unnecessary delays, but the legislation does not solve the problem of chronically under-resourced local planning authorities.

"Consequently, whilst this new approach may benefit a few high-profile infrastructure projects, it won't benefit the majority of homeowners and housebuilders who still face delayed decision-making, with the added risk of community resentment and frustration if they have not been able to express their concerns during the planning determination process."

Which projects will be affected?

The government says it has already made 41 decisions regarding major infrastructure, with major projects such as the Mona Offshore Wind Farm, Gate Burton Energy Park and the Lower Thames Crossing being pushed through.

It also claims, "over 80 prospective applicants have already benefited from early advice to help shape their proposed applications since the launch of the Inspectorate’s new pre-application service."

Large scale NSIPs that are still in the pre-application stages include Arrow Way Solar, Calderdale Energy Park, Fens Reservoir and the expansion of Heathrow Airport (third runway). A full list can be seen on the government's NSIPs website.

The government's current target is to exceed a target of 150 major infrastructure decisions this parliament (until July 2029), with these changes intended to help speed them up.

Plans for a donkey sanctuary, submitted by Zoella and Alfie Deyes, may not be able to go ahead due to a nearby Anglo Saxon burial ground and Roman road.

The YouTube couple, who have more than 22 million subscribers to their lifestyle channels, live in a £1,700,000 house in Hassocks, West Sussex, with their two children Ottie, four, and Novie, two.

After a five-month absence from social media by 36-year-old Zoella Sugg earlier this year, planning permission was submitted in May for a donkey sanctuary.

Archeologists are now being recommended to investigate further at the five-acre site to establish whether the project should be allowed to go ahead.

What is in the planning documents?

Planning documents submitted to Mid Sussex District Council show the couple want to install a 2,985 sqm donkey enclosure, with a 1.2m high chestnut fencing including wire mesh and rails.

Plans also include a wildlife pond to the north-east corner of the five-acre parcel of land, and one donkey stable with tack room and a concrete cleaning area.

Three separate traditional shepherd huts are also proposed for the site, reportedly to house bee-keeping equipment, donkey feed and as a daytime rest area, rather than being used as accommodation or holiday rentals.

A tractor parking area is also in the plans, with weed membrane and type 1 aggregate to stop mud tracking onto the nearby road.

Comments from neighbours are mixed, with some praising the "community-focused plans" and "positive ecological impact", while others raised concerns about disruption during construction. Another said they were worried about "donkey traffic" on roads.

Where have Roman and Anglo Saxon ruins been found?

Archeological monitoring and recording has been recommended due to the land being near the sites of multiple Roman Roads running through Mid Sussex.

Some of the Roman roads have been excavated nearby, with the trajectory appearing to continue through the land owned by the YouTubers. Roman buildings have also been found to the south, along with a cemetery with Bronze Age artefacts and an Anglo Saxon burial site.

"Given the proposed development’s proximity to the sites detailed above, there is a likelihood that significant archaeological remains may survive on the site and be negatively impacted by the groundworks associated with the proposals," Mark Baister, a historic environment consultant, stated.

"Accordingly, I recommend a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording is carried out on the groundworks associated with the proposals, to record any archaeological remains impacted."

He further recommended that no work should go ahead on the donkey sanctuary until the conclusion of the monitoring.

What does this mean for their plans?

While potentially needing to undergo archeological monitoring might be a setback for the couple's donkey sanctuary, the proposals are still in the consultation stage.

What it does mean is that a decision on whether the donkey sanctuary can go ahead is likely to be delayed until further investigations are complete.

Buying a home could soon become quicker, easier and potentially cheaper following the government announcement that sales packs are set to become compulsory when selling a home.

Collating the documentation you need to sell a home has previously been completed once an offer has been accepted, but the proposed changes will put the onus on the seller to have the information prepared prior to putting their home up for sale.

Predicting savings of up to £650* for buyers, and a reduction of 3-4 weeks on buying time, the reforms will also be accompanied by plans to introduce an earlier binding financial agreement between both parties, along with a new Code of Practice for estate agents.

Why are the changes being made?

With the average offer-to-completion process currently taking around 120 days, and 1 in 3 house sales falling through, according to a government statement it's estimated that this costs sellers around £400 million and the UK economy around £1.5 billion a year.

Johan Svanstrom, CEO of Rightmove put a even greater number on this, saying in response to the plans, "our UK-wide data shows that it takes a lengthy 170 days on average to complete a transaction and that over one in five transactions initially falls through. Last year, fall-throughs alone meant that approximately £900 million in potential stamp duty receipts and estate agency commission in England was lost, and consumers lose both precious time, certainty and money when needing to repeat transaction processes. The implementation and phasing of these initiatives will be key to ensure consistency and adoption."

In essence, by providing a clear sales pack with information on elements such as the condition of a property, the buying chain and leasehold costs, buyers will have a far clearer picture before they make an offer. Pre-mitigating issues will prevent delays further down the line when information like this is generally revealed.

Current housing secretary, Steve Reeves says of the plans: "Buying or selling a home should be one of life’s great moments and not a drawn-out nightmare of delays, hidden costs and failed deals. These changes will make the system faster, fairer and more secure – giving families and first-time buyers the certainty they need all while saving them time and money."

It is hoped that the new changes will mirror the success seen in other countries, including Scotland where sales packs are already standard practice. They also exist in the Netherlands, where a live tracking system for buyers and sellers allows them to check their transaction status. This has resulted in a completion time of 20 days on average, whilst Norway’s efforts to streamline and digitalise the system has estimated savings of up to £1.4 billion over 10 years.

Digital upgrades at the heart of the process

Key to the success of these changes is a move towards making the process of buying and selling a house more digital. A government statement explains how and why this update is being made. "Digital property logbooks and sales packs will allow trusted information to be shared securely between professionals and accessed by buyers and sellers in real-time, cutting out the back-and-forth that cause so many delays.

"The government will also back digital identity checks, electronic signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing to strip out duplication, reduce fraud risk and accelerate transactions from start to finish. Together, these changes will create a modern, end-to-end system where people can track and progress their move more easily."

While the proposals have generally been welcomed by industry leaders, the move to digital is something that will need careful handling so as to not alienate some.

"Moving towards a more digital process should improve efficiency overall, but it’s important that alternative routes remain available for clients who may not be comfortable with fully digital systems," says Daniel Kenworthy lead partner in IT Innovation, at Ison Harrison Solicitors.

"There will also need to be consistency in how platforms are adopted across firms and organisations to avoid fragmentation," he warns. And, while longer-term there should be costs savings, these new measures will potentially involve additional costs.

"In the short term, there may be some additional costs associated with implementing new systems and processes," advises Daniel." Over time, however, greater efficiency and reduced duplication could help stabilise costs and provide better overall value for clients."

Binding agreements will be the last element to be implemented

At present, until you officially exchange on a property, you don't enter into any kind of binding or financial agreement. Exchanging normally comes with the agreement for a financial payment or deposit (often a percentage of the overall property value), and if you withdraw from the sale after exchanging, you stand to lose this money.

This has resulted in buyers often withdrawing prior to exchange, which sounds fair, but can in fact be devastating if, as is often the case, it has taken months to get to that stage. In some cases, you can exchange and complete on the same day, which in itself is somewhat risky if one side pulls out at the eleventh hour.

Putting binding agreements in place sooner is meant to mitigate this risk says the government.

"Binding conditional contracts (will) make a transaction legally binding much earlier, for example once an offer is accepted. They are designed to secure each party’s commitment to progress and complete the transaction by setting out clear terms both sides agree to meet. If a party breaks these terms by withdrawing without valid reason or failing to meet their obligations, they face a financial penalty."

While many will welcome it, not all may consider it a positive, and it could come down to how much information has been made available to them in the sales pack, says Daniel Kenworthy.

"Some clients may welcome earlier certainty, but others may be cautious about committing before all factors are clear. Uptake is therefore likely to vary, particularly depending on how well the process balances flexibility with certainty.

"Many transactions also fall through due to factors outside the legal process – such as changes in personal circumstances or mortgage availability," he adds, meaning this particular change may prove more tricky to navigate.

The government has reinforced, however, that any agreements will not be put in place until the sales packs are fully in operation so as to not put either party at a disadvantage. All other elements of the changes, such as the Code of Practice will come first.

How will the proposed Code of Practice work?

As well as the changes for homeowners, a new Code of Practice is being designed that the government hopes will help raise standards and ensure sellers and buyers receive a better service.

This will also be the first change made as part of this bigger overhaul of the house buying process and is due to be set out later this year. It will outline minimum standards for property agents, guidance on how to improve the quality of information in property listings, and introduce proposals for mandatory qualifications for the sector.

When will the rest of the changes and sales packs be introduced?

The current plans are for a phased approach to the reforms. The Code of Practice is currently planned for 2026, while consultation on estate agent qualifications and expanded digital tools won't take place until 2027.

Then, by the end of the current Parliament, the aim is to have comprehensive legislation in place to require sales packs, binding contracts, and digital systems that support the efficient sharing of trusted digital property information.

However, with the current government in a state of flux, whether these plans change remains to be seen.

In summary, Daniel Kenworthy shares his views on the proposals. "The proposals are broadly positive, particularly around improving transparency and earlier access to information. One area that would further strengthen the process is clear alignment across lenders, local authorities and conveyancers, as delays often arise where those parties operate to different timescales or standards.

"In principle, a shorter and more consistent timeline is welcome. However, achieving this will depend heavily on how quickly supporting infrastructure can adapt," he says. "Without that, timelines may remain variable in practice."

Johan Svanstrom also states that,"the implementation and phasing of these initiatives will be key to ensure consistency and adoption. It needs to be helpful to the vital role estate agents play in the marketplace, and to avoid any unintended consequences.

"Increased mobility, transparency and certainty is key to overall economic growth. We strongly believe that further digitisation and improvements to the home-moving process can help to speed it up and reduce friction. It will require cross-industry collaboration and innovation to achieve the aims set out today."

*According to a government statement, "the £650 figure is derived by comparing first-time buyer costs per transaction pre-reform (primarily conveyancing and search costs) to post reform, additionally integrating additional costs that will arise for buyers as a result of the new reforms (e.g. purchasing logbooks) and the per transaction saving estimate that arises from the reduced number of transaction fall throughs."

Savvy shoppers feeling the heat can breathe a small sigh of relief. Despite multiple stores and online sites selling out of portable air conditioners and fans in the heatwave, Lidl is set to score a last-minute winning goal with the launch of 9 cooling products in store from 25 June 2026.

Including a portable air con unit for just £149, fans, bedding and pet items, we predict a sell-out, so don't hang around.

Here's what you could pick up if you get to the middle aisle on time.

Air con and fans

There are six products available in the cooling range.

First up is the Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner that will retail for an unbelievable price of £149. Featuring three operating modes – air conditioning, fan cooling and dehumidifying it claims to deliver a powerful performance to suit a range of needs.

It also has two fan speeds and wheels meaning you can move it around your home with ease.

Also in the range are a Tronic Tower Fan (£17.99), a Tronic Large Bladeless Fan (£59.99), Tronic Portable Air Cooler (£14.99), Tronic Bladeless Mini Desk Fan (£14.99) and a Tronic Portable Fan (£7.99).

While Amazon Prime Day still has a range of fans and personal cooling items available, not all are available on next day delivery, meaning a quick trip to your nearest Lidl could be a quicker way to get cool for less.

B&Q also has a range of air con units showing as available for home delivery, and Screwfix is still providing a check for stock levels in your area service on their air con range.

But, if you want guaranteed cooling from 8am in the morning, Lidl might be your best bet.

Shop for cooling products

Cooling bedding

If, like us, keeping your bedroom cool at night is proving problematic, you may be looking at bedding that will help.

