A new crime of ‘squatting’ has been proposed by the Ministry of Justice as part of a range of options designed to protect both home and business property owners from the “misery, stress and incredible hassle” of squatters.
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For most people, the family home is both their greatest asset and largest investment. Choosing that home is likely to be one of the hardest decisions of your life and yet many people still enter into transactions without being fully aware of what they are buying.
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From 1 August 2011, householders could get government funding to help install renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers and solar thermal panels. Money will be available for up to 25,000 installations over the next year, with grants being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
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You may not have thought much about it, but in a difficult static housing market more people are opting for the value-for-money and quiet surroundings afforded by living in a houseboat. Could your future lie on the calm waters of Britain’s lakes and canals?
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The Government has now launched a consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework document, which is ambitiously attempting to distil a 1000 page thesis down to a concise 52 pages.
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A German DIY enthusiast trapped himself in his cellar for two days after ending on the wrong side of a wall he was building.
The man, 64, was sealing off the cellar at his home in Gumperda, near Leipzig, to save on heating bills.
Police suspect he was too proud of his creation to knock it down, so he used a jackhammer to tunnel his way to freedom through his neighbour’s home. Unfortunately, he had been feuding with the neighbours for months and as he emerged he was met by police who are considering charging him with disturbing the peace.
Source:Â The Daily Telegraph 26th November, 2010
The annual Andrew Ludlow awards is a scheme that rewards the hard work of a short listed group of six innovative schemes, each aiming to tackle the problem of homelessness in London. With £50,000 available for a winner and two runners up, this is a valuable source of funds in the fight against destitution that, it seems, may only get harder.
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Anwering such questions as: What is a Smart Meter? Why are they in the News? How do they work? What are the benefits to the consumer? What are the benefits to the utility company? Where can consumers find out more? To read the whole article, click here.
Answering such questions as: What is the difference between a Gargoyle and a Grotesque? What are they for? What is the origin of the word Gargoyle? How long have they been around? Where might I see one? To read the whole article, click here.
Ten things to consider when planting next to your property, or taking on a property with climbing plants in situ. Can it damage the foundations? What sort of plants are best, and which aspect is best for them? Which plants should I avoid? To read the whole article, click here.
