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Social Rented Sector
Includes: information on the social rented sector
The British housing crisis, in five charts
26 June, 2017
If you've followed this debate at all, you'll probably be familiar with this one, but it never stops being shocking
Market commentary June 2017
26 June, 2017
The housing market has stalled over the past few months, with volumes in line with our forecast
Dispossession: A vital new film on the social housing crisis
26 June, 2017
The housing crisis is a term we've all heard
Thousands warned their blocks clad with same panelling as Grenfell Tower
23 June, 2017
Guardian inquiries suggests 25 buildings in London, Salford and Plymouth are covered in aluminium composite
Catalogue of failings show housing association misled tenants
23 June, 2017
A catalogue of "fundamental failings" stemming from systemic weaknesses led to Scotland's housing regulator taking control of a troubled housing association
London social housing, eco-friendly homes and the world's first 'vertical pier' in running for top prize
23 June, 2017
The RIBA national award winners are revealed today, and the shortlist for the coveted Stirling Prize for the UK's best building of the year will be drawn from the 49 winners
Safety checks on private residential blocks
22 June, 2017
This letter is intended for owners, landlords and managers of private residential blocks in England
A guide to tenants' housing rights around safety and repairs
22 June, 2017
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, here's where to get help and advice if you're a social housing tenant with questions about your own home
Report on statutory intervention at Wellhouse Housing Association
22 June, 2017
We are the independent regulator of social landlords in Scotland
Grenfell Tower: 16 council inspections failed to stop use of flammable cladding
22 June, 2017
Officials tasked with enforcing strict fire regulations didn't prevent use of material effectively banned on tall buildings
After Grenfell: Glasgow tower tenants set up safety panel
21 June, 2017
Housing association to recruit tenants from 14 of its towers to address safety concerns
Statement on Key Inequalities in Housing and Communities in Northern Ireland
21 June, 2017
The provision of housing faces new as well as existing and persistent challenges
Social housing and rise of 'streets in the sky'
20 June, 2017
The deficiencies of the tower block model for lower-income housing go far beyond the problems of cladding
Government will cover costs of fire safety work
20 June, 2017
LGA chair says minister made funding promise in private conversation about implications of Grenfell Tower fire
Grenfell Tower fire: Theresa May snubs Jeremy Corbyn's call to seize private properties to house high-rise victims
20 June, 2017
Downing Street says: 'We don't support proposals to seize private property'
Communities Secretary statement: safety checks following the Grenfell Tower fire
20 June, 2017
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has given the following statement regarding safety checks following the Grenfell Tower fire
Regulator issues fire safety advice to social landlords
20 June, 2017
The Scottish Housing Regulator written to all social landlords in Scotland to issue fire safety advice following the recent tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London
Angus Housing Association calls for overhaul of housing subsidy system
20 June, 2017
A housing association director has called on the Scottish Government to review the way in which it subsidises councils who want to build new homes
What is it that residents really want?
20 June, 2017
The nature of resident feedback is changing as housing associations realise the benefits of minute-by-minute feedback systems
FactCheck Q&A: how much do we spend on social housing?
19 June, 2017
Who pays for new social housing?
Tories did not build new social housing over fears it would 'create Labour voters'
19 June, 2017
Social housing was not built under the Conservative-led coalition because of fears it would 'create Labour voters'
Government orders landlords to carry out tower block cladding tests
19 June, 2017
The government has told social landlords to carry out tests of cladding on their tower blocks
Fire safety information requests may be diverting landlords
19 June, 2017
The extremely tight deadlines attached to Scottish Government requests to local authorities for information on high rise stock, following last week's tragic fire in West London, may be diverting landlords from even greater priorities over fire safety
London fire: Council seeks to reassure tenants about homes
16 June, 2017
Highland Council has sought to reassure its tenants on the safety of their homes following London's Grenfell Tower fire
Call to cut cost of evictions
16 June, 2017
Housing group says the approach of social landlords to sanctions against tenants can play a pivotal role in preventing eviction and easing costs
Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle review - balanced look at a dysfunctional market
16 June, 2017
Paul Sng's clear-headed documentary successfully crunches vast amounts of material on the history and reality of affordable housing in Britain
'Fit for human habitation' amendment may be reconsidered after London fire
16 June, 2017
A proposed amendment to the government's Housing and Planning Bill which suggests landlords are required to make homes 'fit for human habitation' may be reconsidered following the fire at 27-storey residential block Grenfell Tower this week
Sector calls on government to delay supported housing changes
16 June, 2017
Housing figures have called on the new government to put back controversial plans to change the funding of supported housing, due to the current political hiatus
London blaze cladding material NOT used in Glasgow flats
16 June, 2017
Glasgow's largest housing association has confirmed none of its buildings are insulated using the same material as that in the stricken Grenfell Tower
Housing Association bosses promise 'no cuts' to sheltered housing services
16 June, 2017
Campaigners have pledged to continue their fight against the loss of services to sheltered housing despite bosses assuring there are no plans to make cuts
Three-quarters of all UK social housing blocks found to be 'potentially unsafe in a fire' in 2011 report
14 June, 2017
Hundreds of managers raised concerns following 2009 Camberwell tragedy which killed six people
Associations move to reassure tenants after Grenfell fire
14 June, 2017
Housing associations reassure tenants over fire safety measures for tower blocks
Local authorities to share £1.75bn affordable housing investment
14 June, 2017
More than £1.75 billion is being allocated to councils in a major Scottish Government commitment to stimulate investment in affordable housing
Glasgow Housing Association provides lifeline for residents saving them over £360,000
13 June, 2017
"The fuel advice service makes a real difference to people's lives"
How can councils secure the delivery of more affordable homes?
13 June, 2017
New models, partnerships and innovations
Scottish housing output continues to flatline
13 June, 2017
Whilst the Scottish Government highlights a 29 per cent increase in funding approvals for 'affordable housing', allocating grant is very different to actually building homes
Affordable Passivhaus service set for Scottish social housing sector
13 June, 2017
A new service will be launched tomorrow which aims to provide affordable, Passivhaus-standard social housing in Scotland
Tenant dies in fire at sheltered housing block
13 June, 2017
A man has died in a fire at a sheltered housing block managed by Housing & Care 21
55 sheltered housing fires recorded in Aberdeenshire last year
13 June, 2017
Aberdeenshire is the worst place in the north of Scotland for sheltered housing fires
New £600m social housing procurement framework invites bids
13 June, 2017
Specialist contractors invited to bid for work across Scotland's social housing sector - with support promised to smaller firms
Social housing trust targets £300m listing
12 June, 2017
An investment trust focused on social housing is expected to launch plans for a £300m stock listing on Monday despite the market's volatility since the chaotic snap election
DUP has previously voted against supported housing changes
12 June, 2017
Controversial plans to cap housing benefit in supported housing could come under pressure if the DUP continues to vote against the reforms
Renters make themselves heard at the ballot box
09 June, 2017
Generation Rent finds Tories lost seats with higher than average renter populations
Shared ownership good for HAs but has risks
09 June, 2017
Housing associations can fill unmet capacity for shared ownership but must guard against a fall in house prices
LHA cap will transform social housing in Scotland
09 June, 2017
It's fair to say that we have all been slow to understand the implications of the LHA maxima being applied to social housing
Dundee council homes to benefit from £4m external wall insulation work
08 June, 2017
A near £4 million programme of external wall insulation is to be installed into Dundee City Council homes
Decline in living standards for social housing tenants
08 June, 2017
A third of social housing tenants have seen their standard of living decline in recent years as above-inflation increases have hit food, fuel and transport
Associations plan £750m joint bond deal
08 June, 2017
Thirteen housing associations are in talks to create a pioneering new borrowing group which would seek to issue a joint bond of up to £750m - a record for the sector
Hanover Scotland draws on tenant engagement
07 June, 2017
For the last year, staff, customers and representatives from the Board of Hanover Scotland have been working on a strategy to enable more innovative, meaningful and fun ways of engaging with residents
Newly merged association receives permission for first development
07 June, 2017
Newly merged housing association Vivid has secured planning permission for 560 homes in its first development since its merger
Affordable Rent Special Edition: A cunning plan
07 June, 2017
In 2015, Conservatives promised housing association tenants the right to buy
HomeLet Rental Index
06 June, 2017
The average rental value in the UK (£901) has reduced by 0.3% compared to the same period last year (£904)
Modular construction can make a real difference if social landlords embrace its potential
06 June, 2017
Modular construction methods have come a long way since the post-war heyday of prefabrication
Five myths about migrants and housing
05 June, 2017
What do you know about migrants and where they live? Here are five things often said about migrants' housing rights that are untrue or only partially true
Barwell: new homes for 'social rent' will be let at affordable rent levels
02 June, 2017
A "new generation of homes for social rent" promised by the Conservatives will be at affordable rent levels which can be up to 80% of the market rate
Nottingham ALMO to set up new housing association
02 June, 2017
The largest developing ALMO is planning to set up a registered housing association as it looks to step up its development of affordable homes
Scottish landlords round on 'brutal' Universal Credit
02 June, 2017
Housing associations and local authorities in Scotland have urged the UK government to reconsider on the policy
Top 50 Social Landlords: The Top 10
02 June, 2017
With entries closed, here's our top 10 - and how to vote for your winner
Councils called out over letting fee enforcement
02 June, 2017
Research exposes extent to which councils have failed to tackle non-compliance
Cumbrian housing association judged non-compliant over financial issues
01 June, 2017
The housing regulator has issued a heavy downgrade for a Cumbria-based housing association, warning it was failing to mitigate risks and could have placed its financial viability in danger
May: I want to work with local authorities and housing associations
01 June, 2017
Theresa May has said she wants to work with the public sector on housing to get more homes built
LHA cap could jeopardise Scotland's 50,000 homes target
01 June, 2017
Senior council staff in Scotland have warned linking LHA to social housing could jeopardise the Scottish Government's target to build 50,000 affordable homes
Right to Buy is costing the public purse millions of pounds
31 May, 2017
David Baybut, Head of Real Estate at the national law firm Stephensons shares insight into the government's Right to Buy scheme
Deregulation: A limited new dawning for housing associations
31 May, 2017
A brave new world of deregulation apparently dawned for Housing Associations on 6 April this year when provisions from the Housing and Planning Act 2016 came into force
Scottish Government to bring forward reclassification bill in September
31 May, 2017
The Scottish Government will bring forward legislation to reverse the reclassification of housing associations in Scotland this September
Election 2017: what do the manifestos say about housing?
31 May, 2017
Although Brexit was the driving force behind the Prime Minister's decision to call an early election, it has provided an opportunity to draw attention to the serious housing issues we're facing
Smaller housing associations can play their part in delivering new homes
30 May, 2017
Through new approaches, smaller housing associations make a valuable contribution to new supply in this country
Housing For Older People
30 May, 2017
Rented sheltered housing does not meet the needs of 25% of older households
Low-paid must cover rent by working equivalent of morning per day, says Shelter
30 May, 2017
Low-paid workers are slogging for the equivalent of a morning per day just to cover the cost of their rent
Charities call on associations to provide Housing First accommodation
26 May, 2017
A homelessness charity has called on social landlords to provide homes for Housing First programmes across the country
Major UK landlord scraps rental deposits
26 May, 2017
Get Living to abolish deposit-taking and return security deposits to its 3,000 residents
Revealed: less than half of Right to Buy replacements are for social rent
26 May, 2017
Less than half of the council homes built to replace those sold under the Right to Buy are at social rents
UKIP slams housing associations as 'unaccountable' in manifesto
26 May, 2017
The UK Independence Party has set out its housing proposals in a manifesto - with a section on reviewing housing associations
The snap Election at a glance - what does it mean for the housing industry?
25 May, 2017
When it comes to the Snap Election, distinguishing the political jargon from the facts can be a tricky task
How many homes did housing associations build in 2016/17?
25 May, 2017
A briefing on the number of homes housing associations developed last year
Pledge to migrants signed by 18 housing associations
25 May, 2017
Backed by the NHF and BMENational, the pledge is launched at the Migrants' Access to Housing Conference next month
Homeless families 'told to sleep in Garda stations'
25 May, 2017
Several homeless families were advised to stay overnight in Garda (Irish police) stations earlier this week due to a lack of emergency accommodation
Comms teams to 'step back' and let tenants speak
24 May, 2017
Communications teams should be taking a step back and letting tenants tell their own tales, a conference has agreed
Rent Arrears: The human element
24 May, 2017
Rent arrears is a perennial issue for social landlords, as welfare reforms hit tenants and increases the risk they'll fall behind with their payments
Councils defend record after Tory manifesto criticism
24 May, 2017
Councils have defended their housebuilding record, after the Conservative Party manifesto branded them among the "worst offenders" in "failing to build sustainable and integrated communities"
"Associations haven't lost their social purpose"
24 May, 2017
Sasha Deepwell is one of the sector's newest chief executives
Councils warn of now 'severe' need for affordable homes
23 May, 2017
Survey of 166 local authorities in Britain highlights the pressure to meet demand for affordable housing - and the cumulative impact of present policy
Councils 'not informed' when receiving homeless Londoners
23 May, 2017
Councils in south-east England say they are often not told when homeless families are sent to their areas by London boroughs who cannot house them
Social housing is good. But let's make it beautiful too
22 May, 2017
The big parties speak only of practicalities. Perhaps they should try focusing on aesthetics for a change
The parties' manifestos prove housing associations are key to ending the housing crisis
22 May, 2017
Last week saw the three major political parties publish their manifestos ahead of the general election
The introduction of the LHA cap to the social rented sector: impact on young people in Scotland
22 May, 2017
21,000 young Scots face losing over £22m in rent from planned LHA cap
Associations call for rent freedom after Tories pledge 'flexibility'
22 May, 2017
Housing association bosses have urged the next government to let them set their own rents
Delivering social housing on a budget: can Housing Delivery Vehicles lead to a resurgence of affordable housebuilding?
19 May, 2017
Between 2010 and 2015 local government faced upwards of £18bn in real terms cuts, losing on average 20% of its spending power
Not for profit sector 'should provide affordable rented homes'
19 May, 2017
Housing associations should provide non-profit rented housing to tackle soaring rents, Maria Bailey TD tells audience at Dublin Castle housing conference
Sustainable Social Housing... How an eco cabin built entirely from waste shows it can be done
18 May, 2017
Scottish recycling expert, Angus Carnie has built an eco cabin in his native Carnoustie, Dundee, using only materials that were free
Tory social housing 'deals' plan builds on existing work with three councils
18 May, 2017
Ongoing behind-the-scenes work with three councils will form the basis of flagship Conservative plans for 'bespoke deals' to build social rented housing
Luxury development boss calls Right to Buy a 'catastrophe'
17 May, 2017
Dean Clifford of Great Marlborough Estates says today's Tories must avoid "Margaret Thatcher's mistakes" over social housing
Associations in merger talks to form largest social landlord in South West
17 May, 2017
South West landlords DCH and Knightstone are in talks over a merger to form the region's largest housing association
Greens make 500,000 new social rented homes pledge
17 May, 2017
The Green Party makes a manifesto commitment to a national programme of home insulation and retrofitting
East Hertfordshire chief inspector warns drug dealers in social housing will lose their homes
16 May, 2017
Anyone dealing drugs from social housing in breach of their tenancy agreements will lose their homes
Conservatives' flagship CPO plans for social rent 'could face legal challenge'
16 May, 2017
Tory plans to overhaul compulsory purchase laws to boost social housing provision could be challenged in parliament and through the courts
Conservatives' social rent plans: 10 unanswered questions
16 May, 2017
The big announcement about a "new generation of social rent" by the Conservatives has produced more questions than answers
General election 2017: The case for living rent homes
16 May, 2017
There is consensus across all parties that England's housing market is broken
Vendor who hoped to raise £3.75m through house sale raffle 'bought it cheaply under Right to Buy'
15 May, 2017
A home owner who hoped to raise £3.75m by raffling her property reportedly bought it for £360,000 just three years ago under the Right to Buy scheme
Vast majority of social rents could increase without breaching LHA levels
15 May, 2017
At least 88% of social rented homes in England could have their rents increased without exceeding the LHA cap
One in three 'rent-burdened Brits' borrow to cover home costs
12 May, 2017
One in three low-earning tenants in Britain has had to borrow money to cover rent
If people in work struggle with rent, what hope for people out of work?
12 May, 2017
Millions of hard-working people can't afford to move. They are trapped by a housing system that has sold off social housing
LHA cap 'would lock 84% of young renters out of market in South East'
12 May, 2017
The government's plans to cap housing benefit at LHA levels would lock 84% of young people in low-paid, insecure jobs out of all housing options in the South East
Capping aspiration: The millennial housing challenge
12 May, 2017
Young people in low-paid, insecure jobs are being locked out of all housing options in the south east, including social housing
Regulator proposes using Sector Scorecard to assess value for money
12 May, 2017
The social housing regulator will launch a consultation on its Value for Money Standard, which will propose using the newly developed Sector Scorecard to police efficiency
Labour's 100,000 homes pledge makes 'leaked' manifesto
11 May, 2017
Draft manifesto references ordering councils to build 100,000 new council homes a year under a new Department for Housing
Social landlords have duty to protect the majority from smoke
11 May, 2017
Professor John Middleton defends his controversial proposal for a smoking 'ban' in social housing developments
West Midlands associations consider using choice-based lettings for Right to Buy
11 May, 2017
Housing associations in the West Midlands are considering using the region's choice-based lettings system to help those in ineligible properties for the Right to Buy identify alternative homes
Kick-starting the social housing programme
10 May, 2017
The social housing sector in the UK is big, valued at more than £300bn
Fighting fit: the sheltered housing schemes adapting to new challenges
10 May, 2017
Cuts to supported accommodation can lead to a sense of community and tackle isolation if residents pull together and have a say in new services
Housing Associations and Mental Health support to tenants in Wales
10 May, 2017
The relationship between housing and mental health is one that has been shown, in numerous studies, to have several causal links
Council to build shared affordable housing due to welfare reform
10 May, 2017
The first Welsh authority to experience full roll-out of Universal Credit is planning to build more shared accommodation
Scotland's first urban right to buy
10 May, 2017
A community group in Edinburgh is set to become the first organisation in an urban area to benefit from community right to buy powers
People in Derry living in temporary accommodation as social housing provides cannot compete with private developers for land
09 May, 2017
People in Derry are being forced to live in temporary accommodation because social housing providers cannot compete with private developers when buying vacant land
Regulatory Reform of Registered Social Landlords
09 May, 2017
In September 2016, the Office of National Statistics reclassified Registered Social Landlords for UK national accounting purposes as public, non-financial corporations
Sector bosses warn against social housing smoking ban
09 May, 2017
Housing association bosses have warned against a leading public health figure's call to impose non-smoking conditions on social housing tenants
London rents fall for first time since 2009 amid post-Brexit vote slowdown
08 May, 2017
Year-on-year fall of 1.2% is good news for tenants looking to move or negotiate with landlords as recent new-build property comes onto rental market
Councils accused of leaving houses empty to get grants
08 May, 2017
Councils are deliberately leaving houses vacant for long periods of time to qualify for Department of Housing funding schemes
Smoking should be banned in council housing
08 May, 2017
Housing association tenants would sign non-smoking agreement under proposed plans
Sector tells government it is time to listen on LHA cap
08 May, 2017
The government has been urged to listen to the recommendation of two cross-party committees and ditch controversial plans to cap benefit for supported housing tenants at LHA rates
A Conservative election victory could spell the end of council housing
05 May, 2017
The Tories have declared war on social housing - yet we have an ownership system so broken that inheritance is the only answer
LGA: 'make councils home builders again'
05 May, 2017
Election call for political parties to commit to councils resuming their 'historic role' as the builders of affordable housing
Tenants can help us change the narrative
05 May, 2017
Here at Tpas we believe a big part of our role is to create the conversations that matter, be that on a local, regional or national level
Welsh Government considering LHA top-up alternatives
05 May, 2017
The Welsh Government is looking for alternatives to the top-up system proposed by central government to help offset the LHA cap's impact on supported housing
Council spend on temporary housing now five times more than in 2011/2012
04 May, 2017
We're seeing a real shortage in supply of affordable temporary accommodation and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find any places in Southwark
West Midlands 'selected' as Right to Buy pilot region
04 May, 2017
The government is understood to have chosen the West Midlands as the area for its regional Right to Buy pilot prior to calling the snap election
Socially rented homes can help tackle north-east's housing shortage
04 May, 2017
A north-east developer has called for a rethink on how the housing crisis is tackled and says more socially rented homes can be built
Exploring clusters in social housing data
04 May, 2017
There is growing interest in the social housing sector in learning more about customers and properties using 'data mining' techniques applied to combinations of data held by landlords and external agencies
Eviction trends reveal human cost of Universal Credit roll-out and welfare reform
03 May, 2017
Eviction by social landlords may have increased in recent years
SFHA welcomes Select Committees' call to scrap use of LHA rates to fund supported housing
03 May, 2017
Two House of Commons committees have called on the UK Government to scrap plans to base rent allowances for supported housing tenants on LHA rates
Town halls buy back Right-to-Buy homes
03 May, 2017
Councils have spent millions buying back homes they sold at a discount under Right-to-Buy laws to meet housing shortages
MPs urge government to drop LHA cap plan for supported housing
02 May, 2017
MPs are calling on the government to abandon plans to base supported housing funding on Local Housing Allowance rates
London council investigates mistaken call for temporary accommodation payment
02 May, 2017
Westminster Council has launched an urgent investigation after a letter was sent to households in temporary accommodation telling them their possessions could be destroyed if they did not pay a weekly storage charge
Renters 'at risk' over TV licence fee
02 May, 2017
Risk to renters raised in Commons committee report critical of current TV licence collection and enforcement contract
Abolition of the Right to Buy and Associated Rights (Wales) Bill
02 May, 2017
An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to make provision for the abolition of the right to buy, the right to acquire and associated rights; and for connected purposes
The Housing Association Right to Buy - how to get out of a manifesto pickle
28 April, 2017
It was a Conservative manifesto commitment to extend the Right to Buy to housing association tenants
Wales ponders alternative LHA model
28 April, 2017
Cabinet secretary for communities and children has said maybe now is the time for a "made in Wales" solution
Britain needs urgent change to the way we regulate our social housing sector
27 April, 2017
Complaints about the country's 2,500 housing associations are growing. We need better ways to check they are still fit for purpose
Some social sector evictions 'unavoidable' due to political and economic climate
27 April, 2017
Social landlords can't immunise themselves against the impact of the political and economic landscape
The role of housing in determining living standards and life chances
27 April, 2017
Living in social housing is strongly associated with various types of disadvantage
Councils sitting on 23,000 vacant residential properties
27 April, 2017
Local authorities are holding onto over 23,000 vacant residential properties
Three-quarters of social landlords implementing major change
27 April, 2017
Three-quarters of social landlords will be implementing a "major change programme" such as a merger, restructure or overhaul of IT systems over the next year
It's not perverse of housing associations to build homes - that is their purpose
27 April, 2017
We'd all love more public money going into genuinely affordable rented homes, but that's not going to happen. We have found our own way forward
Labour councils outbuild Tory authorities
27 April, 2017
Labour councils are building 50% more houses than their Conservative counterparts
Have the Conservatives really built twice as much council housing as Labour?
27 April, 2017
Not for the first time, today's Prime Minister's Questions featured a Jeremy Corbyn question on housing
Evictions by social landlords in Scotland 2012-2016
27 April, 2017
This research report looks at social sector evictions due to rent arrears in Scotland over the last four years
Councils will soon have a legal duty to prevent homelessness. What can they do?
26 April, 2017
With very little extra cash, councils need new ideas to join up local services and tackle the growing challenge of homelessness
Court finds housing association not liable in water bill claim
25 April, 2017
The High Court has ruled that a housing association is not liable to compensate tenants for water bills, in the latest case in a saga over alleged overpayments
Newly merged association retains credit rating
24 April, 2017
A newly merged housing association has retained its strong credit rating
Housing associations are critically important, but have lost their way
24 April, 2017
Too many housing associations have focused on being developers. They have lost sight of their mission to provide good homes at genuinely affordable prices
Rent hike threat for tenants over FoI laws
24 April, 2017
Rents could be hiked to meet housing association FoI costs
The social value of sheltered housing
21 April, 2017
The study has put a conservative estimate on the social value saving made by sheltered housing at close to half a billion pounds a year
Clarion plots 10,000-home sale amid growing rationalisation
21 April, 2017
The UK's largest housing association is making plans to sell up to 10,000 units over the coming years, as social landlords step up stock rationalisation amid an efficiency drive
Social Housing: Definitions and Design Exemplars, by Alexander Boxill
21 April, 2017
Alexander Boxill has designed a book and accompanying exhibition titled Social Housing: Definitions and Design Exemplar
Social housing is becoming 'increasingly commercialised'
20 April, 2017
The social housing sector has become 'increasingly commercialised' as housing associations look for new ways to make money
West of England mayoral election: Liberal Democrat pledges to establish housing association
20 April, 2017
The Liberal Democrat candidate in the race to become the first West of England mayor has pledged to set up a new state-owned housing association if elected
Right to Buy: Should It Stay or Should It Go?