Lidl are again coming to the rescue with two items that could turn your sleepless nights into slumber-filled ones. The Livarno Coldtouch Pillowcase will be available for £3.99 and the Livarno TopCool Pillow for only £6.99.

Homebuilding & Renovating's Content director, Laura Crombie, rates this Silentnight Restore Cooling Lightweight Blanket, to complete your summer bedding selection.

Don't forget your pets

Of course, it's not just humans who are struggling in the heat either. Pets are struggling too (I currently have three fans on the go trying to keep my pooch from overheating – including the MeacoFan Sefte 10" Pedestal Air Circulator and two Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Oscillating Tower Fans, available on Amazon).

I'll certainly be running to Lidl to pick up the final item in the cooling range, the Zoofari Dog Cooling Mat for £4.99. Although this Dog Cooling Mat is available on Amazon Prime with delivery showing as next day, it may not arrive until later in the day, whereas I could have this Lidl one home and set up by 8.30am.

We know that not everyone is able to grab these deals, so if like the rest of the UK you're desperately trying to find ways to keep cool, follow the advice in how to keep cool without air con, and if you do want to protect yourself from future heatwaves, take a look at what's involved in installing air conditioning in your home.

Following the government's announcement that they were overturning the ban on plug-in solar panels in the UK earlier this year, there has been little obvious development in terms of them becoming available to buy.

While Lidl confirmed they would be one of the first UK retailers to sell them, the fact that the panels, which originated in Europe, are not compatible with UK electricity systems has proved somewhat of a stumbling block.

However, this could be about to change, with the Government confirming a consultation process has been launched with industry leaders. This is with a view to developing an interim product specification to help resolve the current regulatory issues. The news, combined with a recent roundtable including most of the UK's leading retailers, means plug-in solar panels could be still make it into our homes in 2026.

What is the consultation process for?

At present, plug-in solar panels do not meet with the Plugs and Sockets etc Safety Regulations 1994 (PSSR), because as well as the the PSSR regulations, the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (2002) (ESQCR) also come into play and these require that electrical equipment meets British Safety Standards. However, under the current standards, electricity-generating products cannot be connected via a plug.

In lieu of permanent regulatory changes potentially taking some time to update, an interim product specification has been proposed, the aim of which would be to allow consumers to use plug-in solar panels sooner, as long as they met 'defined safety requirements.'

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is consulting with industry leaders on the process, and it is looking at how amendments to the PSSR and ESQCR, along with this 'fit-for-purpose' specification could be an interim solution to prevent any further delay.

What do retailers say?

While Lidl had previously been the only retailer to firmly acknowledge their plans to sell plug-in solar panels, the recent roundtable saw most of the UK's biggest retailers meet with Martin McCluskey MP, the current Minister for Energy Consumers.

Representatives from Currys, B&Q, Amazon, Lidl, Asda, B&Q, Currys, Screwfix and Wickes (a combined collective total of around 4,000 stores and strong online presence) heard how the plans could help homeowners benefit from the free electricity that solar panels generate.

There was praise all round from the retailers, all of whom welcomed the opportunity to be part of the plans to contribute to a greener UK.

John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland country manager at Amazon said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to make renewable energy more accessible to people around the UK. Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK – we’ve invested in over 40 large scale solar and wind projects to date.

"Enabling households to generate their own power with self-install plug-in solar panels is a practical step that supports household budgets and delivering against net zero goals."

Graham Bell, CEO of B&Q also confirmed the retailer was in support of the plans for plug-in solar, saying, "We welcome the introduction of plug-in solar panels to the UK market, which will help households to generate their own energy and reduce their bills. This builds on our existing range of portable solar and battery solutions.

"We are working closely with government and suppliers to understand and help shape the guidance," he confirmed, "ensuring any products we offer are safe, compliant and straightforward to install. We look forward to making plug-in solar available to our customers as soon as possible."

Georgina Hall, corporate affairs director at Lidl GB, who had previously spoken in support of the plans confirmed they were continuing to back the government's "latest steps toward modernising regulations for ‘plug-and-play’ technology."

Michelle Gorringe-Smith, director of new categories at Currys, noted how important it is to get plug-in solar panels launched safely, and as soon as possible. "With energy bills continuing to rise, enabling the safe roll-out of these products will mark an important step for consumers across the UK – including the more than 80% of UK households that shop at Currys."

Where will plug-in solar panels be used?

Some of the best places to install plug-in solar panels will include balconies, sheds and other outdoor areas. Unlike roof-top solar panels which need a registered installer, these will simply be a domestic product that you can fit yourselves.

And, given the increasing number of heatwaves we are experiencing across the UK, the new plug-in panels could boost the amount of savings you make if you have an existing system, or provide you with an opportunity to share in the benefits of free electricity if you are unable to have a full solar panel system installed.

When will a decision on plug-in solar be made?

According to a government statement:

"Following the close of the consulation, DENZ will undertake analysis of responses received. This will inform the development of final policy decisions, including any amendments to legislation and the design of the Interim Product Standard.

"A summary of consultation responses will be published on GOV.UK via the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero website. Subject to the analysis and necessary approvals, this is expected by 22 July 2026.

"The government intends to move at pace following publication, with decisions on next steps and implementation to follow as soon as practicable, considering the need to ensure a robust, proportionate, and safe regulatory framework."

With temperatures expected to reach the high 30s this week, bin crews across the country will be making their collections earlier than usual to beat the heat. With that in mind, it's well worth double-checking your bin day and schedule.

Somerset Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, and South Kesteven District Council are just a few councils that have brought bin collection times forward, with many saying the changes will remain in place throughout the week.

Adjusting the schedule will help keep bin crews safe from the heat by allowing them to work during the cooler part of the day. It was only in May when bin lorries were breaking down because of high temperatures, so the new schedule should also help prevent heat-related delays and disruptions.

"Keeping our colleagues safe from dangerously hot working conditions is our absolute priority, so we have made the decision to alter shift patterns. Crews will collect in the cooler part of the day and pause work when it is no longer safe for our colleagues," says Hannah Deas, external communications manager at Bristol Waste Company.

How to keep bins fresh in hot weather

If you want to avoid the dreaded bin smells this heatwave (and the bin pests that soon follow), Sean Martin, Marketing Director at Fresh Start Waste, has shared his top tips below:

1. Keep a separate food caddy: "Food waste is the primary cause of unpleasant odours and attracts flies, which can lead to maggots developing in bins during periods of hot weather. Keeping food waste out of the general waste bin, rinsing food packaging where practical, and ensuring bin lids remain closed can make a significant difference."

If you don't have a food waste bin yet, you can read our helpful guide on ways to dispose of food scraps.

2. Maintain good bin hygiene: Sean recommends cleaning and disinfecting your bins regularly and keeping an eye on any spills and leaks. It also helps to keep your bins stored in a shaded area.

Fight bin odours with these shopping picks

Bin collection times will, of course, depend on where you live, so make sure to check your local council's website ahead of the heatwave.

As the weather gets warmer, it's worth reading our guide on how to how to keep a house cool in the summer, which includes all the tips and tricks you need to know. Or, you may want to read our review on the AirCraft LUME Quiet Air Circulator.

A recent poll of 2,000 adults across the UK has revealed that nearly a quarter of us are oblivious to the electrical risks that could be inside our homes.

And, while it's recommended that every homeowner has an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 10 years, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed didn't even know that it existed.

Add to this the fact that one in seven of us also ignore common electrical problems, the survey, commissioned by NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification and training body for the electrical contracting industry, presents a worrying picture about the potential state of the electrical systems in our homes.

Why do you need an EICR?

An EICR is essentially a check of all the electrical components in your home, and something that should be undertaken on a regular basis.

Paul Collins, technical director at NICEIC, explains. "An EICR is effectively an MOT for the electrical systems in your home, which with a growing reliance on this resource thanks to modern heating systems, heat pumps, EV chargers and more, is more important than ever before.

“In privately owned homes, it is recommended that an EICR is carried out at least every 10 years," says Paul, "whereas in rented properties it is a legal requirement to have one at least every five years."

The survey revealed that as well as 22% of respondents admitting they hadn't met the required guidelines in the last decade – if at all – 69% have no idea what an EICR is, and of the 48% who did know what it is, they were unaware it's recommended the check is carried out at least every 10 years.

Ignoring risks is also common practice among homeowners

As well as forgetting to get a thorough check of the electrical systems in our homes, the survey also found that residents are also taking greater risks when it comes to faults and repairs.

Other common electrical issues that are being left for prolonged periods by homeowners included damaged sockets, appliances which cut out – and even unusual or burning smells, all of which are potential signs of an issue with the wiring.

And, despite the fact it's always recommended to get a qualified electrician to check and fix any problems, the survey suggests 24% of us are willing to try and fix the issue ourselves. Something that is never advised, and could potentially lead to issues with your home insurance if you make the problems worse.

Homeowners are concerned but don't take action

Yet on the flip side, there is clearly recognition as to the need for checks and the right professionals with 49% agreeing that they would not be confident in identifying a dangerous electrical fault in their home, and 47% admitting they were concerned about their property’s electrical safety.

"Many consumers are familiar with the recommendation we replace our mattresses every 10 years or less, but perhaps don't think about electrical checks in the same way," says Paul Collins.

“These results prove there is clearly a knowledge gap when it comes to keeping up with electrical safety. It’s a concern that homeowners are putting off electrical safety checks and attempting to fix issues themselves," he continues, "as this can pose serious risks.

“Electrical installations naturally deteriorate over time, and the issues that develop are not always visible. Having an EICR carried out is a simple but vital step that can help detect problems early," says Paul, "before they become costly or potentially life-threatening."

Barriers to good electrical hygiene

Reasons for the lack of maintaining good electrical health in the home were varied, but included cost concerns (32%), with 23% stating they didn't consider it necessary and 12% saying they were unsure who to contact.

“The guidance is simple," says Paul Collins. "Prioritise your safety, your home and your investment by getting your installations checked by a registered electrician.”

There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-registered electricians across the UK, all regularly assessed to ensure they deliver work in line with up-to-date electrical regulations. To find one near you, you can use the free NICEIC tool.

A new report published by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has urged the government to take action to protect people from heat in their homes, as the world is on track to reach around 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2050.

The committee has highlighted eight key areas that need addressing – from investing in cooling solutions to keep people safe, to managing flood risk through careful development planning.

Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said, “Our lives, our landscapes and our homes are under increasing pressure from the changing climate. But we are not powerless. In an increasingly unstable world, being well adapted to climate change is fundamental to securing our food, energy and economic security."

What's in the report?

Keeping people cool

According to the report, there are around 1,400–3,000 heat-related deaths each year in heatwave periods. To stop this number rising to the predicted level of 3,000–10,000 by 2050 (and hopefully even lower it), the committee says the government must protect people from the heat.

In order to achieve this goal, the report recommends that new builds should be "designed to keep people cool from the outset", while natural shading and other low-cost passive cooling measures might also be sufficient.

With heatwaves expected to become hotter and longer, the committee suggests planning for more active cooling methods such as air conditioning, alongside low-cost passive measures. When retrofitting existing homes, both of these approaches are likely to be needed to keep temperature levels safe.

While the report recommends households install cooling systems, it addresses that additional support might be needed for those who are both heat vulnerable and low-income to make it more accessible.

By switching to a reliable and low-carbon electricity system, and using technologies such as heat pumps that can both heat and cool homes, the committee says this goal can be managed at “low cost and with minimal disruption”.

Shopping picks to keep you cool

Managing flood risk

The report also highlighted the importance of protecting properties from flooding through well-maintained defences and drainage, while noting that development in flood-prone areas needs to be managed "carefully" and that new construction should be "avoided where risks are not adequately reduced".

To prevent water damage to homes, it suggested lower-cost measures such as one-way valves on wastewater pipes, flood doors, barriers, and covering air bricks.

The report says: "A rapid rollout of property-level measures over the next five years in places that are already at risk of flooding could cut average annual flood-related losses by up to half. In other places, there will need to be challenging conversations with communities where flood protection is not viable, especially with rising sea levels."

Avoiding water shortages

With water scarcity on the rise, the report recommended that all new homes should be water efficient from the get-go.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said, "We are acting to protect people and places from the impacts of climate change that are already being felt across the UK – from flooding to extreme heat and drought.

"We have already invested a record £2.65 billion to repair and build flood defences, protecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses, and have deployed the largest nature-friendly farming budget in history to support sustainable food production and security.

"Robust, independent science is essential and we will carefully consider the Climate Change Committee's latest recommendations to drive further action.”

If you're struggling with the heat, you may find our guides on how to keep a house cool and prevent overheating at home useful.

Adele Teale has been told she must remove a 4ft gorilla statue known as “Caesar” from the front of her home after a planning dispute with the local council.

The Planning Inspectorate ruled the structure required planning permission, which had not been obtained, and dismissed her appeal.

She now faces enforcement action and a potential fine of up to £20,000 if she does not comply with the order.

Why the gorilla statue caused a dispute

The 4ft gorilla statue has been attached to the front of Teale’s red-brick terraced house in Wakefield since December 2024.

She originally bought the figure more than 20 years ago, and had previously displayed it outside another home in Leeds for around 15 years.

Teale said the statue became well known in her old neighbourhood, explaining: “Everybody used him as a landmark.”

After moving house, she sold the gorilla because she did not have space for it, but later decided to buy it back because she missed it. The dispute began after a local complained to the council about the statue being mounted on the front of the property.

Why planners said the gorilla needed permission

Wakefield Council decided last year that the gorilla and its wooden platform counted as a permanent structure, and therefore couldn't be classed as something that didn't require planning permission.

Teale appealed the decision, but the Planning Inspectorate agreed with the council and ruled the statue must be removed.

The homeowner said she did not understand the problem, adding: “I could take him down, put him somewhere else, but why should I? It’s not hurting anyone, it’s not going to fall, it’s bolted down.”

She also questioned why the council was focusing on the statue, saying: “I just don’t get it when people have mucky mattresses, fridges and everything in their gardens.”

A spokesperson for Wakefield Council said planning rules still apply, even if something is meant to be decorative or quirky.

What happens next

Teale has now been given a deadline to remove the gorilla statue and its mounting structure, or face further legal action, including a potential fine. She has also been warned that ignoring an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and can result in significant fines in the magistrates’ court.

Despite the ruling, she has suggested she may relocate the statue rather than remove it entirely, saying: “I like that it’s a bit quirky and I don’t know anyone else that’s got a gorilla attached to their house.”

She also referenced other unusual home installations elsewhere in the country, adding: “If I have to move him, I will move him and put him in a better spot.”

A redundant police office in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, is being offered as a ready-made redevelopment opportunity for self builders and renovators.

The freehold site already has approval in place for a detached two-storey self-build home, removing one of the biggest barriers associated with small development plots.

The project is currently listed on Plotfinder alongside other self-build opportunities available across the UK.

What is the plot and what was it used for?

The building plot currently contains a former single-storey Sussex Police office that was previously used for neighbourhood policing operations, before becoming surplus to requirements.

Unlike larger former police stations, the building was not designed as a custody facility, and instead was operated as a smaller administrative base for local policing activity.

The existing structure occupies a modest infill-style plot, making it more suited to replacement redevelopment than large-scale conversion.

What planning permission has been approved?

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing police office, and construction of a detached two-storey, two-bedroom dwelling.

Obtaining approval to redevelop former police buildings can often be difficult due to concerns around parking, site access, neighbouring properties and the suitability of changing public-service buildings into residential use.

The fact that this plot already has approved permission in place removes a significant level of uncertainty for buyers, and avoids the lengthy planning process that many self builders face when purchasing undeveloped land.

How can you buy the plot?

The freehold site is currently being marketed with a guide price of offers in excess of £175,000.

Because planning consent has already been secured, buyers can focus on demolition, build costs and project timelines rather than preparing a fresh planning application from scratch.

The listing is available through Plotfinder, which features development land, conversion opportunities and self-build plots currently for sale across the UK.

A major crackdown has been launched on the cutting of engineered stone used in kitchen worktops following concerns over exposure to deadly silica dust.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has banned dry cutting and says safer water suppression methods must now be used to control harmful dust.

More than 1,000 inspections are being rolled out across Great Britain to enforce the new guidance.

Unsafe cutting method banned

The HSE has confirmed that dry cutting engineered stone is unacceptable, warning that it can expose workers to dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a dust linked to the lung disease silicosis.

The regulator says businesses must now switch to safer methods such as water suppression systems, which reduce dust during cutting and fabrication.

Mike Calcutt, from the HSE, said the risks are clear: “Silicosis is incurable, but it is entirely preventable. No worker should lose their life to a lung disease caused by their job.”

He added that some firms are still failing to meet basic safety standards: “Many businesses are not putting the right controls in place, they are still using engineered stone with high silica content, and dry cutting, which must stop.”

This decision follows previous calls to ban kitchen worktops made from artificial stone.

Nationwide inspections underway

The HSE has begun a large inspection programme targeting businesses that manufacture and fit engineered stone kitchen worktops.

Over the next year, inspectors will carry out more than 1,000 visits across Great Britain, with enforcement action expected for companies that fail to comply.

Mike Calcutt warned employers that checks are already happening: “The guidance is now published, the expectations are clear, and our inspectors are coming.”

Inspectors will assess whether businesses are using approved dust controls, providing protective equipment, and meeting legal safety duties.

Some companies have already taken their own significant action, with Herringbone becoming the first UK kitchen company to ban high-silica quartz.

Why action is being taken

Engineered stone, widely used in kitchen worktops, can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. When cut or shaped, it can release fine dust that can be deeply inhaled.

The HSE says recent cases, including the deaths of two young workers from silicosis, have highlighted the severity of the risk and prompted urgent intervention.

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said: “Every worker deserves to come home safe, without fear of losing their life to a preventable, deadly lung disease caused by their job.”

The regulator says the new rules aim to prevent further cases by ensuring safer working practices become standard across the industry.

What may seem like a minor issue – leaving bins out on the pavement for too long – can quickly escalate into formal disputes between neighbours.

With new Simpler Recycling reforms being rolled out across the UK, bin rules are coming into sharper focus for homeowners.

Homeowners are now being warned that, in some cases, it may even lead to council enforcement action or civil legal claims.

What the issue is with leaving bins out for too long

According to legal expert Natalie Peacock, disputes often begin with simple habits around wheelie bins being left out after collection days or blocking shared pathways.

She explained that many residents may not realise they are causing a problem: “Neighbours may work irregular hours or simply be unaware that they are breaching any rules.”

While it may seem minor, repeated issues can create friction between neighbours and lead to formal complaints.

What are the bin rules?

There is no single 'bin law', but several legal frameworks can apply to homeowners:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990: This can apply if waste causes a material disturbance, such as attracting vermin or creating health hazards.
• Highways Act 1980: This can be relevant if bins are left on pavements and obstruct public access.
• Council waste collection rules: These set out when bins can be placed out and when they must be returned.

Repeated failure to follow these rules may trigger warnings or enforcement action, such as notices, from local authorities.

However, your rules could vary wildly depending on your local authority. For instance, some councils, such as Bury Council, say: “You should put your bins out by 7am and return your bins to your property as soon as possible after being emptied.”

Others, like Derby City Council, give much different timescales as they say: “Take your bin back in by 12 noon the day after collection.”

Oxford City Council say: “Remove empty bins from the pavement as soon as possible after collection. Put bins out by 6am on collection day but no sooner than 6pm the night before.”

A DEFRA spokesperson said there are no hard-and-fast national rules on how long bins can be left out either, with arrangements left to local councils to decide what is considered a “reasonable amount of time”.

When it can become a civil case

In more serious or ongoing cases, neighbours may be able to bring a civil claim in nuisance – a legal term used when someone’s actions unreasonably interfere with another person’s use or enjoyment of their property.

Natalie Peacock warned that escalation is possible if problems are not resolved: “If the issue persists and the bins obstruct access or attract vermin, neighbours may have grounds to bring a civil claim for nuisance.”

These claims usually arise where the problem is repeated over time and has a lasting impact on how someone can reasonably use their home or surroundings, such as when bins obstruct pavements and create difficulties for pedestrians, including those with visual impairments or mobility issues.

Homeowners advised to handle disputes informally

Peacock says the first step should always be communication between neighbours before escalation.

Natalie Peacock said: “In most cases, a polite and informal approach is often effective.”

Court cases can cause significant legal fees, and Peacock added that many disputes can be resolved quickly once people are made aware that there is a problem.

While leaving bins out may feel like a small issue, repeated behaviour can lead to council warnings, neighbour disputes, and in more serious cases, civil legal action.

The simplest solution is early communication, before the problem escalates into a formal complaint or more severe punishments.

Lloyds Banking Group has launched a new mortgage aimed at helping first-time buyers get on the housing ladder and buy a house with just a £5,000 deposit.

The deal is designed for buyers who do not receive financial help from parents or family, meaning support from the “Bank of Mum and Dad” cannot be used.

It is one of the most high-profile low-deposit offers in recent years and sets strict rules on who can apply and how the deposit must be saved.

What is the £5,000 deposit mortgage offer?

The new product from Lloyds Banking Group allows eligible first-time buyers to purchase a home with a minimum £5,000 deposit. It is available on properties worth up to £300,000.

Borrowers can take out a mortgage worth up to 4.5 times their income, with a maximum loan of around £295,000. The deal is effectively a 98% loan-to-value mortgage, fixed at 5.89% for five years, with no arrangement fees.

A key condition is that applicants must have saved the £5,000 themselves. Money given or lent by parents or family cannot be used, meaning support from the Bank of Mum and Dad is excluded.

The mortgage is not available on new-build homes or shared ownership properties.

How the deal works and who can apply

Applicants must apply through Lloyds or Halifax, and will go through a standard mortgage affordability assessment, including checks on income, spending and credit history.

Borrowers must pass affordability tests showing they can manage monthly repayments at the 5.89% fixed rate over five years.

The loan is aimed at buyers who can afford repayments but have struggled to build a larger deposit due to rising house prices and living costs.

Why lenders are offering these deals

High loan-to-value mortgages have become more common again in recent years as lenders compete for first-time buyers.

These products are designed for people who can manage monthly repayments but are held back by the size of deposit required to buy a home.

While stricter lending rules were introduced after the financial crisis, lenders have gradually reintroduced 95% and 98% mortgages as part of efforts to widen access to homeownership.

Even so, they remain tightly controlled and are only offered to borrowers who meet strict affordability and credit criteria.

£5k deposit mortgage is a "positive step" for the market

The move could help more first-time buyers understand the range of mortgage options available to them, according to one leading industry figure.

Rachel Geddes, Strategic Lender Relationship Director at Mortgage Advice Bureau, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see a major high street lender making such a significant commitment to supporting first-time buyers. Unlocking up to £500m in additional lending, alongside a £5,000 deposit option, is a positive step.

"Many buyers are unaware that 5% deposit mortgages exist, while a significant number still believe they need at least 10% to buy a home. These misconceptions mean some people may be closer to buying than they think.

"Greater visibility of low deposit options will help more buyers move forward with confidence and understand the support available.”

The mortgage is now available to eligible first-time buyers looking to purchase a home with a £5,000 deposit under the new criteria.

First-time buyers interested in the deal can apply, as of 12th May (for early applications), through Lloyds Banking Group or its mortgage arm Halifax, either directly or via a mortgage adviser.

The launch marks one of the most significant low-deposit offers in recent years, but with strict limits on parental help and affordability rules still set to determine who can actually get on the property ladder.

The items most commonly linked to lithium-ion battery fires in the UK have been identified in new analysis from insurer QBE European Operations.

Based on Freedom of Information responses from 42 of 49 UK fire services, the data shows incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have risen sharply since 2022, with fire crews now attending around 4.8 fires a day in 2025, a rise of 147% since 2022.

The findings come as fire safety and UK building regulations continue to adapt to the growing use of electrical systems in homes, particularly around charging infrastructure and energy use.

We reveal the items that are most linked to lithium-ion battery fires so you can stay aware of their potential danger.

E-bikes most frequently linked to incidents

E-bikes are the single most commonly recorded item linked to lithium-ion battery fires, accounting for around 520 incidents in 2025 alone – more than triple the figure recorded in 2022.

QBE’s analysis suggests many of these incidents occur during charging or when battery packs have been damaged or modified.

Fire services have also previously noted that converted or poorly fitted e-bikes appear more frequently in incident reports than certified models.

EV chargers and electric vehicles

Electric vehicles and home charging systems are also increasingly appearing in fire service data.

QBE reports a 133% rise in EV-related fire incidents between 2022 and 2025, alongside rapid growth in electric vehicle ownership across the UK.

The increase in EV-related incidents has come as new UK electrical standards for home charge points introduce stricter installation requirements, including dedicated circuits and improved electrical protection.

Phones, laptops and everyday rechargeable devices

A wide range of everyday household electronics also feature regularly in fire service reports, including mobile phones, laptops, power tools and portable chargers.

QBE’s analysis suggests these smaller devices are often involved during charging or when batteries are damaged, overused or left connected for extended periods.

Their widespread use means multiple devices are often charging in homes at the same time, increasing risk exposure.

Items to help prevent lithium-ion battery fires

Solar PV systems and battery storage

Solar PV systems also appear in fire service data, although at a much lower frequency compared with other household items linked to lithium-ion battery fires. Analysis referenced by QBE shows solar-related fires rising from 107 incidents in 2022 to 171 in 2024.

Alongside solar panels, home battery storage systems (solar batteries and other domestic energy storage units) are increasingly relevant as more households install renewable energy systems.

These units are separate from the solar panels themselves and are used to store electricity for later use, typically in garages, utility rooms or loft spaces. While incident numbers remain relatively low, they are becoming a growing category in fire service reports as home energy systems become more common.

Most incidents in this area are linked not to the solar panels themselves, but to associated electrical components such as inverters, wiring or installation issues.

The analysis highlights a clear pattern in UK fire service data, with lithium-ion battery fires most commonly linked to a small group of modern household items – particularly e-bikes, EV systems, everyday electronics and solar installations.

As these technologies become more widespread in homes, they are appearing more frequently in fire incident reports, reflecting the growing role of rechargeable and electrified systems in everyday domestic life.

As Adrian Simmonds, Risk Manager at QBE European Operations, said: “Awareness of safe charging, storage and disposal is essential to keeping people and property safe.”

A rural workshop conversion project with planning permission for three homes has been listed for sale in Devon for £375,000.

The site, near the village of Bradworthy close to the Cornwall border, includes a substantial steel-framed building and more than 1.5 acres of surrounding land.

The building plot is listed on Plotfinder, where buyers can view additional details about the site, planning history and development potential.

What the plot includes

The site includes a detached steel-framed workshop building with olive green profiled metal cladding, a pitched roof and an internal footprint of around 1,625 sq ft.

Set within a sizeable yard extending to approximately 1.53 acres, the plot also features extensive hardstanding, level ground and surrounding mature tree lines that provide privacy and screening.

The level hardstanding could be used for parking, storage or additional outdoor space alongside the approved homes.

What the plans are for

Full planning permission has already been granted for the building to be converted into three contemporary residential dwellings.

The approved scheme would see the existing structure transformed into three separate homes arranged across two floors, each designed with three bedrooms alongside open-plan living and dining spaces.

Planning records also show a certificate of lawful development for a barn conversion was secured earlier this year.

How to buy the abandoned plot

With permission already granted for three homes, the £375,000 site is ready for a buyer to take the project forward.

The listing states that mains electricity and water connections are available nearby, perfect for those looking to start work on their project immediately.

Further information, images and planning details can also be viewed through the plot’s listing on Plotfinder, where you can find all the information you need before buying the plot.

Thousands of households with heat pumps could be paying more than they should to heat their homes because of a hidden issue in how the systems are installed.

New figures presented at a CIBSE Decarbonisation Conference in London suggest that poorly insulated external pipework could be costing some homes around £74 a year in wasted energy.

The findings point to installation quality as a key factor affecting how well the technology performs in real homes.

What the £74 figure is based on

The estimate is based on modelling of heat loss from external pipework where insulation is missing, damaged or poorly fitted.

Even small gaps in insulation can allow heat to escape before it reaches the home, reducing efficiency and increasing running costs.

Across affected households, national energy service WattsWatt estimates this could amount to around £20 million a year in wasted energy.

What experts said at the conference

The issue was highlighted at the CIBSE Decarbonisation Conference in London, which was attended by leading industry and policy figures.

Lisa Malyon, co-founder and CEO of WattsWatt, told the Conference in London that poor insulation on external pipework can drastically affect how efficiently heat pumps operate.

“It’s quite straightforward – if your external pipes aren’t insulated properly, the water cools as it travels through these outdoor pipes, affecting the temperature inside the house. To get the house back up to temperature, the heat pump has to work harder, which uses more energy,” she said.

She added that issues are often only identified after the heat pump installation.

“We first became aware of the issue when households complained their heat pump had stopped working – saying it was nowhere near as good as it had been when it was first installed. It turns out, their external pipework had been insulated with basic grey insulation designed for inside – and it was soaked through.”

Professor Richard Fitton, Professor of Building Performance at the University of Salford, said: “Heat pump technologies need careful design and installation for optimum performance.”

What should affected homeowners do next?

If homeowners suspect their heat pump is not performing properly due to insulation or installation issues, TrustMark – the government-endorsed quality scheme for home improvements – advises that the first step is to contact the original installer.

Most accredited Microgeneration Certification Scheme installations are covered by warranties and consumer protection arrangements, meaning faults may be assessed and corrected without additional cost if raised early.

For homeowners, signs of a potential problem can include:

• Higher than expected running costs
• Reduced heating performance compared to early use
• Visible or poorly protected external pipework

If the installer does not resolve the issue, homeowners can escalate the complaint through TrustMark’s approved dispute resolution process, which is designed to handle problems with certified work.

Homeowners are also advised to keep any paperwork, installation details and records of communication, as this can help support a complaint if further action is needed.

That drawer full of old chargers, broken headphones and unused gadgets is something most households recognise.

What many people don’t realise is that UK law already gives them the right to recycle these items for free through shops and dedicated collection systems.

These rules come from the long-standing Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, which require businesses to take responsibility for recycling electrical waste.

At the same time, new Simpler Recycling reforms are changing how household waste is sorted across the UK, making it clearer what can and cannot go in general bins – and highlighting the need for separate routes for electrical items.

What can you take back under WEEE rules?

Under WEEE regulations, many everyday electrical items can be returned for recycling.

This includes small household electronics such as chargers, cables, headphones, kettles, toasters, phones, and other portable devices, as well as larger appliances like televisions and washing machines.

Retailers are legally required to provide recycling options for these items, either through in-store take-back schemes or when a customer buys a replacement product.

In many larger shops, small electrical items can also be dropped off for recycling even without making a purchase.

How can you return recyclable electrical goods?

Recycling routes are built into the retail system. When buying a new electrical item, customers are usually entitled to return a similar old item for free recycling.

Many larger retailers also provide dedicated collection points for small electrical goods, such as cables and chargers. Online retailers are also required to support take-back arrangements, often through return or collection systems.

These responsibilities sit with businesses under UK government regulations, meaning households are not responsible for organising recycling infrastructure themselves – only for using the available options.

Why recycling rules are more in focus now

These recycling rights have existed for many years, but they are becoming more relevant as household waste systems change.

New Simpler Recycling rules across the UK aim to make bin rules easier to understand, but they also reinforce that electrical items must be kept out of general household waste and disposed of separately under WEEE rules.

As systems are streamlined, more attention is placed on specialist routes for everyday electrical items such as chargers, cables and small gadgets.

At the same time, government policy continues to highlight retailer take-back schemes and collection points as the main legal way to handle electrical waste outside the home.

As household waste rules tighten, the distinction between general recycling and specialist electrical waste is becoming more visible – reinforcing the importance of using the recycling routes that are already available.

It now costs £76,000 more to build an average home than it did in 2020, according to new research from the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

The report says a wave of new taxes, levies and regulations introduced over recent years is behind the rise, affecting multiple stages of the building process from planning through to completion.

We look at what government mandates specifically are being blamed on the rising homebuilding costs and what recommendations are made to reduce the burden on homebuilders.

How much have homebuilding costs risen?

The HBF’s The Viability Crunch report estimates that £76,000 has been added to the cost of building an average new home since 2020.

It says this is equivalent to more than 20% of the average new home value of £365,000.

The increase is made up of:

• Over £37,000 from materials and labour inflation
• Around £23,000 from regulatory costs
• Over £7,000 from taxes and levies
• Around £7,000 from site-specific requirements such as environmental mitigation measures

What taxes, levies and regulations are being blamed?

The report points to a series of policy changes introduced since 2020 as key drivers of higher costs.

These include the Building Safety Levy, due to come into force in 2026, which will apply to all new homes. It also highlights the rising Landfill Tax, higher Section 106 contributions for local infrastructure, and the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain rules that require developers to deliver environmental improvements or purchase credits.

It further points to the Future Homes Standard, which will require higher energy-efficiency standards, including low-carbon heating systems, alongside wider building regulation changes covering water efficiency, accessibility, digital connectivity and EV charging infrastructure.

The report says these measures are adding substantial new cost layers on top of construction inflation.

How are these changes affecting delivery?

The report says the combined impact of rising costs and regulation is making more housing schemes difficult to deliver.

It highlights that environmental requirements can be difficult to meet on-site, while off-site solutions such as biodiversity credits are often limited and expensive. It also points to increasing regulatory complexity across multiple standards, which adds both cost and delay to projects.

As a result, it warns more sites are failing viability assessments, reducing the number of homes that can realistically be built.

Industry warning for the government

The Home Builders Federation is calling for a review of the combined impact of taxes, levies and regulations introduced since 2020.

It is urging Government to pause further cost-adding measures and reassess existing policies, including the Building Safety Levy and Landfill Tax increases.

HBF chief executive Neil Jefferson said: “While the industry supports the ambition behind some of these policies, there has been little consideration of their combined impact. The fact that house completions have remained slow clearly shows that planning reform alone is not enough and that other pressures are at play.”

He added: “If Government wants the private sector to deliver, it must create the right conditions for it to do so. Without urgent action to review and reduce the overall cost burden, the delivery of both private and affordable homes will remain at risk.”

It looks harmless enough going into the recycling bin and is the kind of everyday decision most people don’t think twice about.

But shredded paper is now at the centre of a growing warning from waste companies due to new Simpler Recycling reforms, which say this one small habit could be causing bigger problems than homeowners realise.

The reality is that it shouldn’t be going into recycling bins loose at all, and what happens to it afterwards is often not what people expect.

Why shredded paper causes problems in recycling systems

According to industry guidance aligned with Defra’s household recycling policies, recycling facilities are designed to process larger, recognisable pieces of material.

