Business
Home repossessions on the decline despite rising mortgage costs

THE LASTEST market analysis from property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau, reveals that since the Bank of England started raising interest rates at the end of 2021, the number of homes being repossessed by money lenders has significantly decreased, bucking the expected trend that more and more people would lose their homes as mortgage payments go up.
In December 2021, the Bank of England started increasing interest rates to try and bring stability to the nation’s economy in the wake of the pandemic, a trend that has continued into 2022 as energy prices and war in Ukraine continue to cause economic turbulence.
As a result of these increases, the number of monthly mortgage approvals in the UK since December 2021 has fallen by -19.2% as borrowing becomes more expensive and prospective homebuyers decide to postpone their ambitions until a more stable time.
But despite this, the impact on the housing market has not been entirely negative because, as Home Buyer Bureau’s research reveals, the rate increase has not yet resulted in a rise in the number of people having their homes repossessed. Instead, there has actually been a significant drop.
In the eight months preceding December 2021, there were 1,739 repossessions across England and Wales.
The latest available data shows that in the months following the rates increase, this number has fallen by -26.1% to a total 1,285 repossessions.
The biggest fall in repossessions has been reported in the East of England where a pre-rates increase total of 70 repossessions has dropped to just 19. This is a -72.9% decrease.
In the South West, 114 repossessions in the eight months before the rates increase has fallen to just 73 in the months since; a drop of -36%. And in the North West, a total of 403 repossessions has dropped by -32.5% to just 272.
The fall in repossessions has also been significant in the North East (-30.8%), South East (-28.2%), London (-25.7%), and West Midlands (-22.7%).
Meanwhile, the drop has been smaller in Yorkshire & Humber (-2%), Wales (-6.4%), and the East Midlands (-9.3%).
Managing Director of House Buyer Bureau, Chris Hodgkinson, commented:
“Interest rate increases are never welcome news for homeowners with mortgages, so it’s going to be a relief for many to see that repossessions have not become more frequent as a result.
But this sharp decrease in repossessions doesn’t necessarily mean that homeowners are having no problem with fulfilling their mortgage. Instead, a key factor will be the fact that lenders are being advised to avoid rash repossessions in the case of payment shortfalls.
They are, for example, being advised to allow homeowners to stay in possession of the property for a reasonable time to enable them to sell the property rather than have it taken away.
So, while this drop in repossessions is preferable to a rise, it doesn’t necessarily mean that people aren’t struggling with payments and we could well see a spike in repossessions over the coming months, as the patience of lenders wears thin when it comes to those unable to fulfil their repayment obligations.”
Business
Government considers new food labelling reforms after overwhelming public support

RSPCA welcomes move towards clearer animal welfare information for consumers
THE RSPCA has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that it will consider mandatory labelling on animal products — a move the charity says could be a “game-changer” for animal welfare.
It follows the long-awaited publication of a consultation on “method of production” labelling, which revealed that 99% of individuals and 86% of organisations (when including imported goods) supported reforms to give consumers clearer information on how farm animals are reared.
The UK Government has pledged to consider the proposal as part of its wider food strategy and animal welfare commitments, expected to be published later this summer.
The consultation, which closed more than a year ago, focused on clearer labelling for pork, chicken, and eggs, but the RSPCA is now calling for the reforms to go further — extending to dairy, fish, and other animal products.
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “The public want to know where their food comes from, so we’re incredibly pleased to see the UK Government finally publish the outcome of this consultation.
“For too long, shoppers have had to rely on voluntary schemes like RSPCA Assured to make informed choices. Introducing clear, consistent, and mandatory labelling has the potential to drive up welfare standards across the board — and give consumers the ability to vote with their wallets.”
The charity launched the #BetterLabelsBetterChoices campaign in 2024, backed by more than 20,000 supporters, urging ministers to make it easier for the public to distinguish between high and low welfare products.
Currently, UK law does not require animal products to state how the animals were reared — despite major differences in welfare standards both within the UK and between international trade partners. The RSPCA has expressed concern that lower welfare imports from countries such as the United States and India could now enter the UK market due to free trade deals.
“There’s a real risk that low welfare products could flood supermarket shelves, undercutting British farmers and leaving shoppers unaware of the standards behind the food they’re buying,” Mr Bowles said.
“Mandatory labelling would give people the tools to make informed decisions and support high welfare British farming.”
The Government also confirmed it is engaging with devolved administrations, suggesting any reforms could be rolled out across all UK nations.
The RSPCA is now urging ministers to act swiftly and to ensure reforms include all animal products — not just meat and eggs — to create a food system that is transparent, consistent, and consumer-friendly.
Business
Delineate launches new community commitment to support local initiatives