19 April, 2017
Leading Bridging Loans Provider Discusses UK Gov's Increasingly Debated Scheme for Council Tenants
Civitas announces £11.5m buy of social housing portfolio
19 April, 2017
Acquisition includes 10 care homes and 79 tenancies across the Midlands
Social Housing Vacancies, Lettings and Rent Arrears, 2015-16 - Revised
19 April, 2017
Social housing refers to dwellings, bedsits and bed spaces owned, or partly owned, by Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords
Social housing places for rent in Wales dip
18 April, 2017
Places available for social housing in Wales have dropped for the first time in five years
Guilt by association: the housing developments that went sour
18 April, 2017
Housing associations have been run for the good of tenants and communities since the 19th century
With greater control over rent-setting, housing associations could deliver more
13 April, 2017
How far do I think the Government trusts housing associations to deliver? A year ago, I would have replied 'not at all', but the political landscape is shifting
Salford council is going to start buying up homes to tackle the city's housing crisis
13 April, 2017
Town hall bosses will have first dibs at any former Right to Buy properties before they're offered to private buyers
Social tenants struggling with unaffordable lives
12 April, 2017
That one in four low-income households struggle to eat regularly or healthily because of food costs, and that inflation in food and fuel are about to soar, should flash a warning light to the social housing sector
Manchester providers offer to pilot alternative to LHA cap
12 April, 2017
Social landlords in Greater Manchester have offered to run a regional pilot of an alternative to the controversial Local Housing Allowance cap
Housing associations face storm of complaints over new-build homes
12 April, 2017
Residents of London developments built with public funding tell of damp, lack of security, rats and poor customer service
Over 1,000 social housing tenants evicted in London
12 April, 2017
In just one year, thousands of social housing tenants have been evicted - but our exclusive investigation has some worrying undertones, such as data collection
Concerns over Right to Rent checks in Wales
12 April, 2017
Right to Rent checks are currently in place across England following a trial period in 2015
MPs call for sweeping changes to housing association regulation
12 April, 2017
Demand comes after Guardian investigation uncovered issues including damp and rats at newbuild developments
Birmingham braced for thousands of housing association sales
11 April, 2017
As many as 3,111 socially-rented homes in the West Midlands could be sold by 2023
One in five LGBT+ people expect to be treated worse when applying for social housing
11 April, 2017
Social housing providers perform well in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index
Civil penalties under the Housing and Planning Act 2016
11 April, 2017
Guidance for Local Housing Authorities
'No one calls the housing association repairs line. There's no point'
11 April, 2017
Victoria Musguin says she has suffered flooding and loss of hot water for weeks at a time at her newly built flat
Housing association 'let waste pile up in estate because residents fought parking charge hike'
11 April, 2017
Stockwell Gardens Residents' Association in Lambeth says the company put up the price of parking permits and increased enforcement hours to evenings and weekends
You'll never fix the broken market without social housing
11 April, 2017
The Government's much-anticipated repair-plan for Britain's broken housing market is missing a critical part of the fix
The potential impact of Brexit on housing associations in Scotland
11 April, 2017
Summary report and next steps
Filling the Void: Empty Homes Strategy 2016/19
11 April, 2017
Addressing long term empty homes, those empty for more than six months, is a priority for the Council and partners
Renting in London: rents in the capital continue to fall thanks to a greater choice of homes available for London tenants
10 April, 2017
London rents have dropped 4.2 per cent in a year, but prices are on the rise in cheaper areas
'Dirty flat' protest lands Bedford social housing tenant in the dock
10 April, 2017
A bible studies group leader could be kicked out of his social housing flat after refusing to pay rent in protest at poor living conditions
Ending the Right to Buy: Abolition of the Right to Buy and Associated Rights (Wales) Bill
10 April, 2017
A Bill is a draft law. Once a Bill has been considered and passed by the Assembly and given Royal Assent by the Monarch, it becomes an 'Act of the Assembly'
L&G: confidence in associations has dropped
07 April, 2017
Legal & General's confidence in housing association lending has dropped on the back of deregulation and rent cuts
Sajid Javid to make changes to Help to Buy loans
07 April, 2017
Sajid Javid has told housebuilders that he will make changes to Help to Buy loans to help boost the housing market
Students challenged to cut cost of housebuilding
07 April, 2017
University students are being challenged by Bromford to come up with innovative ways to slash the cost of building supported living homes
Redbridge Council pledges better temporary accommodation as mother shares her horror story
07 April, 2017
A mother of four says she feels helpless after spending five years in temporary accommodation
Call for evidence for housing intervention evaluations
06 April, 2017
A non-profit organisation has issued a call for evidence to housing associations, local authorities, housing charities or any other organisations for evaluations of housing interventions
A new name and an exciting new era
06 April, 2017
Three of the North's leading social landlords have today launched a new regionwide landlord known as Karbon Homes
How can housing associations help to reduce reoffending?
05 April, 2017
Scottish Prison Service details how housing associations can help those leaving
Government rejects CLG committee recommendation on Right to Buy
05 April, 2017
In a response to a CLG committee report on housing associations and the Right to Buy, the government has rejected appeals to fund the policy
Social housing boost for Galliford Try
04 April, 2017
Galliford Try Partnerships has signed a £128m contract with Notting Hill Housing to build phase two of the Great Eastern Quays development at the Royal Docks in London
Record Help to Buy equity loans in last quarter of 2016
31 March, 2017
The government made more than 12,000 Help to Buy equity loans in the last three months of 2016
Troubled housing association put tenants at risk
30 March, 2017
Serious governance failure identified at Glasgow HA
Healey warns housebuilders over Help to Buy figures
30 March, 2017
With Help to Buy figures out, Shadow Housing Secretary warns housebuilders: improve or risk losing cash
Help to Buy used by over a million
30 March, 2017
More than 259,000 people have already bought a home using one of the government's flagship Help to Buy schemes, and over 868,000 have opened a Help to buy: ISA
Change afoot for homeless families on Universal Credit?
30 March, 2017
Paying housing costs through Universal Credit is causing problems for tenants, landlords and local councils alike
Council to invest £1bn in social housing
30 March, 2017
Stevenage Council are set to invest £1bn in council housing, in a 30-year investment plan
Associations should publish half-yearly accounts
29 March, 2017
Housing associations should publish half-year accounts and report all market-sensitive disclosures on their website to comply with the needs of investors
West Ham tenants' anger over 40 per cent rent hike
29 March, 2017
A group of tenants is up in arms after their landlord announced a 40 per cent rent hike
Councils welcome government's Universal Credit U-turn
29 March, 2017
Councils have welcomed the government's move to make households that are made homeless exempt from Universal Credit following reports rent arrears bills have started to rack up
Government will use Help to Buy to police leasehold practices
29 March, 2017
The government will only support builders which adopt "acceptable terms" to leasehold properties with its Help to Buy Equity Loan programme
Lenders are continuing to invest in social housing
29 March, 2017
Lenders are continuing to invest in the Scottish social housing sector and registered social landlords continue to have access to sufficient finance
DCLG opens talks with associations over rent setting post-2020
28 March, 2017
Civil servants have opened talks with the sector over rent setting post-2020, with a return to an inflation-linked deal among the options discussed
Blackburn man stripped housing association flat after eviction notice
28 March, 2017
A man who was told he was being kicked out of his housing association flat responded by stripping the property
Homes for social house sharing
28 March, 2017
Development pilot in Kent sees homes built for social tenants to share
How one council is beating Britain's housing crisis
27 March, 2017
Fancy a three-bed semi with a garden for £152,000? Or rent at less than £500 per month? Sheffield is showing other local authorities how to build again
High Court leaves council's affordable housing policy in limbo
24 March, 2017
Ruling has implications for authorities across the country over the interpretation of development policies
The future is private
24 March, 2017
The current level of grant funding in Scotland is a fantastic opportunity for housing associations to drive up the delivery of new affordable homes
Right to Buy extension pilot could damage supply in West Midlands
24 March, 2017
A West Midlands pilot of the Right to Buy for housing associations could add to stock pressures in the region
Civil servant quizzed over supported housing funding rationale
24 March, 2017
The government plans to use LHA rates as a measure for capping benefit in supported housing because they are "already there" a senior civil servant has admitted
Charities criticise 'woefully insufficient' government fund to address LHA rate freeze
23 March, 2017
Charities have slammed a government fund intended to mitigate the worst effects of the Local Housing Allowance freeze
LibDem's Farron condemns right-to-buy figures as selling a city to build a village
23 March, 2017
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has hit out at the lack of replacement council homes built or acquired to replace those sold off under the Government's reinvigorated right-to-buy policy
End of Help to Buy needs to be managed carefully to protect the market
22 March, 2017
The Government must work out a way to "sensibly exit" its Help to Buy home buying policy in order to protect housebuilders
UK rental growth slowest in four years
21 March, 2017
The pace of UK rental growth has slowed to its lowest level since 2013 as the government begins to shift its stance away from homeownership
The state of the UK rental market
20 March, 2017
Rents across the UK continued to grow in 2016, rising by 1.12% between January and November, but the pace of growth slowed to half the 2.34% seen over the same period in 2015
Wales: abolition of Right to Buy heads 'home'
20 March, 2017
Major consultation targets social housing tenants, prospective tenants and those who have bought homes under the scheme
Barwell: West Midlands 'strong contender' for Right to Buy pilot
20 March, 2017
Gavin Barwell has said the West Midlands is a "strong contender" for the regional pilot scheme of the Right to Buy extension
Government replaces just 1 in 5 affordable homes sold under Right to Buy
17 March, 2017
Lib Dems seize on newly released DCLG Right to Buy stats to go at the government again - soon after winning a crucial concession
Bedford MP presses government to deliver 'right to buy' for housing association tenants
17 March, 2017
Mr Fuller urged the Minister to fulfil the government's manifesto pledge to remove the unfairness in law that denies housing association tenants the right to buy their home
Pay-to-Stay changes stopped
16 March, 2017
Pay-to-Stay - a proposal to increase local authority housing rents for higher earners - will not be implemented by St Albans City and District Council
A dozen associations 'have 2,000 supported housing units on hold'
16 March, 2017
A dozen housing associations have almost 2,000 partially developed supported housing units on hold due to uncertainty over funding
Future proofing housing supply
15 March, 2017
A report from the housing forum working group on new solutions to boost housing supply
Economic sentiment among associations 'at highest point since crash'
15 March, 2017
Economic sentiment among housing associations is at its highest level since the financial crisis
Housing associations and councils to give LHA evidence to UK parliamentary committees
15 March, 2017
The UK Parliament's work and pensions and communities and local government committees will hear from housing associations and local authorities
March for homes planned to take on Tories attack on social housing
15 March, 2017
Housing activists have called a national demonstration for 24 June to go on the offensive against Tory attacks on social housing
Scottish Government launches scrutiny guide for tenants
15 March, 2017
The Scottish Government has urged tenants to use a new guide to scrutinise social landlords in order to improve services
Social housing retrofit survey shows data 'key to success'
14 March, 2017
Social housing providers put £120m into retrofitting projects over the past year
Is this the beginning of the end for Right to Buy in the UK?
14 March, 2017
The Welsh Government has introduced legislation to end the Right to Buy scheme in the country, triggering suggestions that England could follow suit as social rental housing continues its decline
Lack of robust thinking on affordable housing
14 March, 2017
The co-leader of the Green Party says the leading opposition parties are not doing enough to make the case for genuinely affordable housing
Crime In The Private & Social Housing Sectors
14 March, 2017
Paul Shamplina from Landlord Action, Stephen Gabriel of Sandwell Borough Council & Katrina Robinson join Richard Blanco to explain the nature of crime in the private and social housing sectors
Northern Irish tenants could be hit with surprise bedroom tax
14 March, 2017
Up to 1,500 social housing tenants could be hit by the bedroom tax if they move home
Why Right to Buy was 'the only good thing Thatcher did for Wales', according to the people it helped
14 March, 2017
More than 139,000 housing units in Wales have been bought by tenants since 1980
Civitas Social Housing buys supported living properties for £9.1m
13 March, 2017
London-listed investment trust Civitas Social Housing has bought a portfolio of supported living properties across Britain for £9.1m
Associations will not build supported housing without LHA cap certainty
13 March, 2017
Housing associations will not spend government funding earmarked for supported housing schemes unless more certainty is given over the Local Housing Allowance cap
The end of Right to Buy in Wales
13 March, 2017
As Wales consigns the Right to Buy to history, Westminster seems hellbent on the destruction of value created in the past
Council commits to mitigating Bedroom Tax
10 March, 2017
The City of Cardiff Council has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting council tenants affected by the Bedroom Tax
Two councils publish league tables on how much agents charge tenants
10 March, 2017
New data on how much local letting agents charge in tenants' fees has been published by the councils of Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove
Councils should be able to borrow against existing properties
10 March, 2017
Councils should be able to borrow against existing properties to increase housebuilding at a local level
The sector in stats
10 March, 2017
The UK Housing Review, published by the Chartered Institute of Housing this week, consists of more than 200 charts and tables
Tax reforms harming access to rented housing for 'vulnerable tenants'
09 March, 2017
Vulnerable tenants are finding it harder to access rented housing because of tax changes being introduced by the Government
The Experience of Universal Credit: A Tenant's Perspective
09 March, 2017
Housing Associations in Wales provide 158,000 affordable homes and housing related services to around 10% of the Welsh population
Government will not legislate for Right to Buy extension
08 March, 2017
The government will not legislate to force councils to extend the Right to Buy to affordable homes built through their housing companies
£70 million to build new council homes and ease Cambridge's housing crisis
08 March, 2017
The cash would pay for 500 new homes to be built in the city within five years
Extra £47m to tackle hated bedroom tax
07 March, 2017
Ministers announce more funding to counteract bedroom tax in Scotland
Housing shortage forces councils to spend £2 million a day on temporary accommodation
06 March, 2017
A chronic shortage of affordable housing is forcing cash-strapped councils to spend more than £2 million a day on temporary accommodation for homeless families
London Councils claim extra £470m could be spent on housebuilding if boroughs were allowed to keep all RTB receipts
06 March, 2017
If the Government slashed red tape and let them keep receipts from right-to-buy sales, then London's borough councils would have an extra £470 million to spend on building new homes
Social landlords need to be 'more open' to complaints
03 March, 2017
Some Scottish social landlords need to be "more open and responsive" to complaints
Three quarters of associations want rent freedom
03 March, 2017
More than three quarters of housing associations support having rent freedom
Councils forced to pay £800m in RTB cash back to Treasury
02 March, 2017
Labour on the attack saying the sum could have built more than 12,500 new homes
Where are UK renters most satisfied?
02 March, 2017
A new survey has revealed whereabouts in the UK renters are most and least satisfied
Right to Buy 'only justifiable' if replacements built
01 March, 2017
The housing minister has pledged to look again at Right to Buy rules after he said the policy is "only politically justifiable" if the government is delivering replacement homes
Barwell: 1% rent cut unhelpful for development plans
01 March, 2017
The housing minister has admitted the 1% rent cut has not helped housing associations and councils increase the number of homes they can build
South West social landlord securing rent intelligently
28 February, 2017
North Devon Homes is using data to collect rent efficiently whilst also keeping tenants in their homes
Housing associations call for long-term plan for supported housing
28 February, 2017
Three of Scotland's largest housing associations have joined together to urge the Scottish Government to find a solution on how to fund supported housing
Council pleads guilty to Lakanal House fire safety failures
27 February, 2017
Southwark Council expressed its "sincere regret" today as it pleaded guilty to fire safety failures relating to a tower block fire that killed six people
Councils seek to plug budget holes as rent cut bites
24 February, 2017
Councils are boosting their income through service charge rises and other fee increases as pressure from the 1% rent cut on Housing Revenue Accounts ramps up
Bristol Council forced to cut housing target
24 February, 2017
Bristol City Council has been forced to cut its target to build 1,000 homes as it seeks to make savings in its Housing Revenue Account
Welsh councils hike rents to boost investment
24 February, 2017
Welsh councils are raising rents by up to 5.2% next year to fund investment of almost £200m in existing and new homes
Welsh Government ends councils Right to Buy duty
24 February, 2017
Right to Buy is to be suspended in Flintshire for five years to ensure social housing is available for those who need it
Breaking the Cycle
24 February, 2017
Gang violence is a growing problem in our inner cities but councils' youth services budgets have been cut. Can housing associations fill the void?
Ministers must be prepared to listen to the evidence of rent cut impact
24 February, 2017
Inside Housing's annual look at councils' Housing Revenue Accounts reflects the growing divergence in policy across the UK - and the different impacts that policy decisions are having on the ground
MPs to debate associations' duties to private neighbours
23 February, 2017
Ministers will be asked to require housing associations to offer compensation to neighbours affected by their tenants at a House of Commons debate
Let's build the social rent homes we need
23 February, 2017
First Wessex and Sentinel have announced they plan to merge to form VIVID
Ministers seek alarm improvements after tenant death
23 February, 2017
Ministers have promised to take steps to improve alarm services in social housing, after a man died waiting for an ambulance after contacting a housing association's emergency call line
Let's build the social rent homes we need
22 February, 2017
First Wessex and Sentinel have announced they plan to merge to form VIVID
HAs market sale building overtakes social rent
22 February, 2017
New figures show market sale starts made by housing associations were higher every quarter than social rent starts
Crisis backs call to ensure sanctions do not lead to homelessness
22 February, 2017
Crisis has welcomed a report by the Committee of Public Accounts which says that 'suspending benefit payments can lead to rent arrears and homelessness'
How many homes did housing associations build in quarter three 2016/17?
22 February, 2017
We have recently completed our third survey of developing housing associations to capture the full scale and breadth of their homebuilding activity
Orr hits out at government supported housing proposal
22 February, 2017
David Orr was giving evidence at a joint Work and Pensions Committee and Communities and Local Government Committee into supported housing
Leeds council tax bills to go up by £70... but social housing rents to fall
21 February, 2017
Leeds's annual local services budget is set to be rubber-stamped tomorrow, with a five per cent council tax rise forming part of a £492.67m overall financial plan for the city
Barwell hints at RTB deal for councils
21 February, 2017
The housing minister has offered a small olive branch to councils over the Right to Buy policy
Bedroom tax: Westminster warned against cutting benefits
21 February, 2017
Scottish Government seeks "cast iron" commitments from Westminster benefits won't be clawed back
Mapping benefits changes: how GIS can help housing associations
20 February, 2017
Local housing allowance caps make a huge difference to the rent our tenants pay. Electronic mapping can help us support them
NHF warns of 'significant risks' in deal-based rents approach
20 February, 2017
The National Housing Federation has warned of "significant risks" to a deal-based approach for future rent settlements
Labour hit out at 'counterproductive' Right to Buy extension
20 February, 2017
Thousands of new homes are to be brought under the Government's Right to Buy scheme, despite fears that it could hamper the creation of more affordable housing
First-time buyers '£860 a year better off' than renters
20 February, 2017
First-time buyers in Scotland are on average about £860 a year better off than those who rent
Abrupt end to Help to Buy Wales would be 'disastrous'
20 February, 2017
A senior housebuilding figure has warned that the government's Help to Buy scheme remains "critical" to the market in Wales
Government considers development commitments in return for rent increases
17 February, 2017
The government is considering deals with housing associations to link rent increases to commitments to increase housebuilding in its post=2020 rent settlement
New film on social housing launches
17 February, 2017
Tenants TV have launched a new film 'Born into social housing' to look at how young people will be affected by social housing
Law to scrap right to buy to be proposed by Welsh Government
17 February, 2017
Tenants' rights to buy their own council homes would be scrapped under a proposed new law by the Welsh Government
Social housing can be beautiful and sustainable, like the Kings Road Affordable Flats
17 February, 2017
Correspondent Donna asks "Is there any one out there willing to work with those who are not of the 1%?"
More than 240 associations sign up to Sector Scorecard pilot
16 February, 2017
Housing associations covering more than half of all housing association stock have signed up to a pilot of pioneering efficiency metrics being developed by the sector
Labour council pushes ahead with massive attack on council housing
16 February, 2017
A Labour council in north London took a step closer to launching a massive attack on council housing tenants on Tuesday
Benefit freeze tenants 'shouldn't be taken to court for rent arrears'
16 February, 2017
Council tenants should not be taken to court if they cannot pay their rent due to benefit freezes
Help to Buy scheme's impact across England revealed
15 February, 2017
One in three new build properties outside London were bought through a flagship scheme for first-time buyers, but just one in 10 in the capital
Right to Buy extension to companies could reduce affordable development
15 February, 2017
Councils could reassess plans to build affordable rented homes through housing companies after the government said the Right to Buy should apply to these homes
Calls for long-term funding for supported housing
15 February, 2017
Supported housing for older people should be excluded from new funding proposals until at least 2022
Social Tenants in Scotland, 2015
15 February, 2017
This is a new statistical publication that presents an overview of social tenants and social rented housing in Scotland for the year 2015
Kent social housing provider joins national financial awareness project
15 February, 2017
One of Kent's leading social housing providers is playing a vital role in a nationwide search to find the best way to help people make the best use of their money
Could a Supported Housing Allowance offer a solution to the threat imposed by the LHA Cap?
15 February, 2017
It is very unclear exactly what problem the Government is trying to fix with its proposal to introduce a LHA cap for supported housing
'Unfit' council home payouts and legal fees hit £35m in five years
14 February, 2017
Councils in England have paid out more than £35m in compensation and legal fees in the past five years to tenants living in "unfit" council homes
Birmingham seeks to remove 4,000 from housing waiting list
14 February, 2017
Birmingham City Council is set to remove an estimated 4,000 households from its housing waiting list by changing its allocation policy
New rents in UK up 2.6% in January, but falling in London
14 February, 2017
New rents in the UK increased by 2.6% in January overall year on year, the fastest rise for the month in two years but continued to fall in London
LHA cap: £64m funding gap risks breaking service
13 February, 2017
The Local Housing Allowance cap for supported housing risks "breaking" sheltered housing, three major specialist housing providers have warned
Out of the box: councils try innovative projects to provide social housing
13 February, 2017
Constrained by government and with a lack of funding, local authorities are becoming developers to tackle the homes crisis
'Terrorised' tenants take on drugs den
13 February, 2017
Residents praised for evidence that saw a property shut down over allegations of drug-related anti-social behaviour
Cardiff council likely to put a stop to right-to-buy
13 February, 2017
Tenants are likely to lose the right to buy their council houses in Cardiff in a bid to tackle the city's growing housing need
How renting can fix the UK's broken housing market
13 February, 2017
How to fix the UK's housing crisis has been the subject of national debate for decades
Associations could save £1.6bn in repairs costs
10 February, 2017
A new survey has shown housing associations could save a huge amount of money if they sharpen up their repairs and maintenance contracts
Councils' Local Plan targets cast doubt on key White Paper measure
09 February, 2017
More than half of councils currently set Local Plan targets below assessed need, casting doubt on the government's plan to tackle town halls "ducking" housing responsibility
Associations must properly consult tenants before selling properties
09 February, 2017
The social housing regulator is calling on housing associations to properly consult tenants before disposing of properties or making a change in management
Strengthening the case for supported housing: the cost consequences
08 February, 2017
This report looks at the shortfall in supported housing place for working age people in England and considers the cost to the taxpayer of not taking action to meet this need
Government to set new post-2020 rent standard for housing associations
08 February, 2017
The government announced it would continue with the 1% rent cut through the life of this parliament but would introduce a new standard to help them borrow against future income thereafter
Barwell: we will balance 'fiscal consequences' with calls for rent flexibility
08 February, 2017
The government will balance the "fiscal consequences" of higher rents against housing associations' calls for full flexibility
Council housing company homes could be subject to the Right to Buy
08 February, 2017
A growing number of councils have set up housing companies to directly build homes for affordable rent, private rent and market sale
Families to stay in emergency accommodation for maximum of one week
08 February, 2017
Families with children and pregnant women will spend no more than a week in emergency accommodation when a cap is introduced by the Scottish Government
White Paper: Right to Buy could apply to council housing companies
07 February, 2017
White Paper 'welcomes' council housing companies and related initiatives, but says tenants placed in such homes should be offered equivalent terms to those in council housing
The way Birmingham allocates social housing is changing
07 February, 2017
Birmingham is changing the way it allocates social housing
The use of temporary accommodation in Scotland - 2016
07 February, 2017
This data report is intended to improve our understanding of the use of temporary accommodation in Scotland
Housing white paper
07 February, 2017
Housing white paper and supporting documents setting out the government's plans to reform the housing market and boost the supply of new homes in England
City council forced to admit plans to scrap sheltered housing completely
06 February, 2017
The budget for sheltered housing in Glasgow is to be scrapped completely
Mid Ulster housing tenants 'worried' by bedroom tax letters
06 February, 2017
Patsy McGlone has said that there is understandable confusion about the introduction of the bedroom tax on housing benefit payments in Northern Ireland
Trowbridge tenants say lives will be put at risk by move
06 February, 2017
Residents have accused Selwood Housing of putting people's lives at risk after it revealed plans to remove fire safety sprinklers from over 200 homes
Council to invest £5m in sheltered housing
06 February, 2017
A London Council is to invest nearly £5m in new sheltered housing schemes
London leads association building rates in 2015/16
06 February, 2017
London housing associations set the pace for development in the sector in 2015/16
Landlords tighten up affordability criteria under lower benefit cap
03 February, 2017
An increasing number of housing associations are making more stringent checks into the ability of new tenants to pay their rent, as the new lower benefit cap takes effect
The Right to Buy public housing in Britain: a welfare analysis
03 February, 2017
We investigate the impact on social welfare of the policy introduced in 1980 by which public housing tenants had the right to purchase their houses at heavily discounted prices
PlaceShapers lobby to sustain supported housing
02 February, 2017
PlaceShapers response to the DCLG and DWP consultation sets proposals to help sustain and develop supported housing for elderly and vulnerable people
Technology in Social Housing Part 2
02 February, 2017
In the second event in the Technology for Social Housing series we invited UK housing providers to meet the technologies that have the potential to transform housing
L&Q's Gallagher purchase could unlock 5,000 homes per year
02 February, 2017
L&Q's landmark £505m acquisition of one of the country's largest strategic land companies could result in the delivery of 5,000 new homes every year
Housing associations quadruple land buying in 2016
02 February, 2017
Housing associations bought four times as much land last year as they did in 2015, as the sector geared up for large development ambitions
CIH president calls for more homes for social rent
02 February, 2017
The president of the Chartered Institute of Housing has called for the government to build homes for social rent, slamming its limited focus on homeownership
How much top-up funding will be required under the Government's proposed model, and what might a different cap look like?
01 February, 2017
Research briefing: supported housing
Social housing and the shared society
01 February, 2017
In her second major foray into public policy outside of Brexit - the first being an intention to found new grammar schools - Prime Minister Theresa May announced on 8th January that her Government would be committed to enabling a 'shared society'
Landlord-led domestic abuse initiative gets £30,000 of government funding
01 February, 2017
A landlord-led initiative to tackle domestic abuse in the social housing sector has been awarded £30,000 of funding from the government
Glasgow calls for rent rises as it cuts sheltered housing budget by third
01 February, 2017
Glasgow City Council has asked the city's associations to implement rent rises to help cover the cost of a forthcoming £1m cut to sheltered housing services
Average tenancy deposit still just below £1,000
31 January, 2017
New figures from the Deposit Protection Service put London properties at an all time peak of nearly £2,000
Scottish councils warn lower benefit cap putting pressure on DHP budgets
31 January, 2017
A number of Scottish councils have warned they may not be able to afford the full cost of DHPs to cover tenants' rent in the future because of the new lower benefit cap
CML supports launch of new social housing regulator
31 January, 2017
The Council of Mortgage Lenders says it supports moves to set up a new regulator for the social housing sector
Britain's housing crisis could be solved - if only the government wanted to
31 January, 2017
Private builders will never meet the demand for homes. We need more social housing, denser cities and new suburbs - and those require real political will
Landlords 'rent loss' bid to get more cash
30 January, 2017
Peterborough taxpayers were asked to give compensation through "the public purse" to the housing firm which is evicting dozens of residents from a single estate
Transparency and Trust: A guide to data protection and privacy for landlords and tenants
30 January, 2017
We are living in a new digital age and it is continually evolving
Tower Hamlets social housing boss slams call centres for taking control away from tenants
30 January, 2017
A former social housing boss in London's deprived East End has hit out at the trend for estates being swallowed up in "mega housing groups" that lose touch with tenants and families in their care
As you cut repairs spend, prepare for the worst
30 January, 2017
Many social landlords are planning to cut their maintenance spend over the next three to four years - one of a number of steps being taken by the sector to cope with the 1% annual rent reductions
Work starts on new housing scheme in Sacriston aimed at helping people stuck in rental trap to buy their own homes
27 January, 2017
Work is underway on a housing development aimed at helping people stuck in the rental trap to buy their own home
Rent reductions: Supporting implementation
27 January, 2017
This revised briefing sets out the practical implications of implementing the -1% rent cut in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
Tackling the under-supply of housing in England
27 January, 2017
Estimating the need for housing depends on making a judgement about the amount of housing space people should live in
Over half of renters fear they will never own a home
26 January, 2017
More than half of renters do not believe they will ever be able to afford to buy their own home
Once the biggest housing associations own 90% of social homes, tenants will lose out
26 January, 2017
As social housing moves inexorably towards mega-mergers and consolidation, it should heed a warning from history: big is not always beautiful
The return of the Bedroom Tax monster?
26 January, 2017
Four years ago, when the first wave of welfare cuts was breaking, Shelter Scotland ran a high profile campaign to Banish the Bedroom Tax Monster
Lord Kerslake: Rent cut drop would give sector 'confidence'
25 January, 2017
In an exclusive interview, Lord Kerslake opens up to 24housing on all things housing - and his hopes for the future
Calls to increase energy efficiency in homes
25 January, 2017
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is calling on the Scottish government to decrease the amount of carbon emissions in houses
Catalyst downgraded by regulator following management breaches
25 January, 2017
Catalyst Housing Group has been downgraded by the regulator following breaches in the management of its sales and marketing team
Supporting housing tenants
24 January, 2017
Caroline Nokes reiterates her commitment to working with the social housing sector to best support claimants
Areas with rising waiting lists see falls in social housing
24 January, 2017
Councils with the fastest rising housing waiting lists are areas which saw above average decreases in the amount of social housing coming available
Hate crime a 'major concern' for migrant tenants
24 January, 2017
Specialist migrant HA Arhag now offering detailed guidance on how to recognise and report hate crime - staff have also been given guidance on how to help victims
Rental growth slowed down in Scotland at end of 2016 but demand is high
24 January, 2017
Residential rents in Scotland fell in the fourth quarter of 2016, down 0.9% year on year to an average of £739 per month
Private rents not rising above inflation - unlike social housing rents
23 January, 2017
The cost of private rented housing is roughly mirroring changes in earnings across England - but in the social rented sector rents have increased faster than wages
Councils could provide homelessness prevention support beyond 56 days
23 January, 2017
Councils could be required to work with households to prevent them becoming homeless beyond the 56-day time period set out in the Homelessness Reduction Bill
Perth & Kinross Council continues home improvements despite rents freeze
23 January, 2017
Significant investments in council houses in Perth and Kinross over recent years has seen the percentage of council houses achieving the SHQS reach an all time high
Right to Buy: dreams and nightmares
23 January, 2017
An analysis of the Right to Buy extension pilot contains stark warnings about affordability and communication around exemptions
Associations slash spend on major repairs as rent cut bites
20 January, 2017
Housing associations in England slashed spend on major repairs work to their estates as the government enforced its policy of cutting social rents
Social rents have increased faster than earnings
19 January, 2017
Social housing rents have increased faster than earnings over the last 15 years
Data reveals empty council garages could create 16,000 homes
19 January, 2017
Councils are sitting on more than 22,000 empty garages in London that could be turned into at least 16,000 homes
Disused council building 'ideal for social housing'
18 January, 2017
A county council complex which has lain derelict in the heart of Bridgetown for more than five years should be converted into affordable homes for young people
'250,000 social homes lost by 2020'
18 January, 2017
Almost 250,000 social rented homes could be sold or converted to other tenures by 2020
Changing how we think about repairs
18 January, 2017
Some housing associations are challenging received thinking about the way the sector approaches repairs and maintenance
Rise in children in temporary accommodation in Scotland
18 January, 2017
The number of children in temporary accommodation in Scotland has soared by 17% in a year
Projection of social rented stock from April 2012 to April 2020 on various assumptions
18 January, 2017
Housing Association social rented stock (figures to 2015 from HCA statistics)
10-year wait for a council house
17 January, 2017
Research shows tens of thousands of people have been on social housing waiting lists for a decade
Doubts around ring-fenced funding for supported housing
17 January, 2017
Housing professionals have stated they are not sure how long the ring-fenced funding for supported housing will last for
Council-owned homes drop by 10% in six years
17 January, 2017
The number of council-owned homes has dropped by more than 10% in six years, with a 1.9% decrease since last year
Government yet to introduce bedroom tax exemption despite court ruling
17 January, 2017
The government is yet to exempt certain people with a disability from the bedroom tax despite a Supreme Court ruling two months ago
Stormont votes for bedroom tax mitigation payments
17 January, 2017
Northern Irish politicians have voted for regulations that will mitigate the effect of the upcoming bedroom tax despite the political turmoil taking place in the country
Contradictory advice of civil servants has ministers at odds on welfare cash
16 January, 2017
The two ministers at the centre of the row over a 'bedroom tax' relief scheme have published conflicting advice from their most senior civil servants
Universal Credit - Progress Update
16 January, 2017
This publication sets out the results of a survey launched in November 2016 of 33 stock retaining councils and Arm's Length Management Organisations
Which west London borough has the highest cost social housing rents?
16 January, 2017
Unsurprisingly, west London has some of the most expensive social housing costs in England, but which borough has seen the biggest rise in the last year?
Welsh Social Landlords take new approach to January Debt
16 January, 2017
New data solution identifies those at risk to loan sharks
Smart meters are really changing tenants' lives
13 January, 2017
The National Housing Federation has been promoting the smart meter rollout for nearly six months and what is interesting is the interest from our members
Deadlock in Stormont could spell turmoil for social housing tenants
13 January, 2017
The resignation of Martin McGuinness jeopardises Northern Ireland's plans to delay the bedroom tax - introducing it now wouldn't just be cruel, but dangerous
Government reveals councils on fixed-term tenancies working group
13 January, 2017
The government has revealed the names of the 20 councils it is working with to look at how to implement fixed-term tenancies
The Pilot Programme for the Voluntary Right to Buy for Housing Associations: An Action - Learning Approach
12 January, 2017
This research report assesses the aims, operation and outcomes so far of the pilot programme for the voluntary Right to Buy
71% unsure of Right to Buy purchase price
12 January, 2017
Concerns have been raised about affordability and clarity in a new report looking into the Right to Buy pilot
UK rental price inflation more than halved in 2016
11 January, 2017
UK rents in December are just 1.7% higher than a year ago, down from 3.8% last year
'Bedroom tax' impact mitigation scheme 'not a way forward'
11 January, 2017
The communities minister has said a scheme proposed by the finance minister to mitigate the impact of the 'bedroom tax' is not possible
Affordable housing definition explained: From homes for social rent to shared ownership
11 January, 2017
Despite a housing crisis and calls for more affordable housing, 2015-16 saw the fewest built for 25 years
Councils Could Lose Out On A Fund Worth Billions Unless They Let The Tories Build On New Land
11 January, 2017
A 'stick to beat' local government with
Letting agents hit with fines after council crackdown on display of fees
11 January, 2017
Letting agents in one borough have been fined over £14,000 after a crackdown by the local authority on the display of fees
HA launches innovative recruitment for tenants
09 January, 2017
'Aspire2work' gives all young people under 25 living in an Aspire home access to training or a job opportunity
Bid to stop people refusing social housing
09 January, 2017
A scheme will be introduced across all local authorities within the next six months in a bid to crack down on those refusing social housing
Nama defends social housing efforts as campaigners demand action
06 January, 2017
The state's bad-bank Nama said it has delivered 2,378 social houses and apartments a mid renewed calls for it to make more property available for the homeless
Building our homes, communities and future
05 January, 2017
Local government shares the collective national ambition to build one million new homes
Further Parliamentary engagement on supported housing
05 January, 2017
One of our Parliamentary champions, Peter Aldous MP, has put forward an Early Day Motion on supported housing
What does 2017 hold for social housing?
04 January, 2017
Our panel of experts on the housing, homelessness and policy issues the year ahead holds
Midland Heart has deployed rostrvm for Housing to tackle the impact of Universal Credit
04 January, 2017
Midland Heart is a leading UK housing, care and support business, providing 33,000 high quality affordable homes to over 70,000 customers
Need for rethink on Bedroom Tax II
03 January, 2017
Some were always sceptical about Theresa May's speech on the steps of Downing Street about helping families who are just about getting by
Council suffering from lack of homes
29 December, 2016
There is a continuing shortage of council-owned properties in the Caerphilly county borough
London's temporary housing population is expanding
21 December, 2016
London has the severest housing crisis; one third of all homeless households in England are accepted by local authorities in the capital
Charity calls for major changes to Bedroom Tax
21 December, 2016
Anti-poverty commission proposes major changes to the Bedroom Tax
Council house replacements
21 December, 2016
Council homes are being sold off without being replaced
New homelessness duties could cost London councils millions
21 December, 2016
New duties introduced through proposed homelessness laws will cost town halls millions, councils in London have calculated
22,000 social rented homes lost in last two years
20 December, 2016
Department for Work and Pensions data shows new social housing lettings by private registered providers and councils decreased by nearly 22,000 homes in the last two years
Campaigners catch council out over social housing commitments
19 December, 2016
The Local Government Ombudsman finds a London borough council failed "for years" to monitor whether developers were providing promised social housing in accordance with Section 106 Agreements
Labour's Lisa Forbes: Yes, we do need more social housing
19 December, 2016
It is a strange set of circumstances in which a relatively wealthy society, the sixth largest economy in the world, is prepared to accept homeless people living and sleeping on its streets
One in four Help to Buy homes went to people earning more than DOUBLE the average wage - despite the scheme aimed at getting low income households onto the housing ladder
16 December, 2016
A quarter of 100,000 completions went to households earning more than £60K
Inquiry into supported housing funding reform launched
16 December, 2016
The Work and Pensions Committee and the Communities and Local Government Committee launch a joint inquiry into the Government's funding reform for supported housing
Enfield council homes for rent at £2,000 a month spark row
16 December, 2016
Council-built family homes are being offered for rent for up to £2,000 a month, and have sparked a political row
Help to Buy helps over 220,000 people buy a new home
16 December, 2016
Over 180,000 supported by the schemes have been first time buyers
LGA seeks legal advice for councils caught in water bill scandal
15 December, 2016
The LGA is seeking legal advice on behalf of councils exposed to multi-million pound compensation claims for overcharging tenants for water
Affordable homes: residents' views of quality
15 December, 2016
Eight out of ten Housing Association residents remain pleased with their homes
London council accused of 'social cleansing' over plans to deposit lowest paid tenants on edge of capital
15 December, 2016
Westminster Council buys 24 homes in Hounslow for its social housing tenants - without telling Hounslow Council
Tenant wins appeal over council bid to terminate tenancy agreement
15 December, 2016
A council tenant who claimed that his occupancy agreement should be treated as a Scottish secure tenancy because it did not contain an express provision stating that it was for a term of less than six months
Gov report finds council 'failed' for years to monitor developers on broken promises to provide social housing
15 December, 2016
Southwark now pledges to start running annual audits of section 106 agreements, to check promised social housing will be delivered
Borough moves to protect renters
15 December, 2016
New measures approved by Hammersmith & Fulham Council also back the 'better' landlords in a borough where a third of residents rent
Right to Buy sales outpace development
14 December, 2016
Councils in England sold almost six times more homes than they built in first nine months of this year
Labour pledges housing association deal to end rough sleeping
14 December, 2016
The Labour Party has pledged to end rough sleeping through a voluntary deal with housing associations to reserve 4,000 properties for the street homeless
Welfare Reform Impact report
13 December, 2016
This report considers the impact of the changes in welfare support on social landlords' income, arrears and collection costs
The benefits of going digital
13 December, 2016
As the lead for digital at North Wales Housing, I am always shouting about the virtues of doing more things digitally
90% of councils 'won't meet Government housing targets'
13 December, 2016
Nearly 90% of local authorities believe they will not be able to meet the Government's housing targets because of a lack of resources in their planning departments
Too many council websites overcomplicating social housing applications
13 December, 2016
Too many councils are making it unnecessarily difficult for people seeking social housing to find out if they are eligible and then apply
Government will intervene if councils fail on homelessness prevention
12 December, 2016
The government will intervene with councils which are not meeting their homelessness prevention duties if a new law is passed
NI government to scrap housing association Right to Buy
12 December, 2016
The Northern Irish Government plans to scrap Right to Buy for housing associations as part of a package of measures to take associations off the national balance sheet
Moray tenants to be consulted on rent rises
09 December, 2016
Council house tenants in Moray are to be consulted over the level of rent increase for the next three years
Sarsfield: social housing commitment drives merger ambition
08 December, 2016
Peabody and Family Mosaic's merger plans were driven by a joint commitment to providing low-cost rental units
LHA cap: supported schemes remain on ice
08 December, 2016
Supported housing providers are keeping development schemes on hold
Regulator cautions against taking private lending for granted
08 December, 2016
The Scottish Government's target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the current parliament presents opportunities for some RSLs but could throw up financial challenges for others
Coping with the cap
08 December, 2016
After a year of rumours, promises and fears, Simon Brandon asks what the future will look like for supported housing once the new funding mechanism kicks in
L&Q to launch £47m supported housing subsidiary
07 December, 2016
L&Q is planning a return to the supported accommodation sector with a new subsidiary called L&Q Living, which will manage more than 6,600 homes
How many homes did housing associations build in quarter two 2016/17?
06 December, 2016
We have recently completed an important survey of developing housing associations to capture the full scale and breadth of their homebuilding activity
Sheltered housing in Mid Suffolk and Babergh set to change
06 December, 2016
Sheltered housing in Babergh and Mid Suffolk is set to change following a major review of the needs of older people in the two districts
Don't forget meaning of social
06 December, 2016
The Northern Ireland Executive is consulting on its draft programme for government
Sheffield associations and councils sign housing deal
06 December, 2016
Social landlords and local authorities across the Sheffield City Region have signed a compact which they hope could lead to a devolution deal on housing
Government working with councils on fixed-term tenancies
06 December, 2016
The government has set up a working group of 20 councils to look at how to implement fixed-term tenancies, a key plank of the Housing and Planning Act
Abolish right-to-buy schemes that are depleting social stock: McCann
05 December, 2016
The social housing stock in Derry is being depleted by landlords acquiring multiple properties from former housing association tenants who have bought under market rates
The Sheffield City Region Social and Affordable Housing Compact
05 December, 2016
The Sheffield City Region Social and Affordable Housing Compact is a landmark collaboration between local authorities, social and affordable housing providers in the Sheffield City Region
Casey review raises alarm over social integration in the UK
05 December, 2016
Study attacks attempts by governments to boost ethnic integration as 'saris, samosas and steel drums for the well-intentioned'
Industrial dispute over supported housing restructure
05 December, 2016
One of England's largest housing associations is facing union action after warning supported housing staff could be dismissed and re-engaged on new terms as part of a major restructure
500 new council homes? It's not all it seems to be
05 December, 2016
Cambridge City Council voted to proceed with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough devolution proposal
The displaced tenants paying the true cost of an inhumane housing policy
02 December, 2016
Councils must commit to a more humane, thoughtful and cost-effective social housing policy than moving people away from jobs and homes
Social landlords 'require additional capacity' to deliver 50,000 homes target
02 December, 2016
Around two thirds of social landlords in Scotland have insufficient in-house skills and capacity to deliver an expanded programme of new affordable housing
Quarterly Survey for Q2 (July to September) 2016 to 2017
02 December, 2016
Our quarterly survey report is based on responses from private registered providers of social housing who own or manage more than 1,000 homes
BHP launches first new homes supporting vulnerable tenants to live independently
02 December, 2016
BHP has completed the refurbishment on a six bedroom house in Wembley, which has been developed into six apartments for Brent residents with learning disability and special needs
FOI extension will lead to cost burden
02 December, 2016
The Scottish Government's U-turn on the FOI Act extension to housing associations will burden associations with additional costs
Transparency and accountability in the housing association sector
01 December, 2016
In recent years there has been a strong push from the Government to improve transparency in the public sector at the national and local level
Government opens consultation into extending FOI to social landlords
01 December, 2016
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation proposing the extension of Freedom of Information legislation to RSLs in Scotland
Princess Anne hails £3million social housing project at official opening in Bury St Edmunds
01 December, 2016
The Princess Royal officially opened a £3.1million affordable housing project in Bury St Edmunds December 1
Proposal on using a Legislative Reform Order to establish the social housing regulator as an independent body
01 December, 2016
This consultation paper sets out the proposal for amending the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 so that responsibility for social housing regulation is transferred HCA to a new standalone public body
Furious activists protest top architect over call to evict central London council tenants
30 November, 2016
Furious activists gathered outside the office of leading architect Patrik Schumacher today to protest his calls for "free-riding" council tenants to be moved out of central London
Autumn Statement 2016
29 November, 2016
This briefing covers the main announcements relevant to housing and housing associations in the 2016 Autumn Statement
Top architect blasts 'free-riding' tenants living in council houses in central London and says they should be moved, to make way for HIS staff
29 November, 2016
A top London architect has triggered a ferocious storm by calling for "free-riding" council tenants to be moved out of central London
Councils could face new duty to prevent homelessness
29 November, 2016
As rents rise and benefits fall, more people face losing their home
HCA launches social housing regulation fees consultation
28 November, 2016
HCA has published a statutory consultation on introducing a fee-charging scheme for the regulation of private registered providers of social housing
Landlords join forces to create efficiency metrics
28 November, 2016
A group of housing associations have joined forces in an attempt to create an authoritative set of metrics to measure efficiency
Flagship council housebuilding scheme quietly axed
28 November, 2016
A flagship £100m scheme, designed to give smaller local authorities the opportunity to borrow collectively to build housing, has been wound down
A statement of intent on the LHA
28 November, 2016
Paul Langley blogs on the far-reaching implications of the UK government's latest announcement on the LHA and social housing
Sanctuary Housing rolls out first-of-its-kind social housing platform using SAP
25 November, 2016
The large social housing authority is transforming the way it communicates with tenants
Right to Buy extension delayed until at least 2018
25 November, 2016
The national roll-out of Right to Buy for housing association tenants will not take place until after April 2018 at the earliest
Rent cut hiatus blamed for affordable housing drop
25 November, 2016
A hiatus in housing association building following the 1% rent cut announcement has been blamed for the lowest growth in affordable housing witnessed in a generation
Local Housing Allowance cap U-turn 'creates new bedroom tax'
25 November, 2016
Housing association leaders have compared a shift in the government's Local Housing Allowance cap policy to the controversial bedroom tax because it will hit tenants in their current circumstances
Affordable rented homes could be prioritised over social rented
25 November, 2016
Housing associations could be expected to prioritise affordable rented homes over social rented in an effort to drive up housing numbers
Widened scope of LHA cap 'to affect over 240,000 more tenancies in Scotland'
24 November, 2016
The SFHA has highlighted that 241,000 more tenants in Scotland will be affected by the announcement that all social housing tenants on Universal Credit will be brought under the new LHA cap
Right to Buy delay fears after second pilot announcement
24 November, 2016
The National Housing Federation is seeking clarity "as soon as possible" on the national roll-out of the Right to Buy extension
Housing gets £4bn boost to increase number of new homes
24 November, 2016
Government aims to build 40,000 additional affordable homes by 2021 - but OBR says it expects 13,000 fewer homes to be built over next five years
Government's £500,000 legal bill over Bedroom Tax
24 November, 2016
Figures show massive bill for legal proceedings over 'bedroom tax'
Further 216 social housing units will be located in East Londonderry
23 November, 2016
A question recently tabled by MLA Maurice Bradley asked the minister of communities to outline where the further 216 social housing units will be located in East Londonderry
Government backtracks on a new 'bedroom tax' set to hit thousands of poorer pensioners
22 November, 2016
The proposal to penalise older people in social housing who 'underoccupy' their homes - revealed by The Independent - will be delayed by one year
Councils react to Pay to Stay decision
22 November, 2016
Local authorities up and down the country have been celebrating the government decision to make Pay to Stay voluntary for them
Government scraps compulsory Pay to Stay
22 November, 2016
The government has scrapped its plans to force councils to charge higher-income tenants rents of up to market rates
Funding for Supported Housing
21 November, 2016
One of the Government's key commitments is to protect the most vulnerable
Second London borough launches Right to Part Buy
21 November, 2016
Conservative-controlled Wandsworth Council is set to give its secure tenants the opportunity to buy a share in the equity of their home
Gateshead furniture charity warning over benefit cap
21 November, 2016
A cap on benefit payments to people in social housing could leave some tenants unable to furnish their homes
Luton homeless rent hike led council to move tenants
21 November, 2016
Tenants were moved out of homeless accommodation after a council claimed a property developer put charges up by thousands of pounds
LIN member Report December 2016 - Pay to Stay - A Review
20 November, 2016
LIN member report by Kevin McCready
Consultation on a Review of the Scottish Social Housing Charter: An Analysis of Responses
18 November, 2016
Ministers are required to set standards and outcomes that social landlords should achieve for tenants and other customers through their housing activities
The changing landscape for social housing
18 November, 2016
The social housing landscape has, and continues to be, shaped dramatically by a number of shifting elements, including central government policy
Councils spent £3.5bn on temporary housing in last five years
18 November, 2016
Councils in Britain have spent more than £3.5bn on temporary accommodation for homeless families in the last five years
Scottish tenants and associations say charter has improved landlord services
18 November, 2016
A majority of tenants and housing associations to respond to a consultation believe the quality of social landlord services has improved since the Scottish Government introduced a social housing charter
Affordable Housing Supply: April 2015 to March 2016 England
18 November, 2016
An additional 32,110 affordable homes were delivered in England in 2015-16
The impact of new policies on the social housing market: an interview with Susan Coulson
17 November, 2016
Big changes are ahead in social housing following the introduction of the 2016 Housing and Planning Act
Landlords' performance against the Scottish Social Housing Charter 2013-2016
17 November, 2016
This paper brings together publicly available evidence from our range of publications about how landlords have performed against the Scottish Social Housing Charter
Scottish Social Housing Charter Performance 2015/16
17 November, 2016
This report covers; comparing GWSF members against other RSLs, stock-retaining councils and Glasgow Housing Association, (LAs), and the sector as a whole
Regulator to reveal individual landlords' cost data
17 November, 2016
The English social housing regulator will publish data showing named individual housing associations' costs this year
Free up councils to build homes
17 November, 2016
The government must free up local authorities to take more decisions on how and where housing can be delivered
As Theresa May's housing crisis deepens, one council is evicting 2,000 people from a single estate
16 November, 2016
On Tuesday 15 November, the Conservative government revealed that the UK housing crisis is deepening
Under-Occupancy Charge Urgent Question
15 November, 2016
Recorded coverage of the urgent question in the House of Commons on the recent Supreme Court decision on the Under-Occupancy Charge applied to housing benefit
Most renters feel they're unlikely to buy home in next five
14 November, 2016
Labour-backed study also finds two-thirds of general population think government should do more to help first-time buyers
The Right to Buy public housing in Britain: a welfare analysis
14 November, 2016
We investigate the impact on social welfare of the UK policy introduced in 1980 by which public housing tenants had the right to purchase their houses
Tory MP Attacks Theresa May On Bedroom Tax And Disability Cuts
14 November, 2016
Ken Loach urges Chancellor to drop cuts
Criticism of Cardiff council's plan to end tenants' right to buy
14 November, 2016
The Labour-run cabinet today approved a move to approach the Welsh Government
NHF criticises fees proposal
14 November, 2016
The National Housing Federation has criticised the English social housing regulator's proposal to charge fees
Hundreds of new homes in Sefton in massive boost for social housing
14 November, 2016
One Vision plan more than 700 homes to rent and buy all over the borough
The fight goes on to free more families from the bedroom tax nightmare
11 November, 2016
Forcing people to pay for 'extra' rooms is deliberately cruel and punishes people who, through no fault of their own, have nowhere else to go
Pay to Stay meetings cancelled as policies face delays
11 November, 2016
Meetings of the government's Pay to Stay working group have been cancelled as several key measures in the Housing and Planning Act look set to be delayed
Supreme Court's rulings mean bedroom tax 'will still unfairly hit thousands'
11 November, 2016
The government's "bedroom tax" discriminates unlawfully against some disabled people who need an extra bedroom because of their impairment, but not against others
Moray tenants' downsizing incentive scheme to be revised
10 November, 2016
Changes are to be made to a scheme introduced by Moray Council four years ago to encourage tenants to downsize from under-occupied council houses
Bristol family denied priority housing because TV showed mum carrying son up stairs - and making it
10 November, 2016
Council housing chiefs saw a video of a mum struggling to carry her four-year-old with muscular dystrophy up two flights of stairs
Families win supreme court appeals over 'unfair' bedroom tax
10 November, 2016
Panel upholds claim of Jacqueline Carmichael, who is disabled, and carers Paul and Susan Rutherford against housing law
Social Housing Lettings : April 2015 to March 2016, England
10 November, 2016
Social housing lettings by private registered providers decreased by 3% to 261,000 in 2015/16
How social landlords consult tenants about rent increases
10 November, 2016
This report is the outcome of our assessment of how social landlords consult tenants about proposed rent increases
More than £1.3 million lost in rent because of empty council homes in Aberdeen
09 November, 2016
Aberdeen City Council lost out on more than £1.3 million in rent in the last financial year due to properties being empty
Two cases won against housing benefit cut
09 November, 2016
A woman who suffers from spina bifida and a couple who look after their severely disabled grandson have won their Supreme Court appeals against the so-called "bedroom tax"
Win for 'bedroom tax' fight at Supreme Court
09 November, 2016
Court finds for two families - but other challenges to the policy are dismissed despite 'profound sympathy' from senior judges
Allow councils to borrow to build new homes
09 November, 2016
Allowing local authorities to borrow to build homes could help tackle the housing crisis and mitigate any emerging economic uncertainty
Cabinet Office laments "disappointing" drop in social housing fraud detection
07 November, 2016
Latest National Fraud Initiative report shows 37% fall in properties recovered
We can't provide social housing, say Bristol chocolate factory developers, we're already giving £1m
07 November, 2016
The firm developing one of Bristol's iconic former chocolate factories says they can't afford to include social housing for local people in their plans
Building Social rent Homes
07 November, 2016
The economic case for building 100,000 new social rent homes a year in the light of Brexit
Right to Buy extension delayed by Brexit vote
04 November, 2016
The Right to Buy extension to housing association tenants is set to be delayed due to the EU referendum result
Pay-to-stay uncertainty leaves tenants too little time
04 November, 2016
Mayor of Hackney says families could have just a few weeks' notice to meet higher rents if government is not clear about rules
Notting Hill promises to look again at St James Estate tenants' accounts after threats of eviction
04 November, 2016
Resident says the way Notting Hill answered their questions was "like a comedy show"
Social landlords fund research into Universal Credit
04 November, 2016
A London council has commissioned independent research into the effects of Universal Credit on social housing tenants
NHF backs new English social housing regulator
03 November, 2016
Housing associations are backing the principle of moving regulation into a separate agency
How the progressive aims of housing associations are being subverted
03 November, 2016
Some housing associations have become more like private landlords
Number of empty Aberdeen council homes halved
03 November, 2016
The number of empty council properties in Aberdeen has been halved in the past year
Record homeless toll results in £23m bill for temporary housing
03 November, 2016
More than £23m has been spent on emergency housing in the last five years as the number of homeless people hit a record high
Here we go again with a new independent social housing regulator
02 November, 2016
For the past five years the social housing regulator has been embraced by the Homes and Communities Agency, but a forthcoming review is likely to change that
NHF urges councils to share data ahead of lower benefit cap
02 November, 2016
Some councils are not sharing information about tenants with housing associations ahead of the introduction of a lower benefit cap
S&P warns of 'more volatile' housing association sector
02 November, 2016
Housing associations that increasingly rely on market sales and shared ownership to bring in income are exposing themselves to a "riskier and more volatile sector"
Direct payment to landlords could be six years away
01 November, 2016
The direct payment of the housing element of Universal Credit to social landlords may not happen until 2022
Housing Revenue Account Statistics: Scottish Local Authority Housing Income and Expenditure 1997-98 to 2016-17
01 November, 2016
This bulletin presents statistics on Local Authority housing income and expenditure in Scotland from their Housing Revenue Accounts
Nearly half of social housing tenants 'can't afford to eat'
01 November, 2016
Survey shows four in 10 tenants on benefits go hungry and half turn off winter heating because they're strapped for cash
Benefit cap: actions taken by local authorities and DWP staff
01 November, 2016
Local authorities and DWP staff share actions they have taken to support claimants that are affected by the benefit cap changes
Powys council homes: Bid to halt right to buy
31 October, 2016
People living in council and housing association homes in Powys could be stopped from buying them in future
It's councils who push tenants into emergency housing
28 October, 2016
As winter sets in, thoughts will turn to the plight of those who find themselves without a place to call home
New regulator likely following HCA review
28 October, 2016
A new English social housing regulator is likely to be created following a government review of the Homes and Communities Agency
English associations' sales income breaks £2bn
28 October, 2016
English housing associations generated more than £2bn through properties developed for sale last year, with the vast majority of the activity in London
Average price of a Scottish home increases 0.6 per cent
28 October, 2016
The average price of a residential property in Scotland has shown an increase of 0.6 per cent during the second quarter of the financial year
Welfare reform could price tenants out of social housing
27 October, 2016
House prices are increasing in comparison to wages, meaning it's harder and harder to afford a home
Housing association downgraded over fire safety
27 October, 2016
The social housing regulator has downgraded a Manchester housing association following failures to do with its fire risk assessments
Falkirk Council launches bid to secure nearly 800 homes for social rent
26 October, 2016
A bid to make nearly 800 affordable homes available to rent over the next five years is being launched by Falkirk Council this month
Hotel bills for homeless people run into billions
26 October, 2016
Councils have spent billions of pounds putting homeless people up in bed and breakfasts, hotels and private rented homes
"We call governments in the EU and beyond to put social housing back at the centre"
26 October, 2016
Housing Europe at Habitat III
Givan vows to do all he can to help meet social housing need in Lagan Valley
25 October, 2016
Communities Minister Paul Givan has vowed to do all he can to ensure that new social housing development opportunities are brought forward
Rent warning to Enfield tenants in advance of new benefits cap
25 October, 2016
Tenants are being warned to ensure they keep up their rent payments when government benefit cap changes come into force on November 7
Council rents could more than double as part of housing business plan
24 October, 2016
Tenants in social housing looking to upgrade to a new home as part of the council's £40m investment could have to fork out more than double in rental costs as part of a new business plan
Families evicted for Peterborough homeless centre
24 October, 2016
More than 70 families are to be evicted from a housing complex to make way for homeless people
Sales of social housing increase by 8%
21 October, 2016
English social landlords sold nearly 22,000 homes in 2015/16, an increase of 8% on the previous year
More than 5,000 council homes 'at risk' in Rotherham
20 October, 2016
More than 5,000 council homes could be lost in Rotherham over the next 30 years
The London borough with a '50-year waiting list' for council houses
20 October, 2016
Candid admission appears in documentary on housing officials and people they are trying to help in deprived London borough
Are you on the waiting list for a council house? Share your story
19 October, 2016
A new documentary shows people in parts of London being told to expect a 50-year wait for a council home
New homes to encourage council house tenants to "downsize"
17 October, 2016
Poole Mayor Xena Dion has welcomed residents to the borough's newest council homes, built as part of a scheme to encourage tenants to 'downsize' to smaller properties
Scrapping right-to-buy will cause social housing stock blocking
17 October, 2016
Right-to-Buy has now been suspended in Anglesey with the rest of Wales set to follow suit and has been brought in by assembly ministers as a means to protect the stock of social housing
Managing Generation Rent
17 October, 2016
More housing associations are building sizeable private rent portfolios, with a customer base with different needs from its social tenants
Thousands of housing association tenants could be about to get a new landlord
14 October, 2016
Thousands of housing association tenants could be about to get a new landlord if a merger deal between Boston Mayflower and North East Lincolnshire housing provider Shoreline goes ahead
Bath residents living with social housing provider Curo face up to £5-a-week service charge
13 October, 2016
Curo residents are set to be charged for communal services previously provided for free by the Bath social housing group
Shelter needed
13 October, 2016
There's an irony that the £5bn pledge to increase housing supply made at the Conservative Party conference coincides with benefit proposals that risk having the opposite effect
The role of social housing in Northern Ireland's divided communities
12 October, 2016
As talks start in Ireland over post-Brexit border control, other physical barriers - the notorious peace walls - between communities are coming down
Sharp increase in sales of social stock
12 October, 2016
English housing associations have reported a 48% annual increase in sales of social rented homes out of the sector, as they seek greater value for money from their assets
Private registered provider social housing stock in England
12 October, 2016
PRPs reported 2,761,690 units/bedspaces owned at 31 March 2016, an increase of 2.0% on the total for 2015 and the largest increase in total stock owned by PRPs since 2012
Bath councillor Joe Rayment: 'More social housing investment needed' to slash house prices in Banes
12 October, 2016
A Bath councillor wants more investment in social housing to help bring down the cost of living in Bath and North East Somerset
York's council house system is about to undergo a huge change
10 October, 2016
Housing officers at York council are proposing major changes to the way council homes are given out in York
500 Welsh children homeless due to social housing evictions
10 October, 2016
The Welsh Government has said it will 'study closely' a new report from Shelter Cymru showing some 500 children were made homeless last year through social housing evictions
Value for Money
10 October, 2016
We've put together guidance on the Regulator's recent changes that place greater emphasis on Value for Money, and advice on producing self-assessments
More Social Housing required
10 October, 2016
North Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan has said more Social Housing is required across North Antrim
We need a rock-solid commitment to council housing
10 October, 2016
he government's Housing and Planning Act casts a long shadow over the future of all non-profit housing
Rent reductions: Supporting implementation
07 October, 2016
This revised briefing sets out the practical implications of implementing the -1% rent cut in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
07 October, 2016
Regulating to protect the interests of tenants and other users of social housing services in Scotland
Temporary accommodation numbers rise despite fund
07 October, 2016
A government fund targeted at tackling the number of families in temporary accommodation has not halted the rise
Calls for major review of council housing to cope with law changes
06 October, 2016
City of York Council bosses want to start a whole-scale review of council housing because of major, impending law changes
Baroness Warwick: 'We can still build for social rent'
06 October, 2016
Baroness Warwick has only been the Chair of the National Housing Federation for a year but she has already seen two governments and a Housing Act
Impact of applying Local Housing Allowance rates to general needs social tenants
06 October, 2016
Our analysis shows the potential numbers of people affected and the amount of shortfall between benefit levels and rents charged
Four star hotel for gas row tenants in Londonderry
06 October, 2016
A housing association is footing the bill for tenants to stay in a four-star hotel while work is carried out on their homes
ALMO Governance: The inside track
06 October, 2016
Arms-Length Management Organisations now manage over 500,000 homes in England, nearly a third of all council housing
Council tenant's legal challenge to rent agreement rejected
05 October, 2016
A council house tenant who challenged an occupancy agreement after falling into arrears has had her petition dismissed
Ministers consider Pay to Stay exemption
05 October, 2016
The DCLG will consider exempting council tenants from Pay to Stay in areas where social rents and market rents are similar
The council house that nobody wants to live in
05 October, 2016
Why Sheffield council houses have been empty for over a year
Social housing the key to future election wins
05 October, 2016
When SHOUT was launched as a cross-party campaign in June 2014 our primary aim was to make the economic and social case for investing in social-rented housing
Harsher penalties for landlords renting to illegal immigrants
05 October, 2016
Landlords that knowingly let homes to illegal immigrants could be sent to prison, the home secretary has announced
LGA chief hits out at supported housing duty proposal
04 October, 2016
The chair of the Local Government Association has pledged to oppose proposals for a new duty on councils to provide supported housing
Get out your hard hat Theresa: UK facing a 1.8m shortage of rental properties
04 October, 2016
The Government must urgently deliver 1.8 million new rental homes for UK families
Tory housing minister says building more council homes will increase inequality
03 October, 2016
Gavin Barwell dismissed Jeremy Corbyn's policy as 'remarkable'
Peterborough landlords side with council over MPs in dispute over £1 million Travelodge bill for homeless families
03 October, 2016
Two landlords have dismissed arguments made by the city's MPs in the row over a £1 million hotel bill to put up homeless families
Douglas Carswell slams housing association as "Victorian landlord" over eviction of caring Clacton couple
03 October, 2016
Douglas Carswell has blasted Colne Housing for acting "disgracefully" for trying to evict a Clacton couple from a two-bed flat they had lived in for several years, while caring for an elderly relative
I won't miss help to buy. It only made the housing market worse
03 October, 2016
Most beneficiaries of George Osborne's scheme didn't need the help. Those unable to save a deposit have been left further behind
Want an affordable rented home? Don't rely on a Labour council
30 September, 2016
Too many Labour local authorities are alienating residents over regeneration and compulsory purchase
Compulsory purchase orders on London's council estates a "form of social cleansing"
30 September, 2016
The threat of Compulsory Purchase Orders has become one of the biggest perils to ex-local authority leaseholders in London
Corbyn wants councils to deliver 500,000-home plan
29 September, 2016
Jeremy Corbyn wants Labour's 500,000 'social' homes target to be delivered entirely by local authorities
Labour still calculating cost of 500,000 social home pledge
28 September, 2016
Labour is still calculating the cost of its pledge to build 500,000 'social' homes in its first five years of government
Housing associations and 'right to rent' document checks
28 September, 2016
This aims to give guidance to housing associations on how 'right to rent' document checks affect their procedures, such as their allocations and lettings policies, their policies on lodgers and their procedures for verifying tenancies.
How many homes did housing associations build in quarter one 2016/17?
27 September, 2016
We have recently completed an important survey of developing housing associations to capture the full scale and breadth of their homebuilding activity
Footballers' £400m social housing dream unveiled
26 September, 2016
Brighton's Bobby Zamora, West Ham's Mark Noble and Rio Ferdinand, now retired, present project to build 1,300 homes near Luton
Long-term value of social housing falls post rent cut
26 September, 2016
The long-term value of social housing properties has slipped significantly across most of the country as a result of the rent cut
Social housing is alive and kicking but providers must fight harder
26 September, 2016
There is a clear need for social housing now and into the future, but if it is to remain "alive and kicking", then the providers must get off the ropes and come out fighting
AXA survey finds financial optimism among tenants
26 September, 2016
AXA have released a report claiming that despite the average tenant expecting to rent for a further decade, there is financial optimism
Disabled family forced to sleep on sofas for years as authorities can't get them house they need
26 September, 2016
A Belfast man is being forced to sleep on a living room sofa with his disabled wife and son every night because of a severe lack of suitable housing
The future funding of supported housing - what do we need to know?
26 September, 2016
CIH's senior policy and practice officer Sarah Davis talks us through what we need to know about the future funding of supported housing
Labour would scrap Right to Buy in England
26 September, 2016
Labour has dropped its support of the Right to Buy, calling for the controversial policy to be indefinitely suspended in England
Social housing in hot water?
26 September, 2016
The water is slowly getting hotter for social housing
Right to Buy Sales in England: April to June 2016
23 September, 2016
In April to June 2016-17 (Q1), local authorities sold an estimated 3,362 dwellings under the Right to Buy scheme
HCA warns stock sales risk damaging sector's reputation
23 September, 2016
The social housing regulator has warned that housing associations risk damaging the reputation of the sector if they sell stock inhabited by social tenants
New home starts under Right to Buy scheme 'not enough to meet Government pledge'
23 September, 2016
The number of new homes begun under the Government's flagship Right to Buy scheme is lagging behind the amount needed to deliver its "one-for-one" promise
A local problem?
23 September, 2016
Many social landlords are not happy with the government's plans for the future funding of supported housing
Borough estimates £100k Pay to Stay bill
23 September, 2016
Kingston Council cites £100k as the 'at least' spend on temporary staffing costs alone to assess tenant income ahead of Pay to Stay implementation day
Housing minister signals change in government social housing policy
23 September, 2016
Gavin Barwell pledges government will 'maximise number of affordable homes', but concerns and divisions remain within social housing sector
Ambition to Deliver
22 September, 2016
Back in 2013, the housing association sector came together to shape its vision for the future
Affordability a concern for RTB pilots
22 September, 2016
For the past few months, five housing associations have been piloting the Right to Buy scheme
'LHA cap' will apply to existing supported housing tenants
22 September, 2016
A new housing benefit cap will apply to existing as well as future supported housing tenants
New tenancy scheme to launch in London to help renters save home deposit
21 September, 2016
The first details of plans for a London Living Rent, a new type of tenancy for newly built affordable homes have been confirmed by Mayor Sadiq Khan
Value For Money - Five tips to identify hidden value for money savings
20 September, 2016
Are boards confident in their skills and training? Inside Housing and Capsticks carried out a survey of housing association board members to find out
Khan confirms end to affordable rent conversions
20 September, 2016
Conversions of homes from social to affordable rent will end under Sadiq Khan's new housing programme
Success, Satisfaction and Scrutiny: The Business Benefits of involving residents
20 September, 2016
The benefits of engagement far outweigh the costs
HAs 'better than job centres' for jobs
19 September, 2016
Social housing tenants find their housing associations more help than job centres at putting them on the first step of the career ladder
Policy Exchange: large landlords should raise rents to build
19 September, 2016
The largest housing associations should be allowed to raise rents in exchange for agreeing to build more homes
Land trusts and refuges among rent cut exemptions
19 September, 2016
Community land trusts, co-operatives, fully mutuals, refuges and alms house will be exempt from the government's four-year rent cut
The social housing sector has become dangerously divided
19 September, 2016
The only hope of reuniting the sector is if the government ditches its obsession with home ownership and invests in genuinely affordable homes
Supported accommodation LHA funding to transfer to Holyrood
19 September, 2016
The UK government has announced that its policy to cap LHA for supported accommodation will be put on ice until 2019 when the funding for Scotland will then be transferred to Holyrood
The future of social housing - take aways from our recent roundtable
19 September, 2016
A former Head of Policy at No 10, Taylor looked at the issue of 'why policy fails and how it might succeed'
An endless summer is no good for social housing tenants worried about a rent rise
19 September, 2016
The introduction of Pay to Stay from April 2017 will see some higher income social tenants required to pay more rent
No LHA cap on supported housing ahead of 'new funding formula'
16 September, 2016
The government has confirmed it will not impose the LHA cap on supporting housing ahead of a new funding formula for the sector
Housing Benefit:Written statement - HCWS154
16 September, 2016
Supported accommodation plays a vital role in the lives of many vulnerable people
A second SFHA report on the capping of social rents to the rate of local allowance
16 September, 2016
This is SFHA's second report on the impact of the policy to cap the amount of rent that HB will cover in the SRS at the relevant LHA rate
Olive branch or figleaf? Sector far from reassured by Govt's new funding proposal for supported housing
16 September, 2016
Questions remain over the future viability of a host of supported housing services, despite a Government statement today that appears to offer concessions on funding
Bromsgrove social housing provider bdht defends its chief's £124,693 salary
15 September, 2016
Bromsgrove District Housing Trust has defended its chief executive's salary after new figures revealed he earned almost £130,000 in the financial year 2015-2016
More tenants in UK believe they can own their own home
15 September, 2016
British tenants are feeling more optimistic about their finances and regard buying their own home as a more realistic prospect due to being able to save for a deposit
'Ambitious' plans for social housing
15 September, 2016
Dundee has one of the lowest rates of social houses being completed in Scotland
Start of the end for Right to Buy in Wales
15 September, 2016
The Right to Buy will be suspended in Anglesey to ensure social housing is available for those who need it
I lead a mutual-owned housing association - and it's working for tenants
14 September, 2016
Merthyr Valleys Homes proves there is an alternative to bully landlords
Questions about social housing as council housing companies to be set up
14 September, 2016
Questions have been raised about the amount of social housing to be provided as part of a new development as two new housing companies are set to be established
Social Housing Evictions Higher than in Private Housing
14 September, 2016
You may have noticed that privately rented accommodation is not always held in the highest regard
Healey: "Council tenants to face tax rates of over 80% under Tory plans"
14 September, 2016
New analysis for Labour MP and former Treasury Minister John Healey has revealed that thousands of working families living in council homes will pay effective tax rates of over 80%
HAs successes threatened by LHA cap
14 September, 2016
The good work of two housing associations has been highlighted in Parliamentary motions by MSPs
Meeting housing demand, raising standards: social landlords and the private rented sector
14 September, 2016
Firstly, any social landlord looking to make the move into the private rented sector needs to study their local market very carefully
Scottish Housing Regulator highlights importance of landlord openness
13 September, 2016
The Scottish Housing Regulator has highlighted the importance of social landlords being open and accessible about their services and decision-making
Minister reveals 'Trusted Partner' landlords
13 September, 2016
The government has revealed the social landlords piloting a scheme to stop vulnerable Universal Credit claimants falling into debt
Midlands landlord hits back over cost analysis
13 September, 2016
A major Midlands landlord has hit back at the regulator over its cost analysis of the sector, claiming it does not account for large care and support businesses
Britain's rental property market is counter-intuitively warped
13 September, 2016
Rents in Britain are counter-intuitively cratering despite a severe housing shortage
New data shows rise in tenant complaints
12 September, 2016
The number of tenant complaints received by social landlords surveyed by benchmarking experts Housemark has steadily increased during the past three financial years
First right-to-buy sales go through after pilots
12 September, 2016
The first sales have taken place under the government's controversial right-to-buy policy for housing association tenants
Social landlords urged to adopt new voluntary carbon monoxide safety standard
08 September, 2016
Scotland's social landlords could do more to prevent fire, gas and carbon monoxide fatalities and injuries
Reality check: are right-to-buy homes being replaced as promised?
07 September, 2016
Theresa May says government is meeting pledge to replace properties sold through the scheme - but data suggests otherwise
Pay to Stay - A bureaucratic nightmare?
07 September, 2016
Since the idea of pay to stay was introduced by the Housing and Planning Act 2016 there has discussion as to how it would work
Council's plan to buy houses in Cheltenham to provide social rented housing
06 September, 2016
Houses on the open market could be bought by Cheltenham Borough Council to be rented as council housing
I run a social housing swap shop - but couldn't make it work for my own mum
06 September, 2016
Work, illness, love: when tenants want to move, my job is to help them match up homes to exchange
Housing associations should be more than just landlords
06 September, 2016
Community programmes transform lives and improve communities, so housing associations should keep investing in them as part of the work they do
Scunthorpe tenants owe £835,000 but evictions are down
05 September, 2016
Rent arrears owed by tenants of the Scunthorpe-based housing association Ongo Homes increased last year to £835,000 - but fewer debtors are being evicted
Borough puts £1m admin cost estimate on first year of pay to stay
05 September, 2016
A London borough estimates that Pay to Stay could cost it £1 million in first year administration costs alone to make IT and other system and process changes happen
Landlords freeze pay following rent cut
05 September, 2016
A greater proportion of social landlords surveyed have frozen pay for staff since the 1% annual rent cut came into effect
Associations submit 'cautious' bids for grant
02 September, 2016
Housing associations have submitted "cautious" bids under the government's main affordable housing grant programme
May is urged to consider policy of 'living rents' linked to wage levels
02 September, 2016
As PM's social reform committee meets for first time, report says rental sector needs to be looked at urgently
'This will cause massive hardship': social housing tenants on 'pay to stay'
02 September, 2016
We heard from readers affected by the government's 'pay to stay' policy, set to be introduced from April next year
Supported housing and the impact of capping Housing Benefit
02 September, 2016
This evidence paper looks at the distribution of supported housing by region across England nationally
'Pay to stay' is Robin Hood in reverse for thousands of hard-working people
02 September, 2016
These rent hikes are a direct attack on working people in social housing by a government as numerically illiterate as it is disingenuous
Rents and Value for Money
02 September, 2016
Many tenants pay rent for their homes and rarely question whether it equates to value for money for the services they receive
Tenants forget to claim back £500,000 of their own deposit money
02 September, 2016
Staff at a tenancy deposit scheme in Scotland are searching for thousands of tenants who appear to have forgotten to claim back their deposits
Supported housing helped build a better life for Amy and her son
01 September, 2016
Amy, a young woman living with her mother, had suffered from anxiety and depression following her experiences of domestic violence and abuse
National Report on the Scottish Social Housing Charter: Headline Findings 2015/16
01 September, 2016
The general picture is one of strong performance and continued improvement over the first three years of the Charter
Council launches Pay to Stay attack on government
31 August, 2016
Southwark Council has written to ask the Government to use its own tax office to pick up the bureaucracy that Pay to Stay will generate
What is pay to stay and who will be affected?
31 August, 2016
The government's policy of rent hikes for working people in social housing will hit thousands of low earners across the country
Social housing sector reports continued strong financial performance
31 August, 2016
The social housing sector remains in a strong financial position with access to sufficient finance
Merger fever: the tenants' view
31 August, 2016
Tenants are helping to devise an alternative merger code
'Pay to stay' is just another way to punish social housing tenants
30 August, 2016
When the government talks about its 'pay to stay' policy, ministers usually point to all those greedy social housing tenants who earn mega bucks but continue living in a council house
LGA calls on Government to rethink pay to stay policy
30 August, 2016
LGA is urging new ministers to rethink the Pay to Stay policy which will require councils to charge some of their tenants higher rents from April 2017
The social housing tenants miles from home
30 August, 2016
Councils, particularly those in London, are choosing to tackle a shortage of affordable social housing by investing in accommodation in other parts of the country
Merseyside RTB sales increased due to low demand elsewhere
26 August, 2016
The number of homes sold in Merseyside under the Right to Buy extension pilot was upped to compensate for low sales elsewhere
Half of Mid Suffolk's sheltered homes could be axed in council's proposals
26 August, 2016
Nearly half of Mid Suffolk Council-run sheltered housing schemes could be axed if new proposals go ahead
70,000 social housing tenants face £1,000 a year average rent rises under pay to stay
26 August, 2016
The LGA is urging new ministers to rethink the Pay to Stay policy which will require councils to charge some of their tenants higher rents from April 2017
Housing associations cancel merger
24 August, 2016
Genesis and Thames Valley have cancelled their merger plans at the eleventh hour citing "differences in style and approach"
Home Group ISA scheme 'will help with deposits'
24 August, 2016
A housing association's homeownership scheme will help tenants raise cash for deposits, despite controversy this week over the government scheme on which it is modelled
Consumer regulation review 2015 to 2016
23 August, 2016
The report sets out the social housing regulator's approach to consumer regulation and includes case studies and lessons learned
Social Impact Report
23 August, 2016
The Real Lettings Property Fund is a property investment fund designed for a social purpose: to help people at risk of homelessness to become more independent
NHF crowdfunds Pay to Stay data tool
22 August, 2016
NHF has called on members to help crowdfund £70,000 for a data project estimating tenants' incomes ahead of the voluntary introduction of Pay to Stay
The face of social housing in Renfrewshire is set to change with a £34million deal
22 August, 2016
It is hoped the plan will be rubber-stamped in days
New council houses are welcome but we need a lot more to solve housing crisis
22 August, 2016
Shelter Scotland reacts as North Lanarkshire Council reveals it is to build 1,000 council homes
Even dukes support social housing - so why doesn't the government?
19 August, 2016
Both the second and sixth Dukes of Westminster understood that social housing will always be needed: now is the time to build, not sell it off
'This is a scandal', we need to do far better than this' - more than 4,000 children are in temporary accommodation across Barnet
19 August, 2016
A report has revealed that more than 4,000 children are in temporary accommodation in Barnet - three times more than previously stated
Concern over plans to withhold Right to Buy payments
19 August, 2016
Ministers are set to insist on withholding 30% of compensation payment for Right to Buy discounts until replacement homes are started
Less than 2% of social tenants apply for Right to Buy in trial of scheme
19 August, 2016
Only 1.6% of households in the pilot to extend the Right to Buy to housing associations have applied to purchase their social home
Tenant satisfaction: is it still relevant?
18 August, 2016
As housing associations transform themselves, is customer service still important - and if so, why?
NHF propose Pay to Stay data solution
18 August, 2016
The National Housing Federation have set out how they feel associations can best collect data for Pay to Stay
Andy Burnham calls for councils to be able to buy poor quality private rented homes
18 August, 2016
Councils should receive a fund to help them purchase private rented homes in a poor state of repair
Sheltered housing and extra care housing by LA in Wales
17 August, 2016
The Welsh Government's annual report on the number of dwellings owned by local authorities and registered social landlords
Our housing associations can build more homes - if the government will let us
17 August, 2016
With housebuilding plans hard hit by the Brexit vote and uncertain economic times, there's an urgent need to shift support from ownership to renting
Bedroom tax fails on objectives
17 August, 2016
Research shows the government's Bedroom Tax is failing in its aim of freeing up larger homes
G15: Bedroom tax failing to free up larger homes
17 August, 2016
The bedroom tax is failing to free up larger social homes in London, according to research by the G15 group of housing associations
Right to buy is a stake in the heart of social housing - now more than ever
12 August, 2016
Despite the fact that flogging off national assets at below market value is brainless, the social housing fire sale continues apace
Government facing calls for Right to Buy to be scrapped
12 August, 2016
The Green Party has called for Right to Buy to be scrapped after only 20% of homes bought under the scheme last year have been replaced
Right to buy rules 'restricting councils replacing homes sold under scheme'
11 August, 2016
Less than 20% of homes sold under the right to buy scheme were replaced by councils last year
Social Housing Stock and Rents, as at 31 March 2016
11 August, 2016
Social housing stock are dwellings, bedsits and bed spaces owned or partly owned by local authorities and RSLs, otherwise known as social landlords
Northern Ireland beats social housing target
11 August, 2016
The number of new social homes started in Northern Ireland last year has exceeded the government's 1,500-homes target, but it is still down on the previous year
New scheme to help tenants buy their social homes
11 August, 2016
One of the UK's largest housing associations plans to discount tenants' rents, freeze property prices and top up savings in a pioneering bid to help tenants buy their social home
Right-to-buy reform urged as council leaders fear for social housing
11 August, 2016
Figures show that replacements for homes sold under the right-to-buy scheme fell by 27% last year, worsening the housing crisis
Mortgage and landlord possession statistics: April to June 2016
11 August, 2016
Quarterly National Statistics on possession claim actions in county courts by mortgage lenders and social and private landlords
The stigma of renting and the legacy of new towns
10 August, 2016
Jonn Elledge's article is mostly a realistic picture of the rental v ownership situation in the UK
With supported housing in limbo, vulnerable people face homelessness
10 August, 2016
The government delay on reforms to supported housing funding means a miserable summer for tenants and difficult decisions for us providers
Government cuts to supported housing could force services to close
08 August, 2016
The plans to restrict housing benefit for vulnerable people living in supported housing are one of the most pernicious proposals from this Tory government
Rent rises with a week's notice: we can no longer afford our 'affordable' housing
05 August, 2016
We hoped that being on an affordable rent scheme would mean we could save to buy our own place. L&Q's sudden rent increase comes as a shock and a blow
An empty home = an extra family in temporary accommodation or homeless
05 August, 2016
Half full or half empty? CIH knowledge management and research co-ordinator Sara Graves blogs about how vacant homes could tackle our housing crisis
Affordable housing: 'affordable for who'?
05 August, 2016
Every time I hear the term 'affordable housing' being used - whether in a conversation with friends, family, Shelter clients or in a focus group - the same comment is always made: 'yes, but affordable for who...?'
DWP will not say whether it is going to cut disability supported housing, women's refuges, and homeless hostels
04 August, 2016
Fifteen of the UK's leading disability charities have written to the Department for Work and Pensions calling on it to end the 'shadow of uncertainty' cast on vulnerable people by its latest round of housing benefit cuts
LGA to develop advice for councils on out-of-area placements
04 August, 2016
The Local Government Association will develop best practice guidelines for councils moving people into other local authority areas
Funding Homelessness Services in Scotland
04 August, 2016
This study was commissioned by Shelter Scotland as a follow-up from previous 2012 research examining the sources and trends of funding Scottish LA homelessness services
Minister criticised for response to rent cut question
03 August, 2016
A Labour peer has blasted a minister's response to a parliamentary question about the impact of the 1% social housing rent cut as 'completely unsatisfactory'
Legal Eagle: There is no right to housing
03 August, 2016
One of the most common misconceptions in housing law is that the council owes everyone a duty of accommodation and you would never end up sleeping on the streets. Sadly, this isn't quite right
Top award for groundbreaking council project tackling homelessness
02 August, 2016
A Croydon Council initiative that has helped thousands of people at risk of homelessness has been named one of three winners
Social Landlord Support Pack
01 August, 2016
Getting social tenants ready for direct payment of housing costs
Not a moment too soon
01 August, 2016
The end of Scotland's Right to Buy gives social landlords the opportunity to replenish the stock of social housing
Rent to debt
29 July, 2016
Ed Miliband's recent investigation into rent-to-own suppliers for the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme showed how easily those in financial need can find themselves committed to unsustainable credit agreements
Social Landlord Leaders: No more right to buy and 'not a moment too soon'
28 July, 2016
End of right to buy policy in Scotland
Hundreds of residents helped into work
28 July, 2016
The initiative, set up to support households affected by the benefit cap has been credited with turning hundreds of people's lives around
'Homeless' woman hid property in Italy to get a council home
28 July, 2016
Loubna Hamidouch wanted a council home in Cambridge – when she owned a property in Italy
Government urged to delay Pay to Stay
27 July, 2016
Councils and arm's length management organisations are calling on ministers to delay the introduction of Pay to Stay to avoid a 'tight' timetable
Some supported housing could avoid 'LHA cap'
26 July, 2016
Associations could lessen the impact of the government's 'Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap' by leasing their supported housing to a non-registered subsidiary
Rent call
26 July, 2016
Social landlords must make the case for affordable rent to the new government
Delay likely on key Housing Act regulations
25 July, 2016
Publication of the Higher Value and Pay to Stay Regulations is likely to be delayed
Government sneaks out report revealing 57,000 Bedroom Tax victims fell behind on rent
25 July, 2016
The report was slipped out in a mountain of more than 300 documents on the day MPs leave Westminster for their six-week summer holiday
HCA probes landlords over market risk
22 July, 2016
The English social housing regulator is probing housing associations that are particularly exposed to a housing market downturn following the Brexit vote
Extending a voluntary Right to Buy to housing association tenants (England)
22 July, 2016
The statutory Right to Buy came into effect on 3 October 1980
Don't hold your breath for social housing
22 July, 2016
The calm, sound, unwavering economic case for funding, and promoting the funding of homes let at rents that people can meet from their incomes has not changed
Reduce 'LHA cap' impact
21 July, 2016
Scottish ministers should use their new welfare powers to ease the impact of UK government cuts to housing benefit
Housing Benefit Cap to be debated in House of Commons
21 July, 2016
An Opposition Day Debate on the proposals to cut housing benefit for vulnerable people in supported housing is to be held on the 20 July 2016
Supported housing announcement in Autumn
21 July, 2016
Vulnerable people living in social housing will know if they are to be included in benefit cuts later this year
Northern landlords raise doubts over minister's new role
21 July, 2016
Social landlords in the north of England have raised concerns about the new housing minister's extra role as minister for London
'Vastly more' affordable housing needed to tackle Scotland's 'sobering' housing crisis
20 July, 2016
The only long-term solution for Scotland to help its struggling first time buyers is to build vastly more affordable, quality housing in the places where people want to live
No room
20 July, 2016
Despite extensive cuts to local authority budgets, millions of pounds are pouring from the public purse into youth homelessness services without any way of knowing what does and doesn't work
Complaints about social landlords ease off
19 July, 2016
The number of complaints and enquiries about social landlords received by the Housing Ombudsman Service has levelled off following a huge increase over the last few years
Councils free to decide on Pay to Stay rents
15 July, 2016
Ministers have said it is up to councils to decide how they determine 'market rent' levels under the Pay to Stay policy
MPs press Government for LHA cap safeguards
15 July, 2016
The Government has made positive reassurances about the future funding of supported housing, despite stopping short of extending its exemption from the looming LHA cap
Fire, Gas and Carbon Monoxide Safety Regulations:
15 July, 2016
What English social landlords need to know
Still time for Bacs campaign
15 July, 2016
Social housing providers still have time to take advantage of a national housing rents campaign, which aims to deliver vital time and cost savings for those in the sector
Council building power diminished 92% by government policies
14 July, 2016
Councils' capacity to fund building through their rent accounts has shrunk from 550,000 homes over 30 years to just 45,000 as a result of government policies
Theresa May told: "start building social housing"
14 July, 2016
New PM Theresa May is urged to honour her words on dealing with the housing deficit
Faster internet to be rolled out to more communities
14 July, 2016
Households in several rural communities across Scotland are to be given access to high-speed fibre broadband
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 Overview of the Act and implications for the sector
14 July, 2016
Report by Community Housing Cymru
Residents to benefit from housing associations home swap
13 July, 2016
More than 1,400 households will have a new landlord and a more local service, after two leading housing associations completed a major stock exchange
The future of supported housing
13 July, 2016
An adjournment debate on the future of supported housing
The fall and rise of the council estate
13 July, 2016
For decades, the Aylesbury estate in south London has been seen as a symbol of the failure of British social housing. But now - just as it is being demolished - many people are starting to think again
'I'll build 10,000 council houses' says Labour man battling to become region's first mayor
11 July, 2016
Former Birmingham councillor Steve Bedser launches bid to become Labour candidate for West Midlands mayor with a dig at his 'career politician' rival Sion Simon
Prisoners to help build social housing
11 July, 2016
A Trafford social housing consortium has employed eight inmates from HM Hindley Prison
DWP plans longer-term supported housing exemption
08 July, 2016
Ministers plan to extend an exemption for supported housing from the 'Local Housing Allowance cap' as they seek a long-term solution to the problem
Third of U.K. Councils Say No to Housing Refugees
08 July, 2016
London and Greater Manchester have taken in the fewest number of refugee families
Senior judges block tenant's eviction despite cannabis farm
08 July, 2016
A housing associations' bid to evict a tenant who had 300 cannabis plants in her spare bedroom has been dismissed by senior judges
Suffolk Housing Society takes steps to mitigate Universal Credit
08 July, 2016
Suffolk Housing Society, a social landlord in East Anglia with over 2,500 properties, has invested in Mobysoft's Rentsense solution to help them mitigate the rent cut and Universal Credit
Credit agency 'monitoring' landlords with London sales exposure
07 July, 2016
A credit ratings agency is "monitoring" London providers with large exposures to the sales market
Landlords to answer VFM questions
07 July, 2016
Housing associations will have to defend higher than usual costs or demonstrate they are making savings in future 'in-depth assessments'
Londoners fear 'Pay to Stay' law will price poor tenants out of the capital
07 July, 2016
From the moment Jan Sweeney first got the keys to her council flat in west London 35 years ago, she hoped she had found a sanctuary from the economic unrest gripping the city
Repent at leisure? Why the introduction of Pay to Stay should be slowed right down
07 July, 2016
It would be easy to imagine that all of Government is focused on the possible implications of leaving the EU
Pay to Stay for housing associations
06 July, 2016
Pay to Stay is not compulsory for housing associations, but some may wish to introduce their own scheme for higher income households
We're scrapping right to buy in Wales to protect vulnerable families
06 July, 2016
People should be able to get on the property ladder without it depleting our social housing stock. We must ensure everybody has a decent place to live
Executive confirms plans for new social housing scheme in Rathcoole
06 July, 2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has confirmed plans for a new social housing development in the heart of the Rathcoole estate
Jobs to go as Coast & Country Housing deals with fall in rental income
05 July, 2016
Redcar-based Coast & Country Housing are also closing a district office as 2015 Budget change kicks in
Conservative PM challengers pledge social housing
04 July, 2016
Conservative leadership hopeful Stephen Crabb has pledged to create a £100bn "Growing Britain Fund" for infrastructure projects including social housing
Housing associations press ahead with "pay to stay"
04 July, 2016
It is estimated that there are over 6,000 households renting in the social housing sector where the household income is over £100,000
Councils step up raids on housing budgets
04 July, 2016
Cash-strapped councils are increasingly drawing cash from their housing budgets to plug gaps in back-office costs
London council launches 'right-to-invest' for low-income tenants
01 July, 2016
Barking and Dagenham's version of right-to-buy scheme aimed at retaining housing stock while letting tenants buy a share in their property at discount
Touching the voids
01 July, 2016
The impact of energy efficiency on social landlord income and business plans
Kerslake urges ministers to revise view of social housing
30 June, 2016
The former head of the civil service has called on ministers to change their view of social housing
Reforms to support social sector tenants
30 June, 2016
Lord Freud spoke about the benefits of working together to improve people's lives at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
CIH bid to mend 'tense' local government relationships
29 June, 2016
CIH has announced a drive to fix the "tension" between councils and housing associations following the extension of the Right to Buy
Breaking: Wales ready to abolish Right to Buy
29 June, 2016
Right to Buy is running out of time in Wales
Proposal for a strong and sustainable future for supported and sheltered housing
28 June, 2016
The Federation has consulted extensively with our housing association members and stakeholders to develop our recommendation for a secure, sustainable funding model for supported and sheltered housing
Several large landlords planning for Pay to Stay adoption
28 June, 2016
A clutch of leading landlords have begun planning for the introduction of Pay to Stay
Majority of social housing tenants 'voted to leave the EU'
28 June, 2016
A majority of social housing tenants voted to Leave the European Union, according to an analysis by polling expert Lord Ashcroft
Tenant chances boosted by co-operation deal
28 June, 2016
The employment prospects of housing association tenants' are being boosted by closer co-operation between training and social housing providers
Could front line workers hold the key to improving care in social housing?
27 June, 2016
From gas engineers to neighbourhood officers, rent collectors to handy-people; promoting health isn't the first thing that springs to mind when you think about these roles
EIB 'stands by' funding commitments following Leave vote
27 June, 2016
The EIB has said it will honour social housing funding commitments already in place with the UK following the vote to leave the European Union
Councils' cash from EU 'should be guaranteed' if withdrawn
27 June, 2016
The government should guarantee English councils will still receive the £5.3bn they had been allocated from EU funds
Councils sound warning over Pay to Stay timetable
24 June, 2016
The government is facing pressure from councils over the "horrendously short" timescale required to implement its controversial Pay to Stay policy by April next year
Whose Right to Buy Is It Anyway?
24 June, 2016
Around 2.5m council tenants across the UK have bought their homes since Right to Buy started in 1980
Economic uncertainty means renters need security
24 June, 2016
We haven't commented on the EU referendum as a debate about the future of the country was all a bit above us. Renters are a mixed bunch and have different reasons for voting Remain or Leave
HCA urges bids for supported housing grant
23 June, 2016
Landlords have been urged to bid for supported housing funding despite the government's benefit changes
Conference examines role of how customer service can save social housing
23 June, 2016
The role of customer service in "saving" social housing was on the agenda at Omfax System's annual user conference in Warwickshire
Labour calls for answers over RTB fraud claims
22 June, 2016
Labour has tabled urgent questions and threatened to call for a National Audit Office investigation over Inside Housing's research into Right to Buy fraud
Landlords call for supported housing funding changes
22 June, 2016
The government should cap supported housing management costs and stop funding them through housing benefit
Tenants have their say on housing strategy
22 June, 2016
Residents of Edinburgh have influenced the city council on its housing budget strategy
Council saves money on costly temporary accommodation by purchasing homes
17 June, 2016
A London council claims its has saved almost £1 million in two years by purchasing homes to use as an alternative to nightly accommodation for vulnerable families
Disrupt Social Housing: Before Someone Disrupts It For You
17 June, 2016
All organisations face common challenges in coming years
350,000 renters put at risk of eviction in the last year - equivalent to more than the population of Leicester
15 June, 2016
Alarming new figures from housing charity Shelter have revealed more than 148,000 renting households in England were put at risk of losing their home in the past year
NFA floats switch to monthly rent collection
15 June, 2016
NFA is gathering the views of its members on moving from weekly to monthly rent collection
Borough bids for HMO control
15 June, 2016
A council coping with a rapid rise in HMOs is ready to "take back control"
Moody's: 'Brexit could be negative for associations'
14 June, 2016
A ratings agency has issued fresh warnings about the impact on housing associations if the UK votes to leave the European Union
SNP falls short of socially-rented housing manifesto target
14 June, 2016
The SNP has missed a manifesto target to build more than 6,000 new socially-rented houses a year
CIH responds to HCA analysis of cost variation in the social housing sector
13 June, 2016
It is pleasing to see that the regulator's analysis shows housing associations have continued to reduce their costs over the last five years
Tread carefully
10 June, 2016
Housing associations considering a move into the care home market should tread carefully
Delivering better value for money: understanding differences in unit costs
09 June, 2016
Analysis of unit costs in the social housing sector
Council to pay a £26.8m water bill refund to tenants
09 June, 2016
Many landlords with similar arrangements could also face large bills.
Use of Equality and Diversity In formation by Scottish Social Landlords
08 June, 2016
This report presents the findings of our thematic inquiry on the information submitted by social landlords against the Charter standard and outcome for equalities
Move by Tower Hamlets to grab back council housing from 'failing' social landlords
07 June, 2016
Talks are under way to try bring social housing estates in London's deprived East End back under local authority control
Tories ignore the need for social housing and switch money from the poor to the rich
06 June, 2016
The term "housing crisis" is so well used in London that you cannot ignore it
New Law Proposed to Stop Councils Forcing Tenants to Wait for Bailiffs
06 June, 2016
The proportion of all repossession claims that have to be resolved by bailiffs in the last 12 months has shot up to 40%
FRC comments on issues arising in relation to accounting for social housing loans
06 June, 2016
Many entities are currently in the process of applying FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland for the first time
Is it really all over for social housing?
03 June, 2016
Is it true though? Is it true that we are so conditioned to strive for homeownership and spurn social housing that we are willing to stand by while it disappears?
UK Immigration, EU Referendum and Britain's Housing Crisis - How to Get a Council House
03 June, 2016
The reality of Britain's housing crisis can be easily lost in the statistics
Brandon Lewis issues eviction warning to councils
03 June, 2016
The Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, has written to all local councils in England to underline government guidance on the advice that councils give to tenants when seeking re-housing on the grounds of "homelessness" when faced with an eviction notice
Councils consider applying for rent cut exemption
03 June, 2016
Two councils are considering applying for an exemption to a government-imposed 1% rent cut for social housing tenants
Does right to buy extension add up?
02 June, 2016
The government announced last year that the "right to buy" would be extended to housing association tenants
Council is accused of disregarding the views of local people on 70,000 housing target
02 June, 2016
Community campaigners are accusing Leeds City Council of disregarding the views of residents and riding roughshod over evidence against its 70,000 housing target
Review of the Scottish Social Housing Charter
02 June, 2016
This consultation seeks your views on the Scottish Social Housing Charter, which remains in force until 31 March 2017
The people dumped in "temporary" housing for more than a decade
01 June, 2016
Councils are dumping homeless people in "temporary accommodation" for more than a decade
When sky-high repair bills can make right to buy the wrong choice
31 May, 2016
Former local authority tenants who bought their properties for as little as £44,000 are facing demands of up to £50,000, which they can't afford to pay
Social housing: the end of 'lifetime' tenancies in England?
31 May, 2016
Long-term security of tenure was introduced for most social housing tenants by the Housing Act 1980
DCLG reveals council rent cut exemption criteria
31 May, 2016
The government has published guidance for councils on how to apply for an exemption from the 1% rent cut
Bradford Council criticised for having more than 4,000 empty homes in Bradford
31 May, 2016
Bradford Council has been criticised over the thousands of homes standing empty in the district
Personal budgets allow people to control their own support and their own lives
31 May, 2016
Over the past decade, personal budgets have completely changed social care in England, despite unprecedented local authority cuts
Innovation in Scottish housing is delivering improved value for money
27 May, 2016
Scottish social landlords are modernising services and making use of new technology to deliver real, quantifiable savings and improved productivity
Research: Unlocking strategic asset management in social housing
27 May, 2016
The operating environment for housing associations has changed in the face of an evolving policy environment over rent levels, right to buy and funding for new housing delivery
SHR updates guide for landlords on carrying out surveys of tenants and service users
27 May, 2016
The SHR has published an updated guide that simplifies and clarifies some of the steps for landlords to take when designing and carrying out surveys of their tenants and service users
London councils spend near £500m on temporary accommodation
27 May, 2016
London councils spent nearly £500m on temporary accommodation over the past 18 months
HCA downgrades two landlords
26 May, 2016
The Homes and Communities Agency has today issued two housing associations with regulatory downgrades
Canterbury: 200 London families to move to council homes at Howe Barracks
25 May, 2016
More than 200 families from a London borough are set to move to council homes in east Kent after social housing bosses outbid the local authority to capture the ex-army properties
Scottish landlords expect cost rises to outstrip turnover
25 May, 2016
More than a third of Scottish social landlords expect cost rises to increase at a faster pace than revenue over the next year
How you can start preparing for Voluntary Right to Buy - advice from the pilots
24 May, 2016
Back in November, Chancellor George Osborne announced Sovereign would be one of five housing associations given the challenge of piloting the new Voluntary Right to Buy
Landlords seek to deregister from charity regulator
24 May, 2016
Housing associations are considering changing their legal status to avoid Charity Commission rules in the wake of the government's deregulation drive
Lack of social housing 'pushing thousands into poverty and homelessness'
23 May, 2016
Thousands of Scots are being pushed into poverty and homelessness because of higher private rental costs as a direct result of failures to protect the country's social housing stock
How bad is the housing crisis in Bristol? Nearly 10,000 people waiting for just 41 council homes
23 May, 2016
Nearly 10,000 people are waiting for a council home in Bristol - but only a few dozens are available for rent
Social landlords expect to manage more homes this year - but minority expect net revenue gains
23 May, 2016
More than two thirds of Scottish social housing landlords responding to a new survey expect the number of units they manage to increase over the next 12 months
Councils 'forcing homeless families to relocate miles away'
23 May, 2016
Overstretched local authorities unlawfully moving people up to 100 miles from schools and support networks
Bill of Rights could have 'implications' for social landlords
19 May, 2016
A British Bill of Rights could have implications for social housing landlords
Fire safety in social housing - what can we learn?
19 May, 2016
For landlords and housing providers, ensuring the safety of client groups and tenants may not be as straightforward as it would first seem
Housing associations own 40,000 PRS units
19 May, 2016
Housing associations own 40,000 private rented sector units - but it remains a fringe activity confined to a handful of providers
Implementing Direct Payment of Housing Benefit: An Evaluation of Circle Housing's HB2U Pilot Project
19 May, 2016
This report provides findings from the evaluation of Circle Housing's HB2U Housing Benefit Direct Payment Pilot project
Landlord reveals findings of direct payment 'pilot'
19 May, 2016
A housing association is calling for changes to Universal Credit, after its unofficial 'pilot' showed tenants receiving housing benefit payments direct are more likely to fall into arrears
Queen's Speech: the key housing and social reforms
18 May, 2016
A pledge to "increase the life chances for the most disadvantaged" was the main message
Social housing tenants who feel 'demonised as second-class citizens' - in pictures
18 May, 2016
People in temporary accommodation and council housing explain how the Housing and Planning Act will affect their lives, communities and homes
Fitch warns of EU exit impact on social landlords
18 May, 2016
A vote to leave the European Union could lead to a pause in social landlords taking out new finance as the housing market slows down
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 - what it means for ALMOs and their councils
17 May, 2016
Now it's been passed, what does the Housing and Planning Act 2016 mean for ALMOs and their councils?
Facing up to defeat: why was social housing an easy target?
17 May, 2016
Housing campaigners need to acknowledge the uncomfortable quandary about the passing of the Housing and Planning Act
Just asking for trouble
16 May, 2016
On a recent programme about getting a council house one of the people in trouble with her rent said something that came as no surprise
'Worse than the bedroom tax': Cambridge MP blasts plan that may force city to sell hundreds of homes
16 May, 2016
New laws that sound "the death knell of social housing" in Cambridge have been branded worse than the bedroom tax by the city's MP
Government urged to hand housing control back to councils
13 May, 2016
With the housing bill set for Royal Assent, government is now being pressed to put related investment plans, rents and assets back in the hands of local authorities
Why council waiting lists are shrinking, despite more people in need of homes
12 May, 2016
The number of families on lists for council housing has fallen because of stricter rules on who can apply
Campaigners admit defeat as Tories push through mass council homes sell-off with hours to spare
11 May, 2016
The Housing Bill cleared its final hurdle tonight as former housing chief Sir Bob Kerslake gave up his long battle
For whom the bells toll: Housing Bill sounds "death knell" for social housing
11 May, 2016
The Housing & Planning Bill sounds the "death knell" for social housing in England
Forced council sales - hampering local authorities' fight against homelessness
11 May, 2016
Last week, we published research showing the Housing and Planning Bill could force the sale of 23,500 vacant council houses each year
Tenant evictions up in England and Wales
11 May, 2016
But homeowner repossessions fell to record low in first quarter of 2016
Bexley Council accused of 'burying head in the sand' over lack of social and affordable housing
10 May, 2016
A Crayford resident has accused Bexley Council of burying its head in the sand, over a lack of affordable and social housing
Council campaign aims to ensure that tenants put Rent 1st
10 May, 2016
Perth and Kinross Council's housing service has launched a new drive to ensure that all its tenants are clear about their responsibilities to pay rent
Adding £2.3bn of debt to the accounts - social housing deregulation as an early test for the minority Welsh Government
10 May, 2016
Before the elections to the Welsh Assembly last week, Steffan Evans outlined how housing might be a key policy area around which bridges could be built in the Senedd
Forced council sales: looking at the homes that may actually be sold off
10 May, 2016
The Housing and Planning Bill is now nearing the end of its passage through parliament
Housing association gets European investment for social housing
09 May, 2016
A housing association has secured £80 million to support construction of social housing and shared ownership
Whose homes are they anyway?
09 May, 2016
While publicity on the Housing and Planning Bill has been rightly focussed on the forced sale of council homes and Right to Buy, there has been little mention of a late Government amendment
Leader of Sutton Council apologises for sending mock eviction notices to thousands of people
09 May, 2016
The leader of Sutton Council has apologised for sending "crass and irresponsible" mock eviction notices to thousands of people to promote a Liberal Democrat petition
Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle
09 May, 2016
A documentary exploring the failures and deception behind the social housing crisis in Britain
Birmingham forced to sell more than 1,000 council houses - every year
06 May, 2016
Housing charity Shelter's warning about the impact of housing policy on Birmingham
DCLG: Tenancies change will not hit protected groups
06 May, 2016
The phasing out of lifetime tenancies will not negatively impact protected demographic groups overall
Empty Housing (England)
06 May, 2016
High levels of empty properties are recognised as having a serious impact on the viability of communities
Leading government figures see social housing as toxic
05 May, 2016
The Lords debate on the unfair housing and planning bill is soon coming to end, but the debate in the country should not
'High' to 'higher' forced sales mean 23,500 council homes lost per year and an average annual £26m bill
04 May, 2016
We previously sounded the alarm that a subtle amendment to the Housing and Planning Bill allows the Secretary of State to force the sale of a much broader range of council homes than before
Extending the Right to Buy to housing association tenants
03 May, 2016
Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report
HCA-backed £1bn housing fund launches
03 May, 2016
A new £1bn fund to help cash-strapped councils build 10,000 mixed-tenure homes has been launched with the support of the HCA
How many council homes are left in England after 20 year sell-off
29 April, 2016
Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government have revealed the number of local authority owned social houses
Peers vote for inflation-linked Pay to Stay threshold
29 April, 2016
Peers have voted for Pay to Stay 'high-income' thresholds to be increased in line with inflation every three years
Council tenant discount card launches in Edinburgh
28 April, 2016
A new City of Edinburgh Council tenant discount scheme has been launched which will save tenants money
Housing Bill defeat on council house replacements
28 April, 2016
The House of Lords has delivered a 12th defeat for the government on the Housing and Planning Bill over the type of homes that will replace the sale of higher-value council stock
Government increases fixed-term tenancy limit to 10 years
27 April, 2016
Government increases fixed-term tenancy limit to 10 year
Londoners urged to share the horrors of renting with #ventyourrent campaign
27 April, 2016
A campaign group is encouraging London's renters to take to social media and share their horror stories on the realities of renting using the hashtag #ventyourrent
Rent to buy: Council tenants could be given chance to pay off mortgages
26 April, 2016
Council tenants could be given the chance to get on the housing ladder by paying a mortgage instead of cut-price rent
Housing Bill should also include rogue tenants list
26 April, 2016
The Housing and Planning Bill, which includes measures to tackle criminal landlords and letting agents, should also address the issue of problem tenants
More homes, more social housing - how Welsh Labour will lead the way
26 April, 2016
I have never understood why, but in election after election, housing is the dog that never quite barks
Allocations policy favouring workers ruled unlawful
25 April, 2016
A council's policy to ringfence 20% of its lettings for people in work has been found discriminatory and unlawful by the High Court
Housing Bill: 16 Defeats And U-Turns Inflicted On Government's Flagship Reforms
25 April, 2016
A bumpy ride for "pay-to-stay" charges and ending lifelong council homes
The social landlords stepping in to help computer-illiterate residents
25 April, 2016
Universal credit will hugely increase demand for digital access - so housing associations have started doing more for tenants without the internet
GBP 1 billion EIB backing for UK social housing
25 April, 2016
The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide GBP 1 billion for new social housing investment across the UK
The Welfare stigma which is leaving the poorest homeless
22 April, 2016
It's hard to think of a worse time in the last 50 years to be on benefits and living in London
Angry protests as council houses go under the hammer
21 April, 2016
There was a heavy police presence as protesters tried to disrupt an auction of council homes in Bristol tonight
Government defends Pay to Stay after Lords defeats
21 April, 2016
The government has pledged to ensure the social housing sector only supports those 'who genuinely need it', in response to a hat-trick of heavy defeats in the Lords on Pay to Stay
Impact of capping Housing Benefit at Local Housing Allowance rates
21 April, 2016
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Autumn Statement that housing benefit and housing costs within Universal Credit for social housing tenants will be capped
'We are losing the case on social housing'
20 April, 2016
Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes has claimed the housing sector is "losing the case of social housing"
Tories' Pay to Stay rent hikes smashed to bits in humiliating triple defeat
19 April, 2016
Pay to Stay in the Housing Bill would have forced 215,000 households earning £30,000 to pay the full market rent - but it's been bludgeoned
Discretionary Housing Payment underspend explained by councillors
19 April, 2016
Funds given to Oxford City Council to help individuals pay their rent have jumped back up this year despite the fact that it was not all spent in 2015/16
Housing Bill: Government Faces U-Turn Over 'Pay To Stay' After Hat-Trick Of House of Lords Defeats
19 April, 2016
Housing and Planning Bill has now lost six times after peers voted to alter 'vindictive' charge
Council will not appeal water charge ruling
19 April, 2016
A council will not appeal a landmark court ruling, meaning social landlords could have to repay millions of pounds to tenants in water charges
Housing organisations say ministers should think again about unfair rent hikes for hard-working council tenants
18 April, 2016
As the Government's Housing Bill approaches the next stage in its bumpy ride through the House of Lords, tenant and housing campaigners have called on Ministers to drop proposals announced in George Osborne's 2015 Budge
1% of tenants take up the Right to Buy
15 April, 2016
Less than 1% of the housing association tenants offered the chance to purchase their home under a pilot of the Right to Buy have so far made a formal application to buy
Reduced PCSO cover in parts of Cheshire 'caused by rent cuts'
14 April, 2016
Two housing associations in Cheshire have stopped funding Police Community Support Officers, blaming rent reductions imposed by the government
Weeks later... and council letting agency still has just one home listed
13 April, 2016
It's several weeks on from our story about a local authority setting up its own private letting agency and having only one property - and it STILL has only one property
Ministers seek to reduce councils' influence over HAs
13 April, 2016
The government has taken further steps to deregulate the sector by limiting the influence of councils over housing associations
Government should ditch social housing benefit cap 'as a matter of basic humanity'
13 April, 2016
A Wirral MP has warned some of the most vulnerable people in the borough could be plunged into crisis under Government plans to cap housing benefit payments
Revealed: which Dorset councils have built the most affordable homes (and you might be surprised)
12 April, 2016
Christchurch and Purbeck built fewer homes than their neighbouring authorities
Gracehill Housing Scheme gets the green light from planners despite 70 letters of objection
12 April, 2016
A proposal for a social housing development in Gracehill, which attracted 70 letters of objection, has been approved by Council's Planning Committee
Getting tenants off to a flying start
12 April, 2016
Finding somewhere to live is difficult enough at the best of times, but without the right information and advice it can be an even more daunting prospect
The Housing and Planning Bill risks missing out half of England's young private-renting households
11 April, 2016
This afternoon, the House of Lords will kick-off the first round of voting on key amendments to the Housing and Planning Bill
Three practical amendments Shelter is fighting for on the Housing Bill
11 April, 2016
The Housing and Planning Bill returns to the House of Lords for Report stage today
Tory local government leader asks Lords to block housing reforms
11 April, 2016
Peers are being urged to reject amendments to bill forcing councils to sell their most expensive properties
Bill change 'could increase council home sales further'
11 April, 2016
Sector figures fear councils may have to sell more of their stock to fund the Right to Buy extension than previously expected
End of long-term tenancies will 'damage family life'
11 April, 2016
Calls to scrap Tory plans to reform social housing as fears grow over damage to communities and children's education
Home benefits: the SFHA's Mary Taylor explains why welfare reform is a concern for housing associations
07 April, 2016
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations chief executive tells Holyrood of her concerns about the LHA cap, changes to benefits and the potential reclassification of social housing
Bedroom tax and benefit sanctions: social workers must get to grips with welfare law
06 April, 2016
People who use services are feeling the impact of cuts and welfare reform. To make a difference to their lives, professionals need to understand these issues
The great service debate
06 April, 2016
From this month, social landlords will see revenues from rents fall by 1% each year for four years
Balance becomes 'relative' as Southwark tackles empty homes
06 April, 2016
A London council that has placed over 1,000 households beyond its borough boundaries over the past year has an estimated 2,000 empty private sector homes
Reduction in social housing rents
05 April, 2016
This note provides an outline of The Social Housing Rents (Exceptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2016
The Positive Impact of Social Housing Provision
05 April, 2016
It is evident that social housing supports individuals and households with pressing housing needs
Free heat meter surveys for social landlords
05 April, 2016
At Sustainable Homes we know that the recent heat metering regulations have concentrated effort on installing meters in heat networks
UK Government's housing policy targeting homeless families is 'tantamount to social cleansing'
04 April, 2016
Charities and politicians demand urgent safeguards after Independent investigation uncovers cases of homeless children dying from neglect and abuse
How Cambridge development with just 6% social housing is making £17m in extra sales
04 April, 2016
One of the most controversial developments in Cambridge is set to make millions of pounds more in profit than forecast when the original builder avoided hitting the city council's affordable housing target
Lender concerns prompt Housing Bill change
04 April, 2016
Ministers are set to change the Housing and Planning Bill following concerns that a new system of managing sector insolvencies would lead to lenders asking social landlords for more security
Survey reveals tenants' rent cut concerns
04 April, 2016
More than half of social tenants to answer a survey said they are concerned about a reduction in services from their landlord as a result of the rent cut
EEA migrants: access to social housing (England)
01 April, 2016
Part 1 of this briefing gives a broad overview of the law governing the rights of EEA migrants to access social housing in England
Fears council house evictions could rise due to benefits changes
01 April, 2016
Aberdeenshire's local authority has raised concerns that the number of council house evictions in the area may rise under the government's new universal credit scheme
2016 Annual Review of Social Housing
31 March, 2016
Welcome to the latest Beever and Struthers' review of social housing
Mother claims she is forced to live with no electricity, crumbling walls and rats because her housing association landlord will not carry out proper repairs to her home
30 March, 2016
A mother says she is being forced to live with rats, crumbling walls and no electricity in the downstairs of her home because her housing association will not carry out proper repairs
Landlords at risk of missing asset register deadline
30 March, 2016
A large number of housing associations are in danger of failing to meet Thursday's deadline for completing a register of assets and liabilities
Government spends £100,000 on lawyers to defend the bedroom tax
29 March, 2016
The DWP is fighting a rape victim and the family of a severely disabled child
Latest council offers cash for downsizing
22 March, 2016
Hackney are the latest local authority to offer residents a cash incentive if they downsize
The effect of forthcoming housing policy changes on social-tenant employment and the London economy
22 March, 2016
London is facing an unprecedented housing crisis
High-income tenants exempt from rent cut
22 March, 2016
The 1% annual rent cut will not apply to households with household income of £60,000 or more
Succession rights and social housing (England)
21 March, 2016
Within the current statutory framework there can only be one statutory succession to a council or housing association tenancy in England
Robin Hood Gardens and the demise of Britsh social housing
21 March, 2016
The rise and fall of Robin Hood Gardens echoes the fate of British social housing, as developers take from the poor to house the rich
Survey reveals planned job cuts and a shift away from developing homes for social rent as the social housing sector struggles to respond to financial pressures
18 March, 2016
Almost one in five social housing providers are planning job cuts in the coming year
The women who escape domestic abuse but lose their social housing
17 March, 2016
Women and their children often have to forfeit their homes to escape violent partners. One housing association is offering an answer
Ministers to 'explore ways of getting social tenants into homeownership'
17 March, 2016
The government has announced it will look at ways of further increasing homeownership levels among social tenants
Cambridge needs social housing to correct an 'imperfect' market
16 March, 2016
Cambridge needs to build more social housing to correct an "imperfect" property market here in the city
SFHA comments on LHA cap delay for supported tenants
16 March, 2016
Commenting on today's UK Budget announcement and the reiteration by the UK Government that it will delay the LHA cap for tenants in supported accommodation by a year
The future of social housing in the North West
16 March, 2016
The legal implications and financing of building new homes in the North West to meet George Osborne's plans for a "Northern powerhouse" are being discussed at a major conference in Liverpool this week
Call for mandatory electrical checks for all social housing and owner-occupied flats
16 March, 2016
A charity which led the successful call for mandatory electrical checks in Scotland's PRS has called for these to be extended to all social housing and owner occupied flats
A tale of two cities: winners and losers in London's social housing divide
15 March, 2016
In one part of London, residents are being bulldozed out of council-built homes to make way for a privately led development most cannot afford
Number of rough sleepers in Barrow revealed as lack of social housing is labelled 'monstrous'
14 March, 2016
People are being forced to sleep on the streets of Barrow as waiting lists for the area's council houses reach crisis point
Social housing benefit cap will put thousands on streets
14 March, 2016
Limit for local housing allowance would lead to widespread bed closures in hostels and supported housing
Housing Bill: From pay to stay to right to rent - the controversial legislation explained
14 March, 2016
The Housing and Planning Bill is approaching its final stage in parliament before - if all goes to the government's plan - passing into law
Battling the bedroom tax: the wider implications of the Supreme Court hearing
14 March, 2016
Following the recent 'bedroom tax' hearing in the UK Supreme Court, Jed Meers from the University of York considers the potential implications of the upcoming judgment for policies relying on elements of conditionality
Councils told to stop telling tenants in process of eviction to stay put
14 March, 2016
Local authorities must stop routinely advising tenants to stay put until the bailiff arrives before they can be accepted as homeless
Leeds campaigners rally against new law which will 'effectively end social housing'
11 March, 2016
A group of campaigners in Leeds will be holding a Housing Summit this weekend to oppose the government's planned cuts in social housing
Landlords rein in pay ahead of rent cut
11 March, 2016
Housing associations are reining in pay and cutting back on previously protected tenants' services in a bid to cope with the impact of government policy
Social housing: 'pay to stay' at market rents
10 March, 2016
Following a consultation exercise in 2012 the Coalition Government gave social landlords in England the discretion to charge market or near market rents to tenants with an income of £60,000 or more a year
Fixed term tenancies failing on everyone's terms
09 March, 2016
The government's plan to remove security from social tenants and restrict tenancies to 2-5 years will hopefully get the scrutiny it deserves this week
37,000 tenants 'overcharged for water by south London council'
08 March, 2016
Thousands of council tenants have been overcharged for water and sewage services
The women leading the charge in Britain's 150 year fight for social housing
08 March, 2016
From Octavia Hill in 1866 to the women of New Era estate in 2014, female campaigners have often been the driving force for better housing rights
Pay to Stay tapers - a policy not for u-turning
08 March, 2016
The front page of this weekend's Observer newspaper declared that "ministers are planning to modify hugely contentious elements of the housing reforms the chancellor announced last summer"
Tory climbdown over pay-to-stay plan to raise social housing rents
07 March, 2016
Partial U-turn part of bid to clear decks ahead of Europe referendum poll day
Financial stability in the social housing sector continues
03 March, 2016
Latest quarterly survey published
Landlords warn on one year 'LHA cap' exemption
03 March, 2016
Supported housing developments stalled due to uncertainty will stay frozen
Right to rent checks in the social housing sector now in force
03 March, 2016
The introduction of right to rent checks on 1 February 2016 will have important implications for social housing providers
Bedroom tax cases heard in Supreme Court
01 March, 2016
Two bedroom tax decisions are being appealed to the Supreme Court
Compromised and under pressure: social housing in the wake of universal credit
01 March, 2016
Welfare reform has spurred record levels of debt among tenants, with 25% of council tenants on universal credit facing legal action in some areas
Rents in social housing: the trade-offs
01 March, 2016
The cost of housing has risen rapidly, largely due to constrained housing supply
Supported and sheltered housing exempt from LHA cap for one year
01 March, 2016
Government announces delay to introduction of the Local Housing Allowance cap to allow for a proper strategic review
Tories blocked social housing as it produced Labour votes
29 February, 2016
David Cameron opposed increased funding for social housing in the last parliament because it would "produce more Labour voters"
Plan to build 700 new homes shelved - after tenants get rents slashed
29 February, 2016
Plans to build 700 new properties across North Lincolnshire have been shelved
Councils axe build programmes after rent cut
26 February, 2016
Councils have axed thousands of homes planned under fledgling development programmes, as they battle to accommodate the 1% rent reduction imposed by the government
Lambeth council's campaign to hammer home the reality of cuts
26 February, 2016
The London borough's chief executive has tough choices to make and wants to get residents on side
Garages and laundry rooms converted to flats by council
25 February, 2016
Kingston Council and the Greater London Authority have converted garages and disused laundry rooms into flats under a joint funding initiative
Could supported housing survive a 68% loss of income?
25 February, 2016
If the LHA caps come in, how will supported housing services survive such severe reductions to their rental income
What's pushing Charlotte and Jayson over the edge? £12 a week bedroom tax
25 February, 2016
It wouldn't be much money to a politician. But to the Carmichaels, struggling with Charlotte's severe spinal condition, it's a supreme court case against the government
Unions threaten HA strike over restructure
24 February, 2016
Unions are threatening one of the largest industrial actions in the housing association sector's history over Circle's plans to restructure ahead of the rent cut
How can social landlords help people at risk of becoming homeless?
24 February, 2016
Homelessness is on the increase again and the number of families in temporary accommodation is also rising
Value for Money pilot shows the value of small social landlords
24 February, 2016
Smaller housing associations are providing more efficient management and maintenance services than larger or medium sized organisations
Landlords set out steps to improve efficiency & reduce impacts
23 February, 2016
The recent climate change agreement in Paris has shown a world appetite for reducing impacts and operating more sustainably
Social housing: tenants will need to live in an area for four years to be eligible
23 February, 2016
White paper says the change - double the current two-year requirement - will apply to anyone moving within Britain as well as new immigrants
Bracknell families waiting for social housing rise by 10 per cent
23 February, 2016
In 2015 the number of families and individuals waiting for social housing rose to 2,282
Sanctuary merger to create Scotland's 4th largest social landlord
22 February, 2016
Two housing providers owned by Sanctuary Group will merge with Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association after tenants overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal to unite
Homeless youths caught in temporary accommodation 'limbo' for up to two years
22 February, 2016
Young homeless people in Scotland are being left in temporary accommodation for up to two years
Rise in social housing tenants planning to buy home
19 February, 2016
More than half of local authority tenants who would like to get onto the property ladder intend to buy their current home
Lords Committee slams government housing policy as 'short sighted'
19 February, 2016
The current government policy on housing is unlikely to meet demand for either the quantity or quality of housing needed
Social housing groups in Bradford fear housing allowance changes could make vulnerable people homeless
19 February, 2016
Social housing groups in the Bradford district have received national backing after calling for the Government to reconsider changes they fear could make vulnerable people homeless
Growing shortage of social housing sparks Cannock Chase Council leader's plea to MPs
19 February, 2016
A council leader has pleaded with the government to build more social housing in his borough, warning the area faces a housing crisis
Eviction is the last refuge for poor tenants
18 February, 2016
Cash-strapped social landlords are increasingly turfing out tenants hit by welfare cuts for whom homelessness is the only option
Tackling perceptions of social housing
18 February, 2016
With TV programmes such as Benefits Street portraying council house tenants as scroungers, can social media combat these negative images?
ALMOs call for Pay to Stay data access
18 February, 2016
ALMOs are calling for changes to enable them to access tenants' income data in order to ensure correct rent-setting under Pay to Stay
Corporate Complaint - failure of the Council to properly monitor Section 106 requirements for social rented housing
17 February, 2016
We wish to complain that Southwark Council is failing in its duty to ensure that new housing developments comply with the terms and conditions of their Section 106 agreements
Cameron's own advisor thinks ending lifetime council tenancy would be "a mistake"
17 February, 2016
Two months ago it was reported that the government had quietly tabled an amendment to the Housing Bill that sets a maximum of five-year terms for new secure tenancies
Housing benefit is the lifeblood of women's refuges - and it's under threat
17 February, 2016
If organisations such as ours are not exempt from the extension of the benefit cap to social housing, the lives of women fleeing domestic violence are at risk
Nottingham tenants to make voice heard against Housing Bill
16 February, 2016
More than 200 Nottingham City Homes tenants are planning to make their voices heard in Westminster
Our support for vulnerable tenants will be destroyed by this benefits cap
16 February, 2016
Housing benefits cap will see my association's income slashed by £2.83m and devastate the care we provide to people in most need
30% ex Barnet council houses for rent
16 February, 2016
Nearly 30% Of Ex Council Dwellings In Barnet Now Owned By Millionaire Elite Private Landlords
Fear and fury of tenants who say 'pay to stay' policy punishes them for working
15 February, 2016
The Observer's story about plans to cap the amount households can earn before they must pay market rent for social housing triggered a huge response from readers
Social housing shake-up to save millions
14 February, 2016
Wigan Council will save £5.5m by taking back control of the majority of the borough's social housing stock
New kitchens and bathrooms for council houses - plus rent cut for 63,000 tenants
11 February, 2016
Thousands of council homes will also get new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating
The capping of social rents to the rate of local housing allowance
11 February, 2016
The Chancellor announced in his Autumn Statement that the amount of rent that Housing Benefit will cover in the social rented sector will be capped at the relevant LHA level
Council refuses 1% rent cut exemption
11 February, 2016
Stevenage Borough Council has pledged to defy the government and implement a 1% rent reduction for supported housing tenants
Five big concerns about Pay to Stay
11 February, 2016
Parliament must look long and hard at the potential impacts of the Government's proposed Pay to Stay policy
Social landlords: It's not all about the "3 Rs" (Rent, Repairs and Arrears!) - it's now about the '5 Rs'!
10 February, 2016
One of the most hotly debated issues for housing associations and their trustees is the issue of paying board members
Caroline Pidgeon pledges 50,000 low rent council homes
10 February, 2016
Caroline Pidgeon has promised an 'Olympic effort' on housing when she becomes Mayor of London
Tenants satisfied with social landlords' performance
10 February, 2016
Social landlords in Scotland are performing well against the standards and outcomes in the Scottish Social Housing Charter and either maintaining or improving on the previous year
Cameron 'buying off' Tory MPs threatening to rebel over council cuts
10 February, 2016
Labour says its analysis shows most of new £300m fund to ease funding cuts to local government will go to Tory-run councils
The 2nd National Report on the Scottish Social Housing Charter - An analysis of landlords' 2014/15 annual returns
09 February, 2016
These annual National Reports provide an analysis of the performance information reported to us by social housing landlords across Scotland
Neil blasts 'unacceptable uncertainty' over 'LHA cap'
09 February, 2016
A Scottish housing minister has described the uncertainty over the Local Housing Allowance cap for supported housing as "unacceptable"
How has the social housing revolution changed Scotland's heart and soul?
08 February, 2016
It wasn't until I was 10 that I understood what a "bought" house was
Rent reductions: Supporting implementation
05 February, 2016
This revised briefing sets out the practical implications of implementing the -1% rent cut in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
An attack on social housing is also an attack on older people
05 February, 2016
The young are not the only victims of Tory housing policy - David Cameron is driving older people from their homes too
Call for UK Government to protect vulnerable tenants
04 February, 2016
Communities Minister Lesley Griffiths has called on the UK Government to protect vulnerable tenants
Details still needed on social housing benefit limits
03 February, 2016
Last week the government announced a pause in plans to force supported housing providers to reduce their rents
Council house tenants' rents 'rise four times quicker than average wages'
02 February, 2016
Sharp rises in council rents have combined with high private rents and stagnant wages to drive up housing benefit bill
The five biggest financial pressures social housing tenants face
02 February, 2016
Our financial inclusion team at a Wakefield housing association received 1,300 referrals last year for debt, benefit cuts and more
'Not enough homes' as thousands are made to wait for social housing
01 February, 2016
There are more than 3,000 people in North Somerset waiting to be put into social housing, with many of those families including children
Levy on luxury London homes would net £86m a year for social housing
01 February, 2016
Property tax would force global super-rich to subsidise affordable housing
Practical implications of Immigration Checks on new Lettings
01 February, 2016
CIH Report on the implications for social sector
Sector welcomes social rent cuts delay in supported housing
29 January, 2016
The announcement by Brandon Lewis that supported housing would be exempt from the 1% rent reduction has been widely received by the sector
80,000 council homes could be lost by 2020
29 January, 2016
At least 80,000 social rented homes could be lost by 2020 unless councils are given greater powers to build new homes
Full house: Councils' role in allocating social housing
28 January, 2016
Demand for social housing is high and far outstrips the supply available to local housing authorities
Housing Benefit changes could cost sector hundreds of millions and threaten health and wellbeing of tenants
27 January, 2016
The SFHA is urgently calling on the UK Government to rethink upcoming changes to Housing Benefit
Council considers writing off £436,000 of historical rent arrears
27 January, 2016
Councillors in West Dunbartonshire will be asked to consider writing off historical debts from former council tenants at a meeting next week
My council house gave me security and opportunity. Now the Tories are out to destroy them
26 January, 2016
The Lords will try to stop the Tory assault on housing. Here one Labour peer explains why he owes everything to his council house
Capping of social housing rents - what impact will it have on your service?
26 January, 2016
The proposed capping of social housing rents at Local Housing Allowance levels could have a devastating impact on homelessness services
Not-so Temporary Accommodation
26 January, 2016
The provision of temporary accommodation is a marker of Scotland's world-recognised progressive homelessness legislation from 2012
Benefit cap on social housing will leave thousands homeless
26 January, 2016
Up to 82,000 specialist homes for most vulnerable residents, including domestic violence victims, at threat of closure
House Of Lords Official Report - Housing Benefit: Social Housing Units
26 January, 2016
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to implement the recommendations of the independent review of the overseas domestic workers visa published on 17 December 2015
Social Landlord Support Pack
22 January, 2016
Getting social tenants ready for direct payment of housing costs
Class-based punishment? How legislation to evict social tenants involved in riots is unjust
22 January, 2016
Part of the 'fightback' by the Coalition Government against the 2011 riots was to take tough action on sections of Britain's society
Letter to MPs - The real impact of LHA on vulnerable people
22 January, 2016
I am writing to personally urge you to consider the implications of the Local Housing Allowance cap being applied to vulnerable social housing tenants
David Cameron has 'earned £500,000 renting out his Notting Hill home since becoming PM' while cracking down on social housing
18 January, 2016
David Cameron has come under fire for saying he worries about his children being able to afford a home after it was revealed he is believed to have earned £500,000 in rent
The social housing sector has never known a year like last year...
15 January, 2016
I can safely say that the social housing sector and the regulator have never known a year quite like it
Government's pay to stay policy 'chastises the poor' in Cambridge
15 January, 2016
A Cambridge council tenant has accused the Government of "chastising the poor" over the impact its new 'pay-to-stay' policy could have in the city
How David Cameron plans to destroy Britain's social housing in 7 easy steps
13 January, 2016
The Tories new housing bill has been sneaked in while nobody's looking, and it could spell the end of social housing
Housing associations working together to tackle tenancy fraud
13 January, 2016
Housing associations in Northern Ireland have been stepping up measures to prevent and detect social housing tenancy fraud
What's reducing social housing lettings by housing associations, and why does it matter?
12 January, 2016
Last year social housing lettings by housing associations decreased by 1% to 268,273, against the long term trend
The use of temporary accommodation in Scotland
12 January, 2016
In 2014-15 local authorities provided an estimated 3.8 million days of temporary accommodation for homeless households
The social housing tenants taking to Twitter to influence policy
11 January, 2016
Not all tenants want to be on a housing association board. Social media gives them the opportunity to shape housing and fight back against bad PR
Update on Local Housing Allowance caps on social housing rents
11 January, 2016
Lord Freud has responded to David Orr's letter that highlighted the impact of introducing the cap to supported housing
Views given on council housing rent level in South Lanarkshire
08 January, 2016
Council tenants in South Lanarkshire have taken the opportunity to give their views on the rent level options for the next financial year
How social housing landlords can tackle the rise of rent arrears
08 January, 2016
Social landlords have a vital role to play in reducing this amount and payment flexibility is a critical success factor in achieving this
Care crisis
07 January, 2016
We must stop Local Housing Allowance caps applying to care and support housing rents
Council Tax proposals could damage house building
07 January, 2016
Charging Council Tax on unbuilt developments could decrease house building numbers by deterring SME house builders
Invitation to tender: action research learning lessons from the Voluntary Right to Buy pilots
07 January, 2016
The NHF in partnership with the pilot housing associations, is commissioning research to learn lessons from the Voluntary Right to Buy pilots to inform the wider programme
NFA & ARCH Welfare Reform 2015 Analysis
07 January, 2016
NFA and ARCH survey reveals 89% of Universal Credit Claimants in rent arrears
A recap of the Housing Bill so far
06 January, 2016
Prior to the Bill and its latest amendments being debated, much of the talk was on how it was already a done deal and the real battle would be in the Lords
'It's a steel-toothed poverty trap' - three tenants on the misery of pay to stay
06 January, 2016
With properly affordable rents in social housing under attack, older working women explain why they are so worried by the government's new policy
Tories slammed for 'appalling' decision to push through crucial housing law at 3am
06 January, 2016
Labour blasted the decision to rush through a six-hour debate on the Housing Bill - which includes plans to end lifelong council tenancies
Social Homes valued at over £500,000
06 January, 2016
Now that we've valued nearly all social homes in England we can start interrogating the data and we're open to suggestions on this
Current registered providers of social housing
06 January, 2016
Current registered providers of social housing plus new registrations and deregistrations
Rob the poor and give to the rich - housing policy for 2016
05 January, 2016
The bill before parliament is ideology at its purest: a full-throttle attack on social tenants everywhere
£23m cash blow to Kirklees Council as government demands council house rent reduction
05 January, 2016
Latest cut forces another budget re-think
Caroline Lucas blasts Housing and Planning Bill as "another nail in the coffin for British social housing" as she prepares to vote against it
05 January, 2016
Caroline Lucas, the Green Party's MP for Brighton Pavilion, will vote against the Housing and Planning Bill later today
Cities unite against David Cameron's attack on council tenants' lifetime leases
04 January, 2016
Local authority chiefs have joined forces against the Tory scheme which they say will hurt families and damage neighbourhood communities
Mapped: buying is now cheaper than renting across Britain
04 January, 2016
Rising rents and rock-bottom mortgage rates mean even homeowners with huge mortgages are better off than tenants
Dozens asked to leave homes for rent arrears and bad behaviour
30 December, 2015
Dozens of people have been thrown out of their council houses in Dundee this year after falling into rent arrears worth thousands of pounds
Council evicts 55 in a year
29 December, 2015
Dozens of people have been thrown out of their council houses this year after falling into rent arrears worth thousands of pounds
2015 in housing: 12 months of growing crisis
29 December, 2015
We look back on a year of escalating protests over dwindling social housing supply and a Tory focus on homeownership despite booming costs
Lewisham Homes top for reducing arrears in the South
29 December, 2015
Lewisham Homes was the best performing organisation at reducing council tenants' rent arrears in the South of England last year
Thousands of children 'on council housing waiting lists'
29 December, 2015
Tens of thousands of children are on waiting lists for council housing
Council asks housing tenants how rent should be spent
23 December, 2015
Council housing tenants in Caithness are being asked their views on how their rent should be spent
Tenancy sustainment amongst those aged under 35
21 December, 2015
Single men aged 21-25 appear to be the most at risk of eviction and serious arrears
Trying to make sense of current social housing policy
21 December, 2015
Social housing policy has for a long time been muddled
The end of social housing
17 December, 2015
The Housing and Planning Bill is one of the most dangerous and far-reaching pieces of legislation passed in this country in a long time
Welsh Government maintains policy for social housing rents in 2016/17
16 December, 2015
Welsh Government has announced that the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty has agreed to maintain the Welsh Government Policy for Social Housing Rents for 2016/17
Pay to stay to be voluntary for housing associations
16 December, 2015
Terrie Alafat said: "We have warned that pay to stay could discourage social housing tenants from increasing their earnings or finding work"
Bedroom farce
16 December, 2015
We want housing association landlords and tenants to reap the benefits from shorter-term tenancies as well
Are you a council tenant? Then you must be punished
14 December, 2015
The end of lifetime council tenancies looks like another welfare-bashing crapshoot
As a social housing tenant, I have always been treated with dignity
14 December, 2015
After my marriage broke down my housing association flat was my lifeboat - now I'm a member of the association board and it values my opinions
Playing Russian Roulette with housing tenancies
14 December, 2015
The government is in the process of removing security of tenure for council tenants
Oxford City Council breaks homeless housing law
11 December, 2015
Oxford City Council has broken a law against housing homeless families in B&Bs for more than six weeks
Conservative minister says ending lifetime council tenancies will 'help social mobility'
11 December, 2015
Labour MPs attack government for sneaking in changes which will cause insecurity as housing minister Marcus Jones says tenants will benefit
Make 'specified' homes exempt from rent cuts
11 December, 2015
David Orr has called on the government to protect specialist homes, as the reductions in rents may see a decline in services for those that need them the most
The dream of social housing is being chiselled away to nothing
10 December, 2015
The government's new policy of reviewing council tenancies every five years will pitch thousands of people into an uncertain future
Changes to housing benefit for social tenants will hit young people
08 December, 2015
Over the last week I've been unpicking the implications of the announcement that housing benefit for social tenants will be limited to the level of the local housing allowance
The impacts of changes to social rents policy
08 December, 2015
We analyse effects of big changes to social rent policy in England
Social housing sector in rude financial health as HCA reveals £5.3bn cash in hand and high investor confidence
07 December, 2015
The social housing sector is in rude health, according to the Homes and Communities Agency
England Has Lowest Number Of New Socially Rented Homes Since Records Began
04 December, 2015
While the number of new affordable homes in England rose 55% year-on-year, those on social rents - the cheapest on offer - fell to an all-time-low
Lewis challenges councils to spend £2bn on social housing
04 December, 2015
Housing minister Brandon Lewis has challenged local authorities to use more than £2bn to build more social housing
Osborne's devolution experiment will hit poorer councils where it hurts
02 December, 2015
The chancellor talks the talk on decentralisation but he's clawing back central funds with no regard to local councils' tax base, entrenching regional divisions
Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update
02 December, 2015
This quarterly statistical publication provides information on recent trends in
LIN Member Report December 2015 - Spending Review and Autumn Statement
02 December, 2015
LIN member report by Claire Turner
Social housing completions up 10% in Scotland
01 December, 2015
Scotland has seen a 10% increase in the number of social sector homes completed in the past year
Tackling fraud in the social housing sector
01 December, 2015
A short guide for directors and senior managers of housing associations
I'm a tenant, a loser by today's standards. But I won't shut up
01 December, 2015
Trying to voice a tenant's perspective on social housing is like shouting into a hurricane
Sixty Icon 'Pay to stay' will discourage people from increasing earnings or finding work, housing professionals fear
30 November, 2015
The government's 'pay to stay' policy will discourage people living in social housing from increasing their earnings or finding work
Osborne slipped social housing's obituary into the autumn statement
27 November, 2015
Chancellor claims to be 'fixing the roof while the sun is shining'. Cuts to housing benefit and forced sales of council homes say otherwise
South West housing job loss risk after social rent cut
25 November, 2015
Dozens of jobs could go at one of the largest housing associations in the South West due to planned rent cuts
Privatising UK social housing won't work - just look at Europe
24 November, 2015
The government is putting its faith in the market to solve our housing crisis. But many European countries have already done so and regret it
Haringey council tenants protest against 'social cleansing'
24 November, 2015
A group of tenants are protesting against council plans to demolish over three and a half thousand homes on council estates
Ahead of the CSR, tenants living on the edge
24 November, 2015
Wednesday's Comprehensive Spending Review may seal the fate of 100 years of housing associations as independent and community-based organisations if George Osborne decides on the asset sell-off
Council hit out at Pay to Stay scheme
24 November, 2015
Exeter City Council have criticised the Pay to Stay scheme set to be introduced by the government in April 2017
New social homes could be sold off before occupancy under government plans
23 November, 2015
More than 700 new council homes in Hackney could be sold off as soon as they are built and before anyone has lived in them
Pay to Stay: Fairer Rents in Social Housing - National Federation of ALMOs
20 November, 2015
The NFA would like to see councils and its members be able to retain any profit made from implementing this policy to benefit the community
'Shaking off' the stigma of social housing
19 November, 2015
Do you think the reality of social housing is what you watch on the TV series 'Benefits Street'?
Pay to Stay: Fairer Rents in Social Housing - CIH Response
19 November, 2015
In our view the implementation of this policy will lead to a range of perverse outcomes which run counter to government's wider ambitions to deregulate housing providers
Rent cut risks hitting Britain's most vulnerable groups
18 November, 2015
War veterans, people with learning disabilities and victims of domestic violence are just three of the highly vulnerable groups
Who lives in the 4.1m social homes in England and Wales?
18 November, 2015
An analysis of the most recent data shows that households in the social housing sector are older, smaller and more British than people might expect
Peers urged to reject 1% rent cut
17 November, 2015
Peers have been urged to reject the government's plans to impose a 1% rent cut on social housing
I'm not against home ownership, just the destruction of social housing
17 November, 2015
Selling off homes and not replacing them will be catastrophic for the social fabric of estates like mine
'I am no longer willing to be silent - I am a proud tenant'
17 November, 2015
When I was approached last year by my landlord, Cottsway Housing, to write my personal Housing Day story, my first response was to inwardly cringe
The wrong debate about regulation of social landlords
17 November, 2015
Reclassification of housing associations was an accident waiting to happen
What does the Autumn Statement have in store for the social housing sector
16 November, 2015
Commenting ahead of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement on 25 November
How 'pay to stay' housing will penalise disabled people like my daughter
16 November, 2015
My daughter is severely disabled and I have cancer. Not only is there is hardly any housing for us, George Osborne's pay to stay scheme will double our rent
Mortgage and Landlord Possession Statistics Quarterly, England and Wales
13 November, 2015
This quarterly bulletin presents statistics on mortgage and landlord possession actions in the county courts of England and Wales in July to September 2015
George Osborne's social housing ping pong
13 November, 2015
There are some who say that the housing association sector has taken us so far but might not be the right partner for the future
Vulnerable people will be hardest hit by social housing rent cut
12 November, 2015
An annual 1% reduction in social rents will endanger our charity's support for young people and those who need us most
Duncan Smith's great council house giveaway: Millions of tenants could own 70% of their home under scheme being pushed by Work and Pensions Secretary
12 November, 2015
Millions of council tenants could become the owner of most of their home for free
Electricity safety first for Glasgow HA tenants
12 November, 2015
Almost two thirds of fires in Scottish homes are linked to electricity
Residents and landlords need flexibility on tenancies
10 November, 2015
If plans to scrap lifetime tenancies for new social housing tenants go ahead, landlords must be given the flexibility to support different tenants in different areas
Social rents policy: choices and tradeoffs
06 November, 2015
Reductions in social rents announced in the July Budget will be of little or no direct benefit to most of the 3.9 million households in England living in social housing
Young tenants now reliant upon HA support
05 November, 2015
Young social tenants are increasingly reliant upon housing associations for support as their lives become more precarious
Hundreds of thousands of council tenants face a rent rise of up to £3,000 a year
05 November, 2015
Experts warn George Osborne's little noticed 'pay to stay' scheme will leave an estimated 250,000 people in social housing worse off
Cuts to social rents will benefit exchequer more than tenants, but will strengthen work incentives
05 November, 2015
Reductions in social rents announced in the July Budget will be of little or no direct benefit to most of the 3.9 million households in England living in social housing
Local authorities support greater power to residents
04 November, 2015
The overwhelming majority of local authority members, residents and volunteers want to see more collaboration between local authorities and communities
Muir Group announces redundancies due to rent reductions
04 November, 2015
Muir Group have announced that due to the government rent reductions, they will have to make some of their staff redundant
Social housing sector 'worth £1bn in jobs and investment'
03 November, 2015
Social housing organisations generate around £1bn a year in employment and investment in communities
Tenants to get a say on RTB deal
03 November, 2015
Tenants will be able to air their reservations to David Orr
Life coaching for tenants: helping young people avoid eviction
03 November, 2015
There's been a surge in young renters losing their homes. One social landlord is tackling problems early with intensive support
Cheshire East Council says tenants will have no right to buy homes
02 November, 2015
Tenants will not have the right to buy 2,000 planned council houses in east Cheshire, despite the government expanding its right-to-buy scheme
Social housing: future, what future?
30 October, 2015
The government may have begun by slowly boiling the frog of social housing, but it now seems poised to hurl our metaphorical amphibian into a pressure cooker
Social housing builder Genesis blames rent cut as it slashes affordable homes
29 October, 2015
One of Britain's biggest housing associations plans to cut the number of affordable homes it builds each year and double the amount of properties it will sell after George Osborne said he would cut social rents
Pay to Stay Consultation: Fairer Rent in the Social Housing Sector?
29 October, 2015
It is the Government intention to introduce a policy from April 2017 in England to enable housing association to charge rent according to the means of tenants
Thousands of new homes 'at risk' after social rent cut
29 October, 2015
Thousands of new homes are at risk following cuts to social rent, warn Daniel Watney LLP
MP accuses East Thames Housing Association of turfing out tenants
28 October, 2015
Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick accuses social landlord of pushing out some of its tenants
Report on Department for Social Development - Advanced Land Purchases
28 October, 2015
C&AG has reported for a number of years on his significant concerns on matters relating to Housing Associations
Housing associations are seeing tenants move from exclusion to real poverty
27 October, 2015
Welfare reform and mounting cuts have made it more difficult for the social housing sector to help tenants in financial crisis
The Tory policy that encourages people to work less hard or lose their home
26 October, 2015
Despite the government's claim to represent hardworking families, 'pay to stay' will force some social housing tenants to actually work less
Clueless David Cameron's callous assault on social housing makes no sense at all
26 October, 2015
The Tories have mounted such a sustained assault on social housing it's a miracle more aren't homeless says People political editor Nigel Nelson
North Ayrshire Council seeks tenants' views on proposed rent charges
26 October, 2015
Council tenants in North Ayrshire are being urged to have their say on proposed rent charges for next year
Dozens of Aspire staff face the axe as rents are cut
23 October, 2015
Up to 70 housing association staff are facing redundancy - because tenant's rents are being cut
Changing perceptions is key to the future of the social housing sector
23 October, 2015
The North West Housing conference is underway, with speeches from many prominent figures across the social housing sector addressing the 200 delegates
LIN Press Release - Right to Rent being extended across England from 1 February 2016
20 October, 2015
LIN Press Release - Right to Rent being extended across England from 1 February 2016
Immigration Act Rollout Announcement
20 October, 2015
The Home Office has announced details of the rollout of Right to Rent checks.From 1 February 2016 all landlords and letting agents in England who allow a tenancy will need to make checks on ID for all adult occupiers
No one asked social tenants if they want right to buy or lower rent
20 October, 2015
Many social housing tenants are worried these policies threaten the future of the sector - but government doesn't ask for their views
Innovative App could help social landlords tackle fuel poverty
16 October, 2015
An innovative new app for social landlords and housebuilders was officially launched this week
7,000 council homes a year could be lost if right to buy funding gap isn't closed
15 October, 2015
Almost 7,000 council homes a year could be lost when right to buy is extended to housing associations in England if no extra funding is provided
Tim Farron blasts David Cameron's 'assault on social housing'
14 October, 2015
Lib Dem leader says prime minister is 'choosing to turn a blind eye and ignore the most vulnerable people in Britain'
'We've had to go without food' - personal stories of the bedroom tax
14 October, 2015
Social housing tenants, embarrassed and powerless, share experiences of life under the bedroom tax
Pay to Stay: Fairer Rents in Social Housing
14 October, 2015
The Government's view is that tenants in social housing should not always benefit automatically from subsidised rents
Tackling Fuel Poverty in Social Housing
14 October, 2015
The main thrust of the new Government Policy for energy efficiency, is to tackle the overriding problems of Fuel Poverty in the UK, particularly in the social housing sector
Reducing risk in the social housing sector
13 October, 2015
2015 has brought with it a number of changes to Britain's welfare system
Eastern European tenants in social housing 'trebled since 2007'
13 October, 2015
The proportion of typical social housing in England being let to Eastern Europeans has trebled over the last eight years
David Cameron's "Generation Buy" pledge criticised by major Worcestershire social housing landlord
13 October, 2015
The chief executive of Worcestershire's biggest social housing provider has criticised David Cameron's tactic to create "Generation Buy"
E-Safety and young people
12 October, 2015
Improving understanding and support in the social housing sector
I fear the 1% cut to my social housing rent will lead to poorer service
09 October, 2015
Vital maintenance work will be hit if the government doesn't compensate councils - and writing off historic and unfair debt is the way to do it
Fair rents will ensure higher-earning tenants 'pay to stay'
09 October, 2015
Higher-earning tenants in social housing, will pay a fair level of rent to continue living there, under consultation proposals
Helping to protect tenants and people who use the services of social landlords
09 October, 2015
We are the independent Regulator of just under 200 social landlords
Social Housing Lettings : April 2014 to March 2015, England
07 October, 2015
Social housing lettings by private registered providers decreased by 1% to 268,273 in 2014/15
David Cameron is on track to kill off social housing
07 October, 2015
No one who has followed the past five years of Tory policy will be surprised that government wants to scrap the requirement to build affordable homes
Why we're voting against the social housing right-to-buy deal
01 October, 2015
Here at Red Kite community housing, we think the ballot to extend right to buy could be another bedroom tax moment in the making
Don't be fooled - housing associations are still under threat
01 October, 2015
The threat to social housing is still very real, and it hasn't gone away
Jeremy Corbyn speech: intense focus on social housebuilding and tenant rights
30 September, 2015
The Labour party leader has said housing is his number one priority, so what was announced in his speech?
Housing associations' deal over right to buy could lead to the "social cleansing" of rich British cities
30 September, 2015
Housing associations have until five o'clock on Friday afternoon to accept a "voluntary" deal on the right to buy that could change social housing for ever
I've been happily renting my council flat for 24 years - but for how much longer?
30 September, 2015
I held out against right to buy as I strongly believe in the principle of council homes and mixed communities
Private registered provider social housing stock in England
29 September, 2015
Statistical data return 2014-2015
Corbyn commits to council housing
29 September, 2015
The Labour Party's new leader has pledged to start a very large council house building programme
Property prices are not reduced by integrated social housing
28 September, 2015
New research by the NHBC Foundation has found that house prices are not reduced on developments which successfully integrate social and private housing
Why we must fight tooth and claw against social housing sell-off
25 September, 2015
In a sector already ravaged by right to buy, millions more homes may now be at risk of privatisation
Why Social Housing Matters
25 September, 2015
The timely release of homelessness figures is a reminder for both the sector and Central Government why social housing is badly needed
Out in the cold: The UK's social housing emergency
25 September, 2015
Forcible evictions fuel a housing crunch amid sharp welfare cuts and surging rent costs in London
Social landlords must be wondering how much longer they can survive
24 September, 2015
Welfare cuts are forcing housing associations to adapt or die, while their role to provide affordable housing for the poorest is under threat
Why social landlords are knocking on doors to help young tenants find jobs
24 September, 2015
Plans to scrap housing benefit for unemployed 18-21 year olds have forced housing associations into doing more to help tenants find work
On social housing, Tory ideology trumps all evidence
23 September, 2015
The Conservative government has declared war on housing associations despite them being a success story
Social housing must plan for a radically different future
22 September, 2015
My advice for housing associations at this year's National Housing Federation conference is to connect with politicians and think business
Syrian refugees - what can social landlords do to help?
22 September, 2015
Up to 20,000 refugees will be resettled in Britain from Syria
Sitra briefing on rent reduction
21 September, 2015
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill makes a provision that housing association rents are to be reduced 1% per year for 4 years starting in April 2016
New website could 'change the face of the social housing sector'
21 September, 2015
Social home seekers could see the way they find their property change thanks to "an innovative website that could change the face of the social housing sector"
National Federation of ALMOs' submission to the Public Bill Committee on the Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015-16
18 September, 2015
The supply and affordability of housing is a central issue for Government both because of the cost to the welfare system of supporting low income households in private rented housing
Council forces entry to service tenants gas boiler
18 September, 2015
Carmarthenshire County Council has executed a warrant to gain entry into a Llanelli tenant's home after failed attempts to service his gas boiler
Free broadband satellite dishes for remote homes
16 September, 2015
Government to launch pilot scheme to deliver universal service commitment
Project tackling fuel poverty wins 'Community Heating Project' award
16 September, 2015
Kensa Heat Pumps and Trent & Dove Housing's joint project aimed at tackling fuel poverty in 133 rural sheltered housing bungalows in Staffordshire has been awarded 'Community Heating Project of the Year'
Council set to withdraw energy efficiency programme
15 September, 2015
Following national problems with the government's flagship energy efficiency Green Deal, Birmingham City Council are set to approve the city's withdrawal from its own local version of the initiative
LIN member report September 2015 - Sector Based Work Academies - Getting Tenants into Work
15 September, 2015
LIN member report written by Richard Walker
Adapting neighbourhood management for Universal Credit
15 September, 2015
In the days of austerity Ashton Pioneer Homes have learned valuable lessons as the first pathfinder for Universal Credit
New Scottish fund to help the young find work
15 September, 2015
Councils are to receive nearly £6m of government cash to help young people prepare for the world of work and get jobs
Council houses have been sold at 70% under their market value
14 September, 2015
The discounts are bigger than those ever envisaged by Margaret Thatcher and amount to almost £4bn, a Guardian investigation has found
Council on course to become property developer
14 September, 2015
Cambridgeshire County Council is set to be the first local authority of its kind in the UK to become a commercial property developer
Tenants' Right To Buy Will Bring Mixed Fortunes For English Housing Associations
10 September, 2015
Report
Council's solar panel plan scuppered
10 September, 2015
Government proposals to slash the household returns from solar panels have scuppered Carmarthenshire council's plan to install solar panels on around 2,700 of its homes
Residents helped to get online in Warrington
10 September, 2015
A new scheme that will help local people access the internet, learn new skills and access services online has been launched in Warrington.
Spike in social housing tenants leaving Cambridge to rent - more evidence of 'social cleansing'?
09 September, 2015
There are fresh fears about the "social cleansing" of Cambridge after new figures showed a flood of people leaving the city for cheaper housing
Help your tenants register for their free gas safety toolkit
02 September, 2015
For Gas Safety Week 2015, show tenants how to get a free Gas Safety Toolkit
Are current approaches to measuring and analysing resident satisfaction fit for purpose?
26 August, 2015
Using surveys to measure resident satisfaction has become one of the key ways to assess the effectiveness of housing providers
Rent setting: social housing (England)
25 August, 2015
In 2002 the Labour Government introduced a rent convergence policy under which, over a ten year period, rents in social housing were to be brought into alignment
Full data released: Right to Buy to Let
24 August, 2015
Inside Housing reveals the full data behind its investigation into Right to Buy re-lets.
Immune to welfare cuts but older tenants need money advice more than most
21 August, 2015
Report by Housing Care 21
Government housing sell-off is 'impossible'
20 August, 2015
A LEADING Wychavon councillor has described the Government's policy to sell off housing association properties as 'impossible.'
Worklessness and social housing: a look behind the numbers
19 August, 2015
Social housing is stigmatised for high rates of unemployment among tenants, but there's more to the numbers than meets the eye
Profit or purpose? The fight over the future of social housing in Britain
17 August, 2015
A housing association's decision to stop building homes for the poor has left the sector divided over its future. Is this the beginning of the end for social housing?
London borough of Newham has highest social rents in England and Wales
13 August, 2015
The London borough of Newham has the highest average social rent in England and Wales, according to housing costs analysis from the Office for National Statistics
Council tenants set to save more than £1.4m in heating bills
13 August, 2015
Sheffield council tenants are set to save more than £1.4million on their annual heating bills through a new initiative being delivered to thousands of council homes across the city
Sheltered housing and extra care housing by LA in Wales (March 2015)
10 August, 2015
Social rented stock for Welsh social landlords by local authority area by the number of sheltered housing and extra care housing units of accommodation
Social housing stock and rents
07 August, 2015
An annual report which includes information on the number of dwellings, bedsits and bedspaces owned or partly owned by local authorities and registered social landlords
Quakers welcome House of Lords amendment to Charities Bill as right to buy threat looms
06 August, 2015
The Quaker movement is backing a House of Lords amendment to the Charities Bill that will protect homes under threat from government plans to extend the right to buy to housing associations
Scrutiny Live - Findings with Evidence
31 July, 2015
When we got together to plan Scrutiny Live earlier this year, we couldn't have imagined the support and encouragement we would get from so many people
Opinion: The right to play
30 July, 2015
Affinity Sutton has taken the decision to remove all 'No ball games' signs on its estates
Housing rent reduction policy will hit plans to build 42,000 new homes
29 July, 2015
Proposals announced in the Summer Budget to lower rents for social housing tenants could force district councils to scrap plans to build an extra 40,000 new homes over the next 30 years
'Bedroom tax' cash help for Welsh tenants urged by AMs
28 July, 2015
Social housing tenants hit by the so-called bedroom tax should get more financial help from the Welsh government
George Osborne's social housing rent cut to save tenants £s, cost Cheltenham Borough Council £7m
24 July, 2015
With one hand he giveth and with the other he taketh away
What is the government's five-year vision for social housing?
23 July, 2015
After the right to buy and cuts to rental income take effect, social housing will be a far smaller player in the housing market
Social rent cut set to take £2.6bn from councils
21 July, 2015
Chancellor George Osborne's decision to cut social housing rents by 1% in each of the next four years will cost local authorities a total of £2.6bn in lost revenue
English housing survey 2013 to 2014: household report
17 July, 2015
Annual report on households in England, covering themes such as housing needs, housing moves, and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
The government's plans are nothing short of an attack on social housing
15 July, 2015
Social housing used not to be the preserve of the few. That's a ideal worth harking back to
Will Osborne's social housing rent rises for high-earners discourage work?
08 July, 2015
Despite rallying against the culture of worklessness, the UK chancellor's budget plans seem to discourage tenants from work - and further divide communities
Summer Budget: Social housing and welfare - the details
08 July, 2015
George Osborne today delivered sweeping changes to rents and benefits in a Summer Budget that could change the face of social housing forever
How to effectively manage void properties
07 July, 2015
Re-letting empty properties is a core function for housing providers
George Osborne's emergency budget has social housing tenants in its sights
06 July, 2015
George Osborne has social housing tenants firmly in his sights in this week's emergency budget
Public sector could save billions without cutting frontline services
03 July, 2015
Whitehall can expect huge cuts in the emergency budget but there is scope for major efficiencies in procurement and shared services
Quarterly Survey of Private Registered Providers
02 July, 2015
The survey indicates that the sector as a whole remains financially strong with access to sufficient finance
How We Work
02 July, 2015
The Scottish Housing Regulator has made more information available about how it assesses risk in registered social landlords (RSLs) and local authorities
Millions spent papering over the cracks of bedroom tax disaster
02 July, 2015
Merseyside councils last year paid out £4.6 million in discretionary housing payments (DHPs) to help households affected by the bedroom tax
Social housing sector continues in a strong financial position
02 July, 2015
The social housing sector remains in a strong financial position with access to sufficient finance
Bedroom tax protesters campaign at the Senedd
01 July, 2015
Campaigners from across South Wales attended the protest at the Senedd against the Bedroom Tax
Agents and landlords rise up in anger against new licensing scheme
01 July, 2015
A LA faces the possibility of a judicial review just 3 months ahead of its plans to introduce Newham-style blanket licensing of all rental properties
Scottish Housing Regulator welcomes new report on value for money
30 June, 2015
The Scottish Housing Regulator has welcomed a new report contributing to the debate on what value for money means
Housing associations excluding homeless tenants
30 June, 2015
Demanding rent in advance is at odds with the ethos and role of social landlords and stops homeless people getting accommodation
Properties being let in shortest time on record
29 June, 2015
One third of new lets are being agreed before the existing tenant moves out
Right to rent: all landlords must check immigration status or face £3,000 fine
29 June, 2015
Landlords in England will be responsible for spotting illegal tenants 'from September' after a trial in the West Midlands results in fines
Newcastle City Council 'forced' to plunder welfare funds
29 June, 2015
A north-east of England council says government budget cuts are forcing it to use funding earmarked for vulnerable residents
Housing and Poverty
29 June, 2015
Until recently, a combination of social housing, Housing Benefit and the homelessness safety net has provided protection against poverty
Regulator's National Panel says quality of homes central to tenant satisfaction
26 June, 2015
The quality of tenants' homes, speed of emergency repairs response and affordability are central to tenant satisfaction
David Cameron under pressure from Tory MPs to review controversial 'bedroom tax'
25 June, 2015
Conservative MPs reported the controversial policy proved hugely unpopular on the doorsteps during the general election campaign
Living wage in the social housing sector: what housing associations told us
25 June, 2015
Lowest-paid staff in social housing sector receive below the living wage, at an average of £7.69 per hour, Guardian survey finds
IDS warned of social housing evictions risk posed by lower benefit cap and universal credit
23 June, 2015
A lower benefit cap combined with the introduction of direct rent payments under universal credit could lead to a rise in evictions from social housing
Regulating The Standard
19 June, 2015
This new version of 'Regulating the Standards' outlines the regulator's operational approach to assessing providers' compliance with the economic and consumer standards
Social rent setting policy proposed for NI
19 June, 2015
DSD yesterday briefed the Social Development Committee on proposals for a social rent setting policy for Northern Ireland
Why the government's long-term economic plan should include building more social rented homes
18 June, 2015
CIH policy adviser John Perry examines the case for building more low-rent homes set out in a new report
Tenants calling UK government - is anyone out there?
18 June, 2015
Social housing tenants are a diverse bunch
Building New Social Rent Homes
17 June, 2015
A report by Capital Economics for SHOUT and the NFA #BuildToSave
1.3 million social housing tenants miss out on savings
17 June, 2015
People in social housing to get fair and affordable access to essential, everyday services
Housing the Nation: Ensuring councils can deliver more and better homes
02 June, 2015
At this timely seminar APSE and the TCPA will launch a high-profile research study which demonstrates that local authorities can - and want to - deliver more and better housing
Opinion: Five ways Housing Associations can challenge the right to buy
27 May, 2015
Rob Gershon looks at innovative ways that the right to buy could be undermined
LibDems uneasy over sharing tenants' rent history with credit reference agency
20 May, 2015
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have expressed concern over a letter which they say has been sent to tenants by Coastal Housing Group
Temporary Accommodation - a long way from home
20 May, 2015
The worst effects of the housing crisis have been starkly illustrated by the news of unprecedented numbers of homeless families being sent out of London
£108m to improve social housing in Wales
19 May, 2015
More than £100m is to be spent on improving Wales' stock of social housing, the Welsh government has announced
Social landlords expect cuts to trigger new wave of homelessness
18 May, 2015
Report based on survey of English housing associations and councils suggests government moves to restrict benefits will result in a surge in tenant evictions
Social housing problems
18 May, 2015
Danny Cox sits in for Ali and discusses if Oxford City Council should be allowed to move social housing tenants as far away as Birmingham and Coventry?
Easing the burden
18 May, 2015
The impact of welfare reform on local government and the social housing sector
After the election, what happens now for residents?
15 May, 2015
After the surprise election result, attention has now turned to what the Conservatives' policy proposals could mean for social housing and social tenants
£800m shortfall on social housing in London since 2011 revealed
12 May, 2015
Proportion of homes started each year in capital that are affordable has halved after cut in social housing subsidy
What are the implications of the election result for the social housing sector?
11 May, 2015
Many in the sector were taken aback by the Conservative Party's right to buy proposals
London council pays tenants to leave the crowded city
08 May, 2015
As rents rise and population exceeds 8.6 million renters offered up to £6,000 to leave
Social landlords lock tenants into energy companies and fuel poverty
06 May, 2015
Some social housing tenants are unable to switch their energy suppliers for heating and hot water because their social landlord has 'locked' them in to buying from one supplier
Five ways social landlords can be better at procurement
05 May, 2015
In the changing landscape of social housing, we ask an expert how landlords can improve supply management to get the best results for their tenants
Money advice leads to £3m savings for tenants
01 May, 2015
Tenants in County Durham are now more than £3m better off thanks to the advice and support provided by their local housing association
Tories' right to buy 'could dent public finances and reduce social housing'
27 April, 2015
IFS sounds warning over flagship Tory policy, saying sale of best council stock also risks widening gulf between rich and poor
Why Labour's rent cap won't make your rent cheaper
27 April, 2015
Sounds a bit strange to say this but it's absolutely true, however, it will make your tenure more secure
Financial plight of social housing tenants revealed
24 April, 2015
More than 80% of social housing tenants have seen no sign of their financial situation improving despite an upturn in the economy
A question of tenant satisfaction
21 April, 2015
I read with interest the 24dash.com article from HouseMark chief executive Ross Fraser on tenant satisfaction in social housing
Don't trip up: six things to watch out for with universal credit
20 April, 2015
The introduction of universal credit means big changes for social landlords and tenants
The Tories don't believe in the principle of social housing
17 April, 2015
An extension of Right to Buy will segregate communities, especially in London
The truth about tenant satisfaction
17 April, 2015
This week, we published our annual review of the latest Star tenant satisfaction survey results which reveal that satisfaction levels amongst social housing tenants has remained constant
Rents and Equality. Barnet, again
16 April, 2015
It appears that Barnet Council (via the Mayor's casting vote) are determined to carry on with their plan to raise rents for council tenants
The fuel poverty strategy - what does it mean for social landlords?
16 April, 2015
In 2014 the Government unveiled a revised fuel poverty target
Tenants to Benefit from Renewable Heat
16 April, 2015
The UK's most ambitious retrofit upgrades programme featuring ground source heat pumps in social housing is set to halve the energy costs of over 130 residents
Ten energy-saving tips for tenants that are cheap and easy to follow
16 April, 2015
You don't have to live in the dark or stop washing to save energy
Another nail in the coffin of social housing
14 April, 2015
As they head into the general election, all the parties recognise that there is a severe housing shortage
Right to Buy will cost £4bn in housing benefit
14 April, 2015
The Conservative party's pledge to grant 1.3 million housing association tenants the right to buy their homes would cost the country £4 billion more in housing benefit
Council tax: six steps local authorities can take before sending in the bailiffs
13 April, 2015
Arrears need to be recovered in a more sustainable way to prevent households sinking into problem debt
Council privately rent houses - as 1,700 still on waiting list
07 April, 2015
Council houses are being offered for rent on the open market because people do not want to live in them
Low pay and benefits the 'new normal' for social housing tenants
31 March, 2015
A combination of low pay and benefits has become the 'new normal' for social housing tenants
Two fires a day in London high rise flats 'show landlords must act'
23 March, 2015
Fire chiefs have called for landlords to act after figures showed nearly two fires a day are reported in London's high rise flats
Landmark disability discrimination judgment
20 March, 2015
The ruling means that, in most cases where there is likely to be an arguable case that the tenant has been discriminated against on the grounds of their disability, it will not be dealt with in a summary hearing
Victoria's social housing plan not discriminatory
13 March, 2015
Richard Wynne says allowing developers to build cheaper housing away from apartment complexes more 'flexible'
Nine out of 10 tenants are satisfied with social landlords' services
12 March, 2015
Eighty eight per cent of tenants of Scottish social landlords are satisfied with the service provided by their landlord
Fewer council tenants will get help with rent after new cuts
11 March, 2015
Fewer housing benefit claimants in Oxford will be eligible for money to help them pay their rent after funding was cut.
Opinion: How housing associations are empowering communities
11 March, 2015
As traditional methods of support for communities are undermined, social landlords have an increasingly important role to play.
The cost of the cuts: the impact on local government and poorer communities
11 March, 2015
Cuts to local authority budgets are having a profound effect on the services people receive.
Councils turning to bailiffs to evict tenants, instead of helping them with rent arrears
09 March, 2015
Councils have been accused of turning to bailiffs and the courts rather than helping people in rent arrears
'Dickensian' poor doors separating wealthy tenants should be banned
09 March, 2015
Developers should be banned from the "Dickensian" practice of having separate "poor doors" for social housing tenants
Social housing rents - playing the percentage game
09 March, 2015
Inflation is falling and could soon reach a negative figure - but neither tenants nor social landlords should start celebrating when it comes to rents
New support for social tenants who want to work
09 March, 2015
Social tenants who need to move for work will no longer be pushed to the back of the housing waiting list
Social housing vacancies, lettings and rent arrears, 2013-14
06 March, 2015
Social housing refers to dwellings, bedsits and bedspaces owned, or partly owned, by local authorities and Registered Social Landlords
Clanmil Housing Helps Tenants become "Savvy Savers"
05 March, 2015
The Clanmil Housing Group has launched an innovative new scheme offering its tenants an opportunity and incentive to start saving
I have succeeded to a tenancy, why can't I stay?
04 March, 2015
Many people live with and care for a family member tenant of a housing association or council property, with the expectation that they will be able to remain there and take over the tenancy if the tenant should die
70% rise in Dundee council house rent arrears
03 March, 2015
The number of former council house tenants in arrears has risen by more than 70%
UK rents up yet again in January
27 February, 2015
UK rents went up 2.5% in January, with the average monthly rent now £889
Housing Benefit overpayments guide
27 February, 2015
This guide is for staff who deal with Housing Benefit overpayments for local authorities and housing authorities
Renters at higher risk of mental health problems
26 February, 2015
Renters are 75% more likely to experience serious anxiety and depression than home-owners
Flexible Direct Debit days could see rent payments rise 20%
25 February, 2015
A public sector payment specialist has urged housing providers to adopt 'any day' rent payments for Direct Debits
Tenant voices
24 February, 2015
As the housing world continues to change at a rapid pace, there is a danger that the views of tenants get lost amidst debates about policy and funding
Six ways landlords can help social housing tenants to move home
24 February, 2015
From home swaps to financial support, here's how to help tenants downsize to avoid the bedroom tax or move house for a new job
33,000 social homes lost to right to buy since 2012
24 February, 2015
The country has lost 33,000 of its social homes to the controversial right to buy scheme since the Tory-led coalition 'reinvigorated' the policy in 2012
North East social landlords come together to raise gas safety awareness
24 February, 2015
Coast & Country Housing hosted a meeting of North East-registered social landlords to share best practice and raise safety standards
One council house is built to replace every 21 sold to tenants
20 February, 2015
Only one new home is being provided to replace every 21 that are being sold to council tenants under the government's right-to-buy scheme
Sector shows improved performance in meeting value for money standards
19 February, 2015
The latest assessment of registered providers' value for money submissions shows an overall improvement in the sector's compliance with the regulator's standard
Fuel advice service helps GHA tenants cut bills by £450,000
17 February, 2015
Tenants of Scotland's biggest social landlord have been helped to save more than £450,000 on their energy bills over the past year
Housing Benefit overpayment recovery good practice
16 February, 2015
Good practice for local authority staff on recovering Housing Benefit overpayments
Evictions from rented homes hit record levels in 2014
13 February, 2015
Homes in England and Wales being repossessed at a rate of 115 a day
Sector 'speechless' over Tory plan to give away millions of social homes
13 February, 2015
A Tory plan to potentially give away millions of social homes to people who stop claiming benefits has caused uproar
Number of evictions rise but have landlords got better?
13 February, 2015
The number of tenants being turned out of their homes by bailiffs rises to a record high, but the number of private landlords making claims to evict tenants falls
Housing Benefit fraud and error: local authority insight survey wave 27
12 February, 2015
This research seeks to understand what local authorities are doing to prevent fraud and error in Housing Benefit
Lack of competition from diminished social housing helps fuel buy-to-let boom
11 February, 2015
A lack of new social housing is slamming the brakes on a potential competitor to the buy-to-let juggernaut
Fraud and Error Reduction Incentive Scheme: local authority monitoring template
10 February, 2015
Local authority template to monitor reductions in weekly Housing Benefit entitlement under the Fraud and Error Reduction Incentive Scheme
Council moves to bring overcrowded private sector flats into social housing sector
06 February, 2015
A council has embarked on a £9.3 million mission to bring four blocks of privately-owned tenement flats into the social housing sector
Social housing tenants banned from luxury garden
05 February, 2015
Southwark's planning committee has agreed to alter the legal agreement for the One Tower Bridge development to prevent tenants of a new block of council housing from being able to use the communal garden
Why a Labour win is a disaster for homeowners, landlords and tenants
04 February, 2015
Mansion tax is "rich-bashing" and pure "vote winning", says property expert
Labour will help 9m renters save £600 each, Ed Miliband to promise
03 February, 2015
Nine million renters would save more than £600 each in the next parliament under Labour's plans to ban letting agent fees and cap rent increases for longer-term tenants
Social Housing A force for good
03 February, 2015
Social housing is in my blood, it provided a home when I was homeless and a job when I was unemployed
Council Tax Exemptions for Charitable Housing Associations
30 January, 2015
Judgment was handed down today in 3 appeals concerning whether a charitable housing association is entitled to council tax exemption for the void periods between lets
Social landlord looks to sell empty homes as bedroom tax bites
30 January, 2015
A social landlord has "reluctantly" asked the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for permission to sell over 100 of its empty homes
Fraudsters thwarted by councils in London to the tune of £73 million
30 January, 2015
Fraud in London has increased by 46% since last year, a new study has found
The second year of value for money self-assessment - Insight to the sector experience and good practice
28 January, 2015
This publication should be of use to those with an interest in improving the approach to VFM self-assessment
The challenges of superdiversity for social housing
27 January, 2015
The changing nature of many urban communities in the UK is providing challenges to traditional models of managing social housing
£1 million in extra funding for tenants secured by housing association
27 January, 2015
One of London's largest housing associations has managed to secure £1 million in additional benefit income for its tenants over the past two years
Court forces tenants to comply with Council's gas safety checks
26 January, 2015
A judge has ordered two tenants to allow Swindon Borough Council to carry out essential gas safety checks at their homes after they persistently refused to give access to engineers
Reform, Risk And Resilience: Social Housing In Scotland
26 January, 2015
The social housing sector in Scotland, chiefly housing association and council housing providers, confront a wide array of external and internal risks
Social landlords 'still uncertain' about value for money rules
23 January, 2015
Survey finds social landlords think rules could be more clear
Why letting council tenants own their homes is a mistake
23 January, 2015
Selling off more council houses is no answer to Britain's housing problems,
Social tenant evicted after sons' reign of terror
22 January, 2015
A family from Birkenhead has been evicted from their social housing property after a string of anti-social behaviour
Food bank receives critical cash boost
22 January, 2015
Social landlord Isos has committed to supporting the crucial work of the West Northumberland Food Bank for a second year to help feed those in need
Social landlord puts £8,000 into food bank
21 January, 2015
A North East social landlord has put nearly £8,000 into a food bank to help support its staffing costs and provide advice and support to people currently using the service
Visa warns social landlords of possible rent payments bombshell
21 January, 2015
Housing associations and local authorities are being alerted to changes in transaction costs for rent payments made using a debit card
DWP stopping benefits of 100 people with mental health problems everyday
21 January, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is stopping the benefits of people with mental health problems at a rate of over 100 a day, new data has shown
Jobcentre 'hit squads' set up benefit claimants to fail, says former official
21 January, 2015
Bosses accused of setting targets for sanctions, while unscrupulous staff targeted weak and vulnerable customers
Householders hoping to get green deal assessments are out of pocket
21 January, 2015
Householders who arranged a green deal assessment through a firm called Tivium believing it was part of the government's official scheme are out of pocket after the firm failed to carry out promised work
'We cut back on everything to pay the rent - including food'
21 January, 2015
Michelle and Kevin live in Cambridge. When Kevin became self-employed, a cut in tax credits and housing benefit left the family facing homelessness
LHA rates may increase by up to 4% in certain areas of NI
21 January, 2015
A new statutory instrument takes effect on 20 January that will allow for the uprating of Local Housing Allowance by up to 4% in certain parts of Northern Ireland
Full employment alone will not close the living standards gap
21 January, 2015
Full employment must go hand-in-hand with better pay and government support for low-paid workers as a new report highlights the gulf in living standards for many families, says Katie Schmeucker
Should I support 'rent control'? The devil is in the detail
21 January, 2015
At the beginning of the month the Independent reported that 'almost nobody in the UK is opposed to rent controls'; polling showed that 59% of people supported their reintroduction. 7% were in opposition and a sizeable 34% didn't know
'We need to adapt to the new digital landscape'
21 January, 2015
Ahead of CIH's latest digital housing event, Nick Atkin, chief executive of Halton Housing Trust, says social landlords must look to other industries and embrace new technology
Housing association's new chief executive welcomes 'milestone' move into private rented sector
20 January, 2015
The new chief executive of a housing association has hailed its decision to move into the private rented sector as a "milestone" moment for the organisation
30-year tenant evicted as council tackles ASB across borough
20 January, 2015
A nightmare tenant whose drunken arguments with her son made her neighbours' lives a misery has been evicted from her North London home of 30 years
Tenant voices
20 January, 2015
As the housing world continues to change at a rapid pace, there is a danger that the views of tenants get lost amidst debates about policy and funding
Regulator raps landlord over gas safety failures
20 January, 2015
A 20,500-home housing association has become the latest social landlord rapped by the English social housing regulator for failing to carry out sufficient gas safety checks
Value for money statements - Four ways you can make yours far better
19 January, 2015
The Homes and Communities Agency has written to 160 landlords warning them to do better on meeting the requirements of the value for money standard
Hundreds of households in temporary accommodation for more than a decade
16 January, 2015
Nearly 700 households in London have been living in temporary accommodation for more than a decade
Increase in councils' rent loss from empty properties
16 January, 2015
The amount of rent English councils lost due to empty homes rose for the second consecutive year in 2013/14
Welfare reform forces up repairs costs
15 January, 2015
Housing associations in parts of England have been forced to increase spending on repairs and maintenance to entice new tenants into larger homes due to the government's welfare reforms
Cash incentive for residents
15 January, 2015
A cash incentive has been launched by Essex housing association Colne to help residents avoid getting into debt with high-interest and payday lenders
Even more social rented homes lost in 2014 than in 2013
15 January, 2015
Statistics published just before Christmas show that the loss of housing let at social rents is speeding up
Jargon Buster a guide to housing jargon for tenants and housing staff
14 January, 2015
This quick and easy Jargon Buster gives explanations to some of the many terms and acronyms Tenants and Housing Staff may come across in relation to Social Housing
Digital inclusion - Staying online
14 January, 2015
Rapid changes in digital technology pose challenges for tenants and landlords alike. Louise Kingdon asks how the social housing sector should respond
'Chronic social housing shortage' leaves 1 in 10 homeless households in temporary accommodation for over a year
13 January, 2015
One in 10 homeless households in Scotland spend more than a year in temporary accommodation
High street lettings agency debut for council
13 January, 2015
The housing department of an east London local authority has made its high street debut with its very own lettings agency
Impact of welfare reforms on housing associations
09 January, 2015
Effects and responses by landlords
Flats refurb scheme halves tenants' heating bills
09 January, 2015
Tenants living in three blocks of flats in east Manchester have had their annual heating bills halved, thanks to a refurbishment scheme
Managing the Impact of Welfare Reform Changes on Social Housing Tenants in Wales
08 January, 2015
This report looks at the impact of welfare reform changes on social housing tenants in Wales
High house prices breed a new generation of 'revolving door' renters
07 January, 2015
Almost a million more people in England rent their home than they did five years ago
Rent setting for social housing tenancies (England)
06 January, 2015
This note explains policy developments in relation to setting social housing rent levels in England since 2002
Wheatley Group helps thousands of tenants keep warm this winter
06 January, 2015
Thousands of older tenants are being helped to stay warm and cosy this winter
New Approaches to delivering social value
05 January, 2015
Housing associations and local authorities are called 'social' landlords for an obvious reason
Council vows to protect tenants with rents freeze
01 January, 2015
A local authority in the West Midlands has vowed to "protect working families" by announcing plans to freeze all council housing rents
Number of evicted tenants is soaring
30 December, 2014
Soaring numbers of tenants are being turned out of their homes by bailiffs
Housing association lowers proposed rent increase
24 December, 2014
A Scottish housing association has cut back on proposed rent increases as tenants struggle to cope with the cost of living
The future of social housing - a look ahead to 2015
23 December, 2014
What do you anticipate will be the biggest challenge facing Housing Associations during 2015
Engaging with tenants
22 December, 2014
This year has been the year UKHousing decided to take to social media en masse
Social landlords 'could be breaking criminal law' over consumer regulation
19 December, 2014
Housing associations providing debt advice to tenants without authorisation from the UK financial watchdog are breaking criminal laws
Social housing providers warned full impact of welfare reform yet to come
19 December, 2014
The social housing sector is yet to feel the full impact of the Tory-led coalition's welfare reforms
Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: final reports
18 December, 2014
Final evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Project relating to the direct payment of Housing Benefit to tenants in social housing
Housing costs for tenants in social housing
18 December, 2014
Research about communications with social housing tenants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Social housing lettings in England: April 2013 to March 2014
17 December, 2014
DCLG collects and publishes official statistics relating to deprivation, fire and rescue services, housing and homelessness, local government finance, planning performance and land use
Social housing app brings a touch of 'Tinder' to house swaps and wins £40,000 open data innovation prize
17 December, 2014
A new smartphone app, MoveMaker, has won the Housing Open Data Challenge
How a group of tenants got their social landlord to take their damp problems seriously
17 December, 2014
A group of social housing tenants operating under the collective pseudonym 'Bessy Banks' started an online campaign to get their landlord Bromford Housing Group to sort out damp problems
Think Rent First
17 December, 2014
Homes for Northumberland (HfN) is urging its tenants to put their rent first this Christmas
Record number of homeless families in 'out of area' temporary accommodation
12 December, 2014
High rents and housing benefit cap making it harder for councils to find safe and decent places in local area
Public perceptions of social tenants and the social rented sector
12 December, 2014
The British public are positive towards contribution and value of social housing
Local authority housing statistics : year ending March 2014
12 December, 2014
The focus of this statistical release is on social housing that is owned and managed by local authorities
How to create sustainable tenancies
12 December, 2014
What's the best way of creating sustainable tenancies? Business improvement consultant Cath Davies shares her top tips for social landlords
Diane Abbott pledges rent controls in mayoral bid
11 December, 2014
A London mayoral hopeful has pledged to cap private rents in the capital and levy cash from private landlords to build more social housing
London has 75% of England's temporary accommodation households
11 December, 2014
The number of London households in temporary accommodation accounts for 75% of England's total
Council tenant evictions soar following bedroom tax introduction
11 December, 2014
The number of council tenants evicted for rent arrears soared by 19% in the first year of the bedroom tax
Six ways to reduce evictions
11 December, 2014
Evictions are at an all-time high as benefit cuts take their toll on residents. How can housing providers buck the trend and help people to stay in their homes?
Sheffield gets Christmas spirit by telling residents to pay their rent
10 December, 2014
Sheffield Council is urging its tenants "to put their rent first this Christmas" and offering them a chance to win £250 of shopping vouchers
Tenant evicted due to state of garden
08 December, 2014
Nottingham City Homes is warning its tenants to make sure they keep their gardens tidy - or else face eviction as one former tenant has
Social landlords 'downgrading welfare reform as a risk'
05 December, 2014
Social landlords are downgrading the threat posed by welfare reform in their business plans, following delays with the implementation of universal credit
London council loses landmark unlawful eviction case
05 December, 2014
The Supreme Court has ruled that statutory damages for unlawful eviction of tenants should be calculated in the same way for social landlords as it is for private landlords
Residents urged to back gas safety proposals
05 December, 2014
Enfield Council is urging residents to back a campaign which wants to give social landlords extra powers to make sure gas appliances in the properties they own are safe
How much?! Damages for unlawfully evicted secure tenants
05 December, 2014
So, if a local authority unlawfully evicts a secure tenant (and yes, it happens) what should the measure of damages be?
Evictions rocket as welfare reforms and rising property prices hit home
03 December, 2014
As thousands of tenants face court battles to keep the bailiffs at bay, housing charities call for greater protection for renters
Who actually supports the idea of privatising social housing?
03 December, 2014
This is no example of the north/south divide - I can't find a single voice in support of the effective privatisation of social housing
Social housing in crisis as right-to-buy depletes stock
02 December, 2014
Lib Dems say tackling deficit is 'political priority', with only quarter of replacement homes being built
A challenging time - supporting customers with money management
28 November, 2014
Welfare reform has presented a number of challenges to housing associations and their customers, and minimising the risks presented, continues to be a focus
Helping to protect tenants and people who use the services of social landlords
25 November, 2014
We are the independent regulator of social landlords in Scotland, accountable directly to the Scottish Parliament
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2014
24 November, 2014
Our annual assessment of progress in tackling poverty and disadvantage across the UK
New research confronts social housing stereotypes
20 November, 2014
Report debunks the myth that social housing residents are characterised by high levels of benefit dependency, lone parenthood, long-term unemployment and limited aspiration
Rent First...please
20 November, 2014
An annual campaign to encourage council tenants to prioritise paying their rent in the lead up to Christmas is due to start on Monday (24th November)
Coastline embarks on stock improvement to tackle fuel poverty
19 November, 2014
Cornwall's Coastline Housing Association has launched an ambitious plan to reduce fuel poverty for up to 4,000 tenants by 2019
How can you slow the unstoppable rise of evictions?
19 November, 2014
The number of evictions has more than doubled in a year, throwing thousands of families into turmoil and temporary accommodation
What will the housing market look like in 2040?
17 November, 2014
This research explores how the housing market is likely to change in the coming decades, and how this will affect poverty
Housing group accused of hiking rents by 36% in four years
14 November, 2014
A London housing association accused of hiking the rents on more than 1,000 homes by 36% over the past four years says it is making a loss on the properties
Barnet Council proposes 'unlawful' rent rise
13 November, 2014
Barnet Council's proposals to increase its tenants' rents to 80% of market rent levels could be unlawful
Loss of rented housing is causing homelessness says CIH NI
13 November, 2014
Tenants on low incomes are struggling to meet the increasing shortfall between their housing benefit assistance and their rent
Public are positive towards contribution and value of social housing
12 November, 2014
The British public are positive about the contribution and value of social housing
Freeing Housing Associations: Better financing, more homes
12 November, 2014
Housing associations are being stifled by unnecessary red tape that prevents them from building 100,000 new homes a year
More households can benefit from renewable heating
11 November, 2014
More social landlords and their tenants could soon be benefitting from renewable heating, helping them have warmer homes and lower bills
Landlords to predict arrears with 'big data'
11 November, 2014
A housing charity is leading a consortium of social landlords to make the sector's first foray into using 'big data' from half a million homes to predict properties at risk of rent arrears
Association creating home swap app
11 November, 2014
A social landlord is developing the housing sector's answer to dating app Tinder