Once paper is shredded, it becomes lightweight, fragmented, and difficult to capture. Waste companies, such as Veolia and Biffa, have explained that shredded paper can:

• Fall through sorting machinery designed for intact paper
• Mix with other recyclable streams such as plastics, glass, paper and cardboard
• Reduce the overall quality of recovered paper fibres

The result is that material which is technically recyclable can become unusable once it enters the sorting process.

Defra’s Simpler Recycling framework stresses that clean, consistent recycling streams are essential to improving national recycling performance and reducing waste sent for disposal.

What happens if homeowners put shredded paper in recycling bins?

For households, the consequences depend on how local collection services handle contamination. Still, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, certain powers exist to penalise households that do not comply with the rules.

If a bin is heavily contaminated by shredded paper, councils can:

• Leave it unemptied with a warning sticker
• Ask you to remove incorrect materials before the next collection
• Give written warnings for repeated contamination
• Provide advice notices explaining the correct recycling rules

In practice, this means a small amount of incorrectly placed shredded paper can have a wider impact on the recycling collected from an entire street or neighbourhood.

While some local authorities may allow shredded paper if it is contained properly within your recycling, this is not uniform. Guidance varies between councils, including those across London, where borough-level collection rules differ.

Most councils advise homeowners to check their specific recycling instructions rather than assume it is accepted.

Sort your shredded paper efficiently

Environmental impact of incorrect disposal

Defra has warned that contamination in household recycling streams remains one of the biggest barriers to improving recycling efficiency in the UK.

When shredded paper is incorrectly placed in recycling bins, it can lead to:

• Increased waste being diverted to landfill or incineration
• Higher carbon emissions from additional sorting and transport
• Reduced quality of recycled materials, making them harder to reuse

Waste operators including Veolia and Biffa have also highlighted that contaminated paper streams lower the value of recycled fibre, reducing its usability in producing new paper products.

Under Simpler Recycling, reducing this type of contamination is a key priority, with clearer rules intended to help households recycle more effectively.

As recycling systems become more standardised, experts say the message for homeowners is increasingly simple. Even familiar materials like paper need to be disposed of carefully once their form changes – and shredded paper is a clear example of where good intentions can lead to unintended environmental consequences. Organising your bins efficiently to reduce any possible contamination is a great place to start.

Homeowners planning to install an electric vehicle charger must now meet specific eligibility rules and follow a strict approval process to access government support worth up to £500.

The scheme runs until March 2027 and is designed to support domestic charging installations, alongside new electric rules, but funding depends heavily on property setup and the correct procedural steps.

Missing any requirement before installation could result in losing access to the grant entirely.

What is the £500 EV charger grant?

The £500 EV charger grant is an updated version of an existing government scheme that previously offered around £350 per installation.

It is part of a long-running programme designed to support the rollout of home EV charging infrastructure, but was revised in 2026 to increase funding while tightening eligibility and focusing support on more complex installation scenarios.

Rather than a new scheme, it is a continuation of existing support with updated funding levels, revised criteria and a narrower focus.

Who qualifies for the EV grant?

Eligibility is now targeted and depends mainly on the type of property and how the charger will be installed.

Homeowners may qualify if they:

• Do not have a driveway or garage
• Rely on on-street parking
• Require additional installation work, such as pavement crossings or protected cabling systems
• Have an eligible EV (owned, leased or on order)

The scheme is aimed at households where installing a charger is not straightforward, rather than homes with simple private driveway installations.

The type of vehicle does not affect eligibility in terms of brand or model, as long as it is an eligible electric or plug-in vehicle suitable for home charging under the scheme rules.

What you must do before installation

Even if eligible, homeowners must follow a strict process before any installation work begins.

To qualify for the grant, homeowners must:

• Use an OZEV-approved installer
• Ensure their installer handles required grid notification and approvals
• Confirm all equipment meets approved technical standards
• Begin installation only after formal approval is given

Nigel King, Group Operations Director at Eurocar Group, also highlighted a commonly overlooked requirement: “Before installing any charging points at your home… you first need to submit an Energy Networks Association application to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)… so they can confirm you have the correct equipment and setup.”

He added: “If this is not carried out… you might not be covered on your house insurance if something goes wrong.”

Installers typically manage much of the paperwork, but responsibility for ensuring the correct process is followed remains essential from the outset.

With the scheme closing on 31 March 2027, homeowners have a limited window to get both approval and installation completed in time.

While the £500 EV grant increases available support, it does not simplify the process – meaning those who delay or skip early approval steps are the most likely to miss out entirely.

Plug-in solar panels are being promoted as a simple way for households to generate their own electricity without installing full rooftop panels, following moves to legalise the technology in the UK.

But specialists say the reality is more complicated, with home suitability depending heavily on the condition of a property’s electrical system.

As interest grows in these small-scale solar products, experts are urging households to check their wiring before planning to install plug-in solar systems.

Not every home is automatically suitable

Plug-in solar devices are designed to feed electricity into a home via a standard socket, but that simplicity can mask underlying electrical risks.

According to Kian Milroy, Renewables Electrical Engineer at Heatable, suitability varies significantly from home to home: “Some UK homes will be ready for plug-in solar, but it would be wrong to assume every home is automatically suitable just because the product plugs in.”

He adds that age alone is not a reliable indicator of safety or readiness: “An older home that has had its wiring updated, has a modern consumer unit and has been properly maintained may be in a much better position than a newer property with poor alterations or questionable DIY electrical work."

Electrical standards in UK homes vary widely depending on upgrades, maintenance history, and whether systems include modern protections such as updated consumer units and residual current devices (RCDs), which are designed to reduce the risk of electric shock and overload.

Warning signs in homes

Before connecting plug-in solar or any significant electrical load, Kian recommends checking for signs that a system may not be safe or could need rewiring.

Common warning indicators include:

• Loose, damaged, or cracked sockets
• Scorch marks or discolouration around outlets
• Plugs or sockets that feel unusually warm
• Circuit breakers that trip frequently
• Old-style fuse boxes rather than modern consumer units
• Overloaded extension leads
• Uncertainty about when the wiring was last inspected

Kian Milroy warns that uncertainty itself can be a red flag: “If someone looks at their home and thinks, ‘I’m not sure when any of this was last checked,’ that’s probably the point to slow down and speak to an electrician before assuming any plug-in product is automatically fine.”

Electrical safety bodies in the UK generally recommend periodic inspection of domestic wiring, particularly in older properties or homes that have undergone multiple DIY modifications.

Who plug-in solar actually benefits

Even in homes that are electrically safe, plug-in solar is not a universal solution. The systems typically generate modest amounts of electricity and are best suited to reducing daytime usage rather than powering an entire household.

Households that are at home during the day – such as remote workers, retirees, or families with young children – are more likely to benefit, as they can directly use the electricity being generated.

Kian Milroy says the technology has a clear but limited role: “Plug-in solar has a role to play because it gives more people access to solar, especially those who might not be able to install a full rooftop system. But it can’t solve every problem.”

While plug-in solar offers a lower-cost entry point into renewable energy, experts stress that realistic expectations and safe electrical conditions are essential before installation.

England’s Simpler Recycling reforms now require households to separate food waste as part of new national collection rules.

However, as the rollout continues, not all councils have fully delivered food waste caddies or weekly collections, leaving homeowners confused as to what they should do with their kitchen scraps.

In response, organisations and numerous local authorities have issued practical advice for households on six ways to manage food scraps safely until full services are in place.

1. Compost food scraps at home

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) guidance encourages home composting as one of the most effective ways to manage organic food waste outside formal collection systems.

Fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds and eggshells can all be composted. WRAP describes this as part of the UK “waste hierarchy,” turning food scraps into a useful soil improver.

Many councils also actively support composting through local schemes. Bristol City Council and Leeds City Council, along with numerous other local authorities across England, promote home composting in their waste reduction advice and link residents to discounted compost bins through national partnerships such as the Get Composting scheme.

Alternatively, this Large Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin from B&Q is a stylish alternative if you're looking to include one in your garden plans.

2. Freeze food waste until collection

WRAP advises freezing surplus food or unavoidable scraps as a short-term storage method.

This helps reduce odours, slows decomposition and limits pest attraction to bins while households wait for full food waste collection services to be introduced.

Councils, including Leeds City Council and London borough authorities such as Camden Council, reference freezing as a practical interim solution during rollout phases.

Use these for kitchen food waste collection

3. Regrow food scraps at home

Some councils and organisations are encouraging food regrowing as part of wider food waste reduction schemes.

This is supported in UK food waste prevention messaging, including the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign, run by WRAP, which encourages households to make better use of food before it is thrown away as part of efforts to reduce edible food waste.

At a local level, councils including Bristol City Council and Leeds City Council also include regrowing food scraps within their household waste reduction and sustainability advice, as part of broader guidance on reducing food waste at source.

4. Use general waste bins where food collections are not yet active

Where food waste services have not yet been fully rolled out, and with up to 79 councils being delayed until 2040 at the earliest to deliver on the food waste changes, exceptions have in some cases been made to allow food waste in general waste bins.

This is a transitional measure while caddies are delivered and weekly food waste collections are fully implemented under Simpler Recycling.

However, it is important to check with your local council if you are allowed to do this, as you could, although very unlikely, be fined if you place waste in the general waste bin.

5. Reuse food scraps for household uses

WRAP and local authority guidance highlight that some food by-products can be reused outside of cooking and disposal.

Citrus peel can be used in natural cleaning infusions, while coffee grounds are widely referenced by councils – including Leeds City Council – for gardening, composting and odour control. Coffee grounds in particular can be used in the garden as a mulch for your plants.

These practices form part of wider circular economy approaches promoted in UK waste policy.

6. Reduce food waste at source

The most widely recommended step in reducing household food waste is prevention at source – something WRAP, which leads national food waste monitoring through the Courtauld Commitment for DEFRA, says remains the most effective way to cut waste overall.

WRAP’s guidance highlights simple actions such as meal planning, correct food storage, using leftovers and freezing surplus food as key ways to stop food becoming waste in the first place, rather than dealing with it after disposal.

A spokesperson for waste management firm Divert said the rollout is changing how households understand their waste: “The new Simpler Recycling regulations have been a great eye-opener for many people into how much food we actually waste as a nation. When food waste gets mixed in with your general waste, it’s hard to understand the scale, but once it’s separated, you will start to realise just how much we throw away.”

Divert added that once households begin separating food waste, many are surprised by the volume produced, particularly in larger households where standard caddy sizes fill quickly.

As Simpler Recycling continues to roll out across England, councils are still working to complete food waste caddy distribution and expand weekly collections.

In the meantime, households are being encouraged to manage scraps through composting, regrowing, reuse, freezing, and temporary general waste disposal where necessary.

But as WRAP, DEFRA and waste experts, including Divert, emphasise, the biggest long-term shift is not just how food waste is collected – but reducing how much is created in the first place.

Japanese knotweed is continuing to impact the UK housing market in 2026, with new research from Environet estimating that around 7% of homes are affected.

If Japanese knotweed is identified on your property, the study shows it can lead to an average property value reduction of about 5%, raising significant concerns for homeowners preparing to sell or renovate.

With millions of properties potentially impacted and homeowners becoming increasingly cautious, the study reveals how a problem many assume is rare could be closer to home than they think.

The scale of Japanese knotweed across UK homes

Environet’s research suggests that Japanese knotweed now affects around 1.5 million homes across the UK, equating to roughly 7% of the housing stock.

The plant is particularly common in urban and post-industrial areas, where it has spread over decades, but its impact is not always immediately visible.

For homeowners, this means the risk can extend beyond their own garden, with neighbouring infestations also influencing property surveys and sales.

Property values and buyer behaviour

According to the study, homes affected by Japanese knotweed see an average reduction of around 5% for their house prices, which can amount to significant financial losses depending on the property.

Separate polling conducted with YouGov found that many buyers remain wary, with a substantial proportion unwilling to purchase a property affected by knotweed under any circumstances. This ongoing caution continues to affect demand, often leading to renegotiations or failed sales.

Emily Grant, director at Environet, said: “For most people, their home is their biggest asset, yet over 1.5 million households are seeing their property value undermined by knotweed.”

She added that “a significant proportion of buyers still won’t touch an affected property under any circumstance,” despite improved understanding of the issue in recent years.

Costs, delays and long term management for homeowners

Beyond the immediate hit to property values, Japanese knotweed can lead to long-term costs and delays for homeowners.

Treatment plans often take several years to complete and may be required before a property can be sold or mortgaged.

Andrew McColl, chairman of the Residential Property Surveyors Association, said: “Discovering Japanese knotweed can have significant financial implications, as [Japanese knotweed] removal and management plans are often costly and may require anywhere from five to 10 years to fully implement.”

How should this impact homeowners

For homeowners, the findings reinforce the importance of early identification and professional management.

While knotweed does not necessarily make a property unsellable, failing to address it can reduce value, delay transactions and limit buyer interest.

As a result, more sellers are opting for formal treatment plans and guarantees before listing their homes, particularly in Japanese knotweed hotspot areas where the plant is known to be more prevalent.

Installing EV chargers is now more complicated than ever, with one leading installer stating, "The era of the simple EV install is over."

New electric rules affecting EV chargers in UK homes have come into force in 2026, changing how installations are designed, assessed and approved.

The updates are reportedly placing greater emphasis on safety, system capacity and how chargers integrate with a home’s wider electrical setup, which is making installations more complex for installers and homeowners.

EV charger installations more complicated than ever

The changes in wiring rules reflect a shift away from straightforward EV charger installations toward more complex system-based design.

Installers must now consider load management, circuit protection, earthing and how the charger interacts with the wider electrical system in the home. Chris Moniz, CEO of Volta EV, says the industry is moving away from simple installations toward integrated energy systems.

"The era of the simple EV install is over," said Chris. "With Amendment 4 [of the Wiring Regulations] now in play, the margin for error has vanished. We’re moving away from simple ‘box-on-a-wall’ deployments toward complex, system-level energy management."

This means installations now require more planning and greater technical precision than before.

Homes may need upgrades before installation is possible

One consequence of the new approach is that some homes will require electrical upgrades before an EV charger can be safely installed.

This is particularly relevant for older properties where existing wiring or consumer units may not be designed for higher sustained electrical loads.

Instead of being a simple add-on, EV charging is increasingly dependent on the condition and capacity of the existing home electrical system. This adds a layer of assessment before installation can even take place.

However, some homeowners may qualify for a £500 grant for EV chargers if they meet certain criteria to offset some of these costs.

Warnings that margin for error has narrowed

The key concern raised by Chris Moniz is that installations are becoming less forgiving.

As EV chargers become part of wider, interconnected home energy systems, mistakes in design or installation can have greater consequences. Moniz warned that under the new rules, the industry is operating with a significantly reduced margin for error.

For homeowners, this means EV charging is now being treated as part of a broader electrical upgrade rather than a simple appliance installation.

Heat pump tumble dryers are expected to become more widely used in UK homes under proposals that would see traditional condenser tumble dryers phased out.

The new efficiency rules form part of wider net-zero policies and could effectively act as a ban on conventional models over time.

The shift is expected to influence the appliances available to homeowners when replacing tumble dryers, as well as how laundry spaces are designed and used in the home.

What are the proposed changes?

The proposals form part of wider government plans to update ecodesign and energy efficiency standards for household appliances.

Under the draft measures, traditional condenser tumble dryers would be phased out over time, with future market access expected to favour higher-efficiency alternatives such as heat pump models.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has stated that the reforms are intended to reduce household energy consumption and support wider decarbonisation goals across domestic appliances.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has linked the proposals to broader energy system reform, stating: “The era of fossil fuel security is over, and the era of clean energy security must come of age.”

The policy aligns with similar efficiency frameworks already operating in the European Union, where appliance standards have increasingly shifted towards lower-energy technologies.

Implications for homeowners

Heat pump tumble dryers are expected to become more common as appliance standards shift towards lower-energy technologies, influencing replacement options in future homes.

For homeowners, this means heat pump models are likely to replace traditional condenser tumble dryers in the market increasingly.

Heat pump models operate at lower temperatures, which reduces energy use but typically leads to longer drying cycles. This may affect day-to-day laundry routines.

A key practical change is installation flexibility, as heat pump tumble dryers do not require external venting and can be sited in a wider range of utility spaces, kitchens or apartments.

While not directly regulated under Building Regulations, appliance energy use is included in SAP calculations for new homes, meaning more efficient models can contribute to overall dwelling EPCs.

Best heat pump tumble dryers

Why have the changes been made?

The proposed changes are part of the government’s wider strategy to reduce household energy use and support net zero targets.

Heat pump tumble dryers typically operate at around 50°C, compared with around 70–75°C for conventional condenser tumble dryers, using a heat-recycling system that reduces electricity consumption. This higher efficiency is the basis for their promotion in updated appliance standards.

By encouraging lower-energy technologies, policymakers aim to reduce overall domestic electricity demand and cut carbon emissions associated with household appliance use. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero estimates that heat pump tumble dryers could save households up to £910 over a 20-year lifespan through reduced tumble dryer running costs.

The changes also align UK appliance efficiency standards more closely with existing ecodesign rules in other markets, including the European Union, where similar efficiency-based requirements have already been introduced for domestic tumble dryers.

However, the scale of change delivered will be determined by how the policy is implemented and the speed at which manufacturers and homeowners respond to the transition.

The government has announced new £2,500 grants for air-to-air heat pumps, in a move designed to help more households install systems that can heat homes in winter and cool them in summer.

The funding forms part of an expansion of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, aimed at reducing the upfront cost of low-carbon heating technology.

Ministers say the changes will make heat pumps a more practical option for a wider range of homes, including flats and smaller properties.

What the air-to-air heat pump grant is for

The £2,500 grant will help households cover the cost of installing air-to-air heat pumps, which extract heat from outside air and distribute it indoors.

Unlike traditional heating systems, they can also be reversed to provide cooling during warmer months, operating in a similar way to air conditioning.

The scheme is intended to reduce the upfront cost of switching to low-carbon heating and increase uptake across different types of homes.

Who the air-to-air heat pump grant applies to

The new heat pump grant is aimed at domestic properties installing eligible air-to-air heat pump systems through certified installers.

It is expected to be particularly relevant for flats and smaller homes, where traditional wet heating systems can be more difficult or expensive to install.

All installations must be carried out by approved Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installers in order to qualify for the funding.

What could an air-to-air heat pump cost after the grant?

Air-to-air heat pumps are among the most affordable heat pump systems, costing on average between £2,200 and £8,800, depending on the size of the home and energy demand.

Installation costs typically range from £350 to £1,700, as the systems are generally quicker and simpler to install than other heat pump types because they do not require radiators or a wet heating system.

With the new £2,500 government grant, the upfront cost could fall to a maximum of £6,300. For lower cost systems, the new grant could make it completely free, depending on the size of the system and installation requirements.

How to apply for the grant

Applications for the £2,500 heat pump grant are not made directly by homeowners. Instead, the scheme is handled through approved installers under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Homeowners must first choose an MCS-certified installer, who will assess the property and provide a quote for an eligible air-to-air heat pump system. If the installation qualifies, the installer will apply for the grant on the homeowner’s behalf and deduct the £2,500 from the upfront cost.

The funding is paid directly to the installer once the installation is complete and all requirements have been met, meaning households do not need to claim the money back themselves.

The expansion marks a further push by ministers to accelerate the shift towards low-carbon home heating while making cooling technology more accessible to UK households.

A towering invasive plant capable of reaching up to 15ft is returning across parts of the UK just as gardens are being cleared for spring – raising fresh warnings ahead of its peak growth in May.

Giant hogweed is re-emerging, and so are its dangerous effects, with its rapid seasonal surge expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.

Authorities have issued fresh warnings to highlight the plant’s toxic sap, which can cause severe skin burns when exposed to sunlight, warning that the combination of warmer weather and increased garden design work makes this period one of the highest-risk times of year.

Why giant hogweed is growing now

Giant hogweed survives winter underground and begins regrowth in early spring. By April, new shoots emerge from long-established root systems and seed banks in the soil.

The RHS states that "in its early growth it can be confused with other plants like cow parsley and common hogweed."

Although plants are still relatively small at this stage, growth accelerates quickly as temperatures rise, as is the case with Japanese Knotweed too. By May, giant hogweed can grow rapidly and become highly visible in affected areas, particularly in undisturbed or overgrown areas.

Where in the UK homeowners are most at risk

The highest concentration of sightings is typically linked to river valleys and lowland waterways, where seeds are carried downstream and settle along banks before spreading outward.

In the UK, higher-risk areas include:

• River corridors across southern England, the Midlands and Wales
• Waterways running through urban areas such as London, Birmingham and Manchester
• Fringe countryside where gardens back onto railway embankments or unmanaged land

Gardens most at risk are usually those with direct boundaries onto rivers, canals or overgrown public land, where seeds can easily travel in from surrounding areas.

What giant hogweed warnings are being given for May

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) advises homeowners that giant hogweed should be treated with caution during its peak growth.

The guidance warns that the plant’s toxic sap can cause severe skin burns if it comes into contact with skin exposed to sunlight, particularly during garden clearance, cutting or strimming, where accidental exposure is most likely.

It also advises that suspected plants should not be handled without protection, and that larger or established growth is typically best dealt with through professional removal, as improper cutting or disturbance can increase the risk of spread and exposure. Similar care and attention is required for Japanese knotweed removal too.

As cases of giant hogweed burns re-emerge, DEFRA says it is more important than ever to remain vigilant over giant hogweed, especially as the chances of encountering these dangerous plants grow.

Homeowners planning bathroom renovations are significantly underestimating how much their projects will cost, according to new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The study found that 71% of homeowners expect bathroom renovation to cost under £10,000, despite industry professionals warning that realistic budgets are often considerably higher.

The findings suggest widespread misconceptions about both pricing and project timelines, which may leave homeowners financially exposed.

Widespread misunderstanding of real renovation costs

The research highlights a strong disconnect between expectation and reality when it comes to bathroom budgets. A quarter of homeowners (26%) believe a full bathroom renovation can be completed for under £5,000, while just 3% expect costs to exceed £15,000.

Despite this, builders say those lower figures rarely reflect the reality of labour-intensive work, unexpected structural issues, and quality materials required for long-lasting results. The FMB notes that labour alone is often the largest cost component, yet only 38% of respondents correctly identified it as the most expensive part of a renovation.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Bathroom renovations are one of the most common home improvement projects, but our research shows homeowners are walking into them with unrealistic expectations about both costs and timelines."

He added: "The gap between what people think they'll pay and what they actually need to budget is setting them up for disappointment - or worse, pushing them towards rogue traders offering unrealistic quotes and timelines.”

Timeline expectations also out of step with reality

Beyond budgeting, the study found that homeowners are also significantly underestimating how long bathroom renovations take.

Nearly one in five (19%) expect a full renovation to be completed in a week or less, while 39% believe it can be finished within two weeks.

Industry professionals argue that this is unrealistic once stripping out, plumbing, electrics, waterproofing, drying times, and multi-trade coordination are taken into account. Rushed schedules, they warn, are often linked to poor-quality finishes and long-term maintenance issues.

David Gutierrez, FMB London President and Director of FMB member companies AMIC Ltd and Nest Building Group, said: “We see this expectation gap every week. Clients come to us thinking a bathroom renovation will cost £6,000 and be done in five days, and we have to walk them through the reality. Quality work takes time – you're coordinating plumbers, electricians, tilers, sometimes structural work. Rushing it is how you end up with leaking showers and cracked tiles six months down the line.”

Risk of rogue traders exploiting unrealistic expectations

The FMB warns that this mismatch between expectations and actual costs can leave homeowners vulnerable to so-called “cowboy builders” who offer artificially low quotes to win work.

Berry added: “When someone thinks a full bathroom can be done for £3,000 in five days, they're prime targets for cowboys who will take a deposit, do substandard work and disappear. Most homeowners are budgeting for the bathroom they imagine, not the bathroom they'll actually get.”

The organisation says the issue is part of a wider consumer protection problem, with the UK construction sector having seen billions lost to rogue traders in recent years.

When low expectations lead to costly mistakes

One homeowner affected by a poorly executed renovation described the lasting impact of choosing the cheapest quote.

“I don't take baths anymore. It's hard to relax when you look around your bathroom and see thousands of pounds you've wasted,” they said. “Our quote came in at under half the price of installers from the retailer we bought materials from and we thought we'd get a bargain. Instead, we were left with uneven tiles, squiggly sealant, damaged fixtures including our toilet, and a radiator that doesn't work.”

The FMB says cases like this underline the importance of realistic budgeting, proper vetting of tradespeople, and recognising that quality bathroom renovations require both time and investment.

Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go customers are facing price increases from 1 May 2026, with some saying they were given just 10–11 days’ notice of the change.

The tariffs are popular with electric vehicle owners for offering cheaper overnight charging electricity, but both off-peak rates and standing charges are set to rise.

Octopus Energy says the energy price rises are allowed under variable tariff rules and driven by “ongoing global volatility”.

What is Octopus Go?

Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go are smart electricity tariffs designed mainly for electric vehicle owners.

They offer cheaper overnight electricity for a set number of hours – typically five or six – to encourage off-peak charging of EVs at home. The same discounted rate can also apply to other household electricity use during those hours, depending on the tariff.

Intelligent Octopus Go also uses smart charging to automatically schedule EV charging when electricity is cheapest or lowest carbon intensity.

Because usage varies widely between households, overall costs depend heavily on how much charging is done overnight versus daytime use.

What the Octopus Go price increases are

Customers were informed on 20 April that prices will rise from 1 May, affecting both Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go tariffs.

The main change is an increase in the off-peak unit rate, alongside a rise in standing charges of around 52p per month on average, according to customer communications.

Octopus Energy has said the increases reflect “ongoing global volatility”, while noting that the tariffs remain among the cheapest available for EV charging. The company added that variable tariffs can move up or down depending on wholesale costs and policy charges.

Customer reaction and Martin Lewis response

Some Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go customers have expressed frustration after receiving what they say was around 10–11 days’ notice of the price changes coming into effect on 1 May.

Several said the timing was confusing, particularly as rates had only recently been reduced earlier in April.

One customer told the company they were “shocked with the short notice”, while another said the change felt “too quick after the last price drop”, according to messages shared with the supplier.

"Two weeks notice of change. And they say they review every three months. Also wiping out the Government's levy and costing us more than before" another person commented on X.

Writing on X in response to a customer query about the change, MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis said: “Doesn't sound great, but just to be technical. Octopus Go is not a price capped tariff so it didn't move due to drop in Price Cap. It dropped due to the removal of some govt policy costs from energy bills (which is the same reason the cap moved but still they're separate).”

His comments highlight that Octopus Go is a variable tariff, meaning prices can change outside of the energy price cap system depending on supplier costs and policy charges.

Octopus Energy refused to comment specifically on customers concerns when contacted, but they have said the changes are permitted under variable tariff rules and that, despite the increases, the EV tariffs remain among the cheapest available for overnight charging.

Four people have been arrested as part of a £44m fraud investigation linked to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme.

Although the scheme, which required energy suppliers to fund home insulation and heating upgrades for lower-income households, has now closed, investigators believe some firms may have claimed payment for work that was never completed.

The case adds to the growing scrutiny of retrofit insulation programmes in recent years.

What the £44m fraud investigation is about

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), working with the National Crime Agency, carried out coordinated raids across England, arresting four individuals on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

The investigation centres on claims that companies submitted invoices for insulation work under ECO4 that was either not carried out or only partially completed.

Numerous other firms are being examined in connection with contracts between 2022 and 2024. Authorities believe energy suppliers may have been defrauded of up to £44m through false or inflated claims.

SFO director Graham McNulty said: “This scheme was designed to reduce carbon emissions, help households cut costs and stay warm – instead, in many cases we suspect little or no work was done.”

Wider concerns over insulation schemes

The ECO4 programme has previously faced criticism for repeated failures, including inconsistent installation quality, poor workmanship, and limited oversight across a fragmented supply chain of contractors and subcontractors.

Industry commentary and homeowner reports have highlighted cases of insulation being fitted incorrectly, unsuitable measures being installed, and disputes over whether work met required standards.

MPs have also raised concerns in recent years about how effectively schemes like ECO4 were monitored, particularly given the number of separate organisations involved in delivery and compliance checks.

What happens next

The investigation forms part of a wider crackdown on economic crime, with authorities urging installers, assessors and others involved in ECO4 projects to come forward with information.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said: “This scheme was meant to tackle fuel poverty and improve people’s homes. I am sickened by those who want to profit off the back of a scheme designed to help vulnerable people, and I’m confident the SFO’s investigation into allegations of substantial fraud will deliver the answers victims and the public deserve.”

The ECO4 scheme has now ended and is being replaced by the government’s Warm Homes Plan, which will continue funding energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.

A cowboy builder who left a £44,000 home extension in a dangerously unfinished state has been ordered to pay £85,000 in compensation to the homeowners.

The case followed a prolonged dispute in which the couple were arrested after tensions escalated during the breakdown of the project.

A court heard the work left the property without key essentials, including a functioning kitchen, safe structure and proper weatherproofing.

What happened in the extension dispute

Steve Figg, of Figg Construction Ltd, carried out work on a rear extension at the Davies family home in Langdon Hills, Essex, after being hired to create a kitchen and open-plan living space.

The couple told Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court that the project, which began in 2023, quickly deteriorated into what they described as “chaos”, with the home left exposed and unsafe.

The court heard the build was stopped by Basildon Council building control after concerns were raised about compliance with regulations. A council surveyor found issues including unstable foundations and ineffective insulation, with the work described in court as “unsafe, badly executed and repeatedly non-compliant with building regulations”.

District judge Christopher Williams said the work left the property at risk, describing the situation as one of serious failure to meet basic construction standards.

Arrests during the dispute and breakdown in relations

As the dispute escalated, Essex Police were called after allegations were made during a breakdown in relations between the parties.

The couple were arrested and held in police cells for around 22 hours after the builder, who had already taken £44,000 of their money, claimed they were "harassing" him over the project. They were later released with an apology from police officers.

Lucy Davies told the court the experience had left the family overwhelmed by the situation, saying their lives were “overshadowed by complete horror, despair and chaos”. She also described the impact of the failed project, saying: “Your home is your safe space and to have this ripped apart with no timeline of when you can have it back is mental torture.”

Court reports confirmed the arrests formed part of a wider breakdown in communication during the dispute rather than the construction findings themselves.

Court ruling and compensation order

Steve Figg admitted 22 breaches of building regulations and was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to wear an electronic tag for six months.

Figg told the court he regretted the situation but denied acting dishonestly, saying he was not a “cowboy builder” and that the project had become financially unviable.

Figg told the court he regretted what happened, saying: “I’m not a liar, I’m not a conman. I made mistakes and I am sorry.”

Judge Christopher Williams criticised the standard of work in strong terms, adding: “This is the situation you read about in the news and think, ‘How can somebody be so incompetent?’”

In addition, the court ordered him to pay £85,000 in compensation to the homeowners, reflecting both the £44,000 initial contract value and the estimated £28,000 cost of making the property safe and habitable again.

A one-acre former workshop site on the edge of Marham with a varied past including use as part of a military gym and later an engineering premises has been given outline planning permission for potential homebuilders.

The scheme allows for four self-build homes, opening the door to a small, design-led development in a village setting.

With the site now vacant following the closure of its previous business use, it presents a rare consented opportunity for individual builders or small-scale developers looking for a project in a well-connected Norfolk location.

What the plot includes

The plot extends to approximately one acre and comprises a cleared former commercial yard with workshop buildings that are expected to be demolished as part of the approved redevelopment.

It was most recently used for engineering and fabrication before becoming vacant. The freehold site is offered with vacant possession and benefits from established road access on the edge of the village.

Mains water and electricity are connected, including single and three-phase supply, while drainage is currently managed via a private system within the site boundary.

What the planning permission allows

Outline planning permission has been granted for the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of four self-build homes.

The approval establishes the principle of residential development, with detailed matters such as design, layout and appearance to be agreed through subsequent applications.

The planning permission effectively enables a small-scale custom-build scheme, providing flexibility for individually designed homes within the approved development framework.

How the plot is being brought to market

The site is being offered at a guide price of £480,000 and is available freehold with planning already in place, positioning it for self-builders or small developers seeking a consented opportunity.

If you are looking to take on the opportunity then all the details on the site can be found on Plotfinder.

Interested parties are advised to review the outline permission and make direct enquiries via the listing agent for full technical and legal documentation before proceeding.

Changes to recycling collections across England have raised fresh confusion about what households will be expected to pay for.

Some local services already come with fees, while others are covered as part of standard council waste provision.

The key question is whether the new recycling rules give councils more power to charge for bins themselves or whether the position stays the same.

What the new recycling rules actually change

The Simpler Recycling reforms in England come from the Environment Act 2021 and supporting regulations, with implementation guidance from the government.

These changes require councils to standardise collections so most households receive consistent services for key waste streams, including food waste, paper and card, and dry recyclables such as glass, metals and plastics.

The underlying legal duty remains in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This places a requirement on local authorities to collect household waste and provide containers they consider necessary for that service. In practice, this means councils must ensure households can separate and present waste for collection.

The new rules do not introduce a system where households are charged per recycling bin, nor do they remove councils’ existing responsibilities to provide basic waste services.

Can you be forced to pay for recycling bins?

In general, households cannot be forced to pay specifically for standard recycling bins as a standalone charge under UK law.

Graham Flynn, waste management expert and managing director of Anenta, explains: “There is no law in the UK that forces individual householders to pay specifically for a recycling bin itself as a standalone charge. Local authorities are obliged to provide households with the means to separate waste and recycling under the statutory duty to collect household waste and specified recyclable materials, particularly under the new framework that standardises services across councils. Most councils supply standard bins for general waste and recycling at no extra cost beyond council tax.”

However, he notes that charges can still apply in certain situations: “That said, some services optional to the core statutory duty, such as garden waste collections, are commonly charged for by councils on a subscription basis. Those charges are lawful because councils are allowed to set fees for non-statutory waste streams if they wish.”

“In practical terms some councils may apply charges for extra containers on request because the council’s statutory requirement is to provide appropriate containers for the core household service, not unlimited extras.”

This means the legal focus is not on charging for recycling bins themselves, but on whether a request goes beyond the standard service.

How much it could cost and when charges apply

Where charges do appear, they relate to optional or additional services rather than standard recycling provision.

Typical examples include:

• Garden waste collections, often charged annually and varying by council
• Replacement bins if lost or damaged
• Additional bins, such as food waste bins, or extra capacity beyond standard issue

These costs are set locally by councils and can vary significantly across the UK. Some garden waste subscriptions are under £50 per year, while others exceed £100, depending on service levels.

The new recycling rules do not introduce any national requirement for households to pay for recycling bins, but councils still retain discretion over non-statutory services.

Can you avoid paying for recycling services?

Households generally cannot opt out of core waste and recycling services, but they can avoid extra charges in many cases.

Ways to avoid charges include:

• Using standard bins provided as part of the core service
• Avoiding optional garden waste subscriptions
• Composting garden waste at home where appropriate
• Checking council policies before requesting replacements or extras

The key distinction remains between essential waste services, which councils must provide, and optional services, which they may charge for.

The new simpler recycling rules do not create a system where households are forced to pay for recycling bins.

Standard bins remain part of the statutory waste collection service that councils must provide. However, councils can still charge for optional extras such as garden waste collections or additional containers, which is where costs can arise.

Installing an electric vehicle charger at home has become increasingly normal for UK households, but only if you have somewhere to park off-street.

For the millions of homes without driveways, particularly terraced properties and urban housing, the planning system has effectively acted as a barrier, often preventing installation altogether due to rules around cables crossing public pavements.

Now, that is beginning to change. The government is moving to relax planning permission regulations to make it significantly easier to install EV charging for on-street parking, marking one of the most important shifts yet for homeowners who have previously been locked out of home charging.

What is actually being removed

The central change is the extension of permitted development rights to cover certain EV charging installations for homes without driveways.

Under the proposed rules:

• Installing pavement-integrated charging solutions (such as cable gullies) will no longer require planning permission
• Homeowners will be able to proceed without submitting a formal planning application

This brings on-street EV charging closer in line with the rules already in place for properties with off-street parking, where most home chargers are now installed without planning consent.

What still requires approval

While planning permission is being removed from the process, installation is not becoming completely unrestricted, as homeowners will still need approval from the local highways authority and must comply with pavement safety and accessibility requirements.

This means councils will continue to assess whether pavements are suitable for modification, taking into account public safety considerations as well as local street conditions and usage.

So while the planning hurdle is being lifted, local authority oversight remains a key part of the process.

What this means for homeowners and renovators

For those in the homebuilding and renovation space, the change is less about the technology and more about unlocking previously unusable properties.

It means:

• Homes without driveways can now realistically factor EV charging into renovation plans
• Front-of-house electrical layouts may need to be designed with future charging access in mind
• Urban properties could become more competitive as EV ownership grows
• Homeowners without driveways can also claim a grant of up to £500 for EV chargers

It also signals a broader shift in how homes are expected to support transport infrastructure, particularly in densely built areas where off-street parking is limited or non-existent.

The direction of travel

Although the changes are not fully in force yet, the policy direction is clear: planning rules are being adjusted to reflect the reality of modern housing stock and the rapid rise in electric vehicle ownership.

For homeowners and renovators, the key takeaway is that EV charging is no longer being designed solely around driveways and the planning system is starting to adapt accordingly.

Homeowners who are refused planning permission will now find it harder to overturn that decision after new rules came into force on 1 April 2026.

Under changes brought in by the Planning Inspectorate, most appeals will be decided using only the information originally submitted to the local council.

The government says the reforms are intended to speed up the system and keep decisions focused at a local level.

But for people planning extensions, loft conversions or major home improvements, the changes mean there is far less opportunity to strengthen a case after a rejection.

Why your first application now carries more weight

The key change is that your original application now does most of the heavy lifting.

Under the updated rules, inspectors deciding an appeal will generally only consider:

• the plans and documents submitted with the application
• the council’s reasons for refusal
• comments made by neighbours and other consultees at that stage

New reports, revised drawings or additional supporting evidence are usually not allowed later in the process.

Government guidance is explicit that applicants should only appeal if they are confident they have already made a full and complete case - and that appealing should not be used as a way to negotiate or improve a scheme after refusal.

For homeowners planning home improvements, that means getting your application right the first time is more important than ever, whether you are planning a side return extension or converting a loft.

Why it is now harder to challenge a refusal

The appeal system itself has been tightened as most cases will now go through a streamlined written process, and in this route:

• You cannot normally add new evidence that the council has not already seen
• Changes to the design are rarely accepted
• Public comments are limited to those made during the application stage

Guidance also makes clear that the appeal process “should not be used to evolve a scheme”, reinforcing that what is considered at appeal should be essentially the same proposal that was originally refused.

In practice, this shifts the balance. Instead of relying on an appeal to fix problems, many homeowners may now find it more realistic to revise their plans and submit a fresh application.

How will this impact homeowners?

The changes stem from regulations introduced earlier this year, with ministers aiming to create a simpler and quicker appeals process while keeping decisions rooted in local planning authorities.

Official guidance emphasises that limiting new material at appeal stage should encourage applicants to provide all relevant evidence upfront, helping councils make better-informed decisions in the first place.

For homeowners, the message is straightforward. If you are extending, renovating or building, your initial planning submission needs to be thorough, well-evidenced and policy-compliant from the outset.

Once a decision is made, the scope to change course has narrowed significantly - and the appeal is no longer the place to rebuild your case.

More than 200,000 eligible homeowners will receive a leaflet through their letterbox next week advising them how to claim extra funding if they want to upgrade to a heat pump.

Originally announced earlier this year, the uplift in funding from £7,500 to £9,000 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, is targeted at properties in England and Wales that don't connect to mains gas, and are reliant on an oil or LPG boiler.

Coming into force on 21 July 2026, it is hoped the 20% increase will make it more affordable for thousands of homeowners to make the switch.

Why the extra funding is being made available

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) supports the installation of low-carbon heating systems, and is currently capped at £7,500 for households replacing gas boilers.

The higher grant of £9,000 will apply to homeowners in England and Wales who are looking to replace an oil or LPG fed boiler with an air-source or ground-source heat pump.

The government says the change reflects higher upfront costs often faced by rural households upgrading heating systems, and has partly been fuelled by the crisis in the Middle East.

In a government statement, Minister for Energy Consumers, Martin McCluskey, said: "This government is determined to bring down energy bills, but I know the war in the Middle East has hit households on heating oil especially hard. We have already taken action to support these households through confirming over £50 million in support for vulnerable customers on heating oil. Now, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will help thousands of families across England and Wales switch to clean heat to protect them from volatile fossil fuels."

How the process will work

As with all Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants, the heat pump must be installed by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) registered installer, who can apply for the grant on your behalf. The money is paid directly to them, thereby reducing your upfront costs.

If you don't receive a leaflet over the coming weeks, homeowners can also use the official UK government Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility checker on GOV.UK to see if they are eligible. It asks a few basic questions about your home and heating system and tells you if you’re likely to qualify.

However, there are some conditions. There is an end date to the increased amount which is currently stated as March 2027. The same 120-day install window also applies, meaning your installer must commission and install the heat pump within 120 days of applying for the grant.

How your eligibility will be assessed

The leaflet being issued by the government will explain how to assess your suitability, but in essence, a registered installer will also look at your home, confirm eligibility, and complete the application process as part of the installation.

What will then happen is that the installer will typically replace the existing heating system, including removing oil or LPG boilers and install a heat pump as the new main source of heating.

In some cases, additional work such as adjustments to radiators or insulation may be needed, depending on the property.

The higher grant level is intended to make heat pump installations more financially accessible for households facing the highest upfront costs, particularly those replacing oil-based heating systems, and with rising oil costs, the news could come as some relief for rural homeowners.

On the whole, it has been received positively by industry leaders, with Matt Copeland, Head of Policy and Public affairs at National Energy Action saying in response to the government statement: "This is a positive step for households relying on heating oil, who have recently faced the highest and most volatile energy costs. Many families will be expecting to ration their heating in the coming winter, living in homes they cannot afford to keep warm, not through choice but constraint. 

"Supporting the shift to cleaner heating in these homes can help deliver greater stability and lower bills. The real test," he notes, "will be whether this support reaches those most at risk and makes homes genuinely affordable to heat."

A rogue trader has been sentenced after falsifying asbestos test reports to trick homeowners into paying for expensive and unnecessary removal work.

The case came to light after Trading Standards officers discovered the results of accredited laboratory tests had been altered before being shown to customers.

The investigation has raised concerns about how easily asbestos reports can be manipulated before reaching homeowners, leaving them thousands of pounds out of pocket.

What the investigation found

The case involved Andrew Curtis York, who traded as ACFL Asbestos Ltd and carried out asbestos testing and removal work for domestic customers.

The investigation was led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Trading Standards team after concerns were raised about inconsistencies in asbestos reports being provided to homeowners.

Officers discovered that samples sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory showed no asbestos present, but the paperwork given to customers had been changed to indicate the opposite. This meant homeowners were being told their properties were dangerous and required urgent removal work when that was not the case.

Council investigators said York used these altered reports to justify charging for unnecessary work, including one case where a customer was quoted an additional £9,500 for removal that was not needed because no asbestos had been detected.

What the court heard and the fraud revealed

Teesside Crown Court heard that between December 2023 and February 2024, York misled three customers into paying a total of £14,235 for asbestos removal that was not required. The court found he had manipulated official laboratory results to support the false claims.

According to Stockton Council, York altered test certificates from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certified lab “to indicate to his customers that there was asbestos present when the reports had stated there was none.”

The council said the victims also faced additional costs for building work such as boarding and plastering, which would not have been necessary if the correct results had been provided.

York pleaded guilty to four fraud charges and received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to repay the money taken from customers, along with court costs.

Sentencing, council warning, and wider concerns

Speaking after sentencing, Stockton councillor Norma Stephenson described the conduct as “beyond belief,” saying the trader had deliberately altered legitimate test results to “line his own pockets.”

She added that Trading Standards officers had acted quickly to identify victims and prevent further harm, stating that the investigation ensured York was “brought to account.”

The council also issued a wider warning to homeowners, urging people to get multiple quotes and avoid paying large sums upfront for home improvement or removal work.

Officials said the case highlights how important it is for asbestos testing to remain independent and properly verified, as falsified reports can lead to unnecessary fear, disruption, and financial loss.

A neighbour dispute over a washing line has left a homeowner baffled after complaints were made about her garden laundry.

The new neighbour reportedly objected to the sight of the washing, claiming it was affecting her view and suggesting she could contact the council if it continued.

The row has sparked debate online about whether councils can actually take any action in situations like this, or if it is simply a matter of neighbour disagreement.

What the dispute is about

The case was shared on Mumsnet, where the homeowner described a new neighbour objecting to her outdoor washing. She said the neighbour complained that her laundry was “ruining her view” and had even taken photographs of it.

The homeowner explained: “We have a new neighbour who has complained to me about my laundry hanging on the line ruining her view. It’s just run-of-the-mill laundry, no crutchless [sic] knickers or bondage gear, so not offensive.”

She added that the neighbour later escalated the issue, saying: “At first I ignored her, but she later told me she had photographed it and would complain to council.”

The dispute has also widened beyond the washing line, with the homeowner claiming the neighbour has made other complaints about everyday noise and behaviour.

The homeowner’s defence

The homeowner said she was surprised by the complaint and insisted she was simply doing normal household laundry. She questioned whether any rules were preventing outdoor drying and sought advice from others online.

Other forum users strongly supported her, with one saying: “No, there’s no law against hanging washing and the council won’t have any interest in following up a complaint about it.”

Another added: “The council will laugh. Her email will be the subject of much humour, for weeks.”

Overall, commenters suggested the issue was a personal disagreement rather than anything requiring official intervention.

Can the council actually do anything?

In most cases, UK councils have very limited powers over washing lines in private gardens. Hanging laundry outdoors is generally legal, and there is no specific law banning it simply because a neighbour dislikes how it looks.

Councils would usually only step in if something met the threshold of a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, like with tree disputes, which covers serious and ongoing issues such as excessive noise, smoke, or smells that significantly interfere with someone’s enjoyment of their home.

A washing line alone would almost certainly not meet that threshold. In some cases, however, private housing rules or lease agreements can restrict washing in certain visible areas such as front gardens or shared communal spaces.

If a complaint is formally submitted, the council would assess it under statutory nuisance rules, though action over a washing line is considered highly unlikely.