We need to think local, but reach global, says business
LLANDYSUL-based firm Delineate has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at supporting community development across the regions where it operates.
The global data and insight company, which has offices in Llandysul, London, and Mexico City, has launched its Community Commitment programme, offering quarterly grant funding for local projects and individuals. The initiative reflects the company’s dedication to creating meaningful, long-term impact at the local level while maintaining a global outlook.
As part of the new scheme, Delineate has also announced its 2025 charity partners—each selected by staff across its international offices. Under the theme of health and wellbeing, the chosen charities are: the DPJ Foundation (a Welsh mental health charity), Dandelion Time (a UK nature-based therapeutic charity), and Granito de Arena (a youth support organisation in Mexico City). Each will benefit from coordinated fundraising activities throughout the year, with all funds raised matched by the company.
Delineate’s CEO and founder, James Turner, said the initiative goes beyond corporate giving:
“Our Community Commitment demonstrates the value we place on building stronger relationships across our communities. By providing opportunities through charitable giving, volunteering, and direct funding, we aim to accelerate the fantastic work that’s already happening on the ground.
“At Delineate, we are more than just an employer. We value the time and energy our colleagues dedicate to strengthening local connections. I’m excited to see how these small steps can help drive meaningful community development from Llandysul to Mexico City and beyond.”
The programme was officially launched by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, who praised the initiative’s local focus and social value.
She said:
“Businesses such as Delineate are supporting our ambitions to grow the Welsh economy—creating quality job opportunities in rural areas while fostering social partnerships and building strong, lasting ties with local communities.
“I am delighted to formally launch the Delineate Community Commitment and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes it will deliver.”
Delineate says the new programme will embed social responsibility more deeply into its business operations, providing a clear sense of purpose and reinforcing the importance of community engagement at every level of the organisation.
Business
Awesome Instagram favourite West Wales ‘pod’ for sale at auction

Its the last word in glamping luxury at just £45,000
AN AWESOME holiday property has become available just in time for a new owner to settle in and grab waves of wonderful rays of sunshine that beat down on arguably Wales’s most historic of seaside towns.
It’s a glamorous glamping pod offering oodles of modern sea holiday comforts with lashings of the most traditional of seaside resorts the feted West Wales County of Pembrokeshire has to offer.
Set in the beautiful holiday site of Redberth Gardens, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, this very popular open plan Glamping Pod offers a wealth of luxury and comfort.

Sean Roper, of South Wales based Paul Fosh Auctions, says the bijou Pembrokeshire property offers the utmost in glamping luxury and is .
Sean says: “The glamping pod we have on offer is glitzy camping taken up a few notches to a completely different level.
“The pod, which is at Redberth, near the historic seaside resort of Tenby, in Pembrokeshire, is bursting with all you could possibly need for a luxury seaside break.
“Set in a beautiful holiday site of Redberth Gardens, the glamping pod is listed with a guide price of just £45,000.
“Accommodating a maximum of four guests, with one double bed and a sofa bed, the pod has a private shower room and a fully fitted kitchen.
“The enclosed outdoor area is packed out with external furniture, bar, tv, projector screen, swing, outside fridge, pool table, outside shower and a free-standing bath. And as if all this is not enough there is also a fire pit and BBQ area.
“This really is the business and what’s more it’s a real favourite with people on instagram!
“This turn key investment, which comes fully managed and what’s even more comforting from an investor’s point of view, with onward bookings from people bursting with enthusiasm to get down to Pembrokeshire and chill at this most marvellous location, is to be sold with all internal and external furniture and fittings including hot tub, pool table and bar.
“The glamping pod, which is to be sold freehold with vacant possession, has proved very popular with holidaymakers over recent years generating an income in 2023 of £73,522 and last year, £81,935. The service charge is just £261.00.”
The Pembrokeshire glamping pod, along with more than eighty other varied lots, is listed for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions which starts at 12 noon, on Tuesday, June 24 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, June 26.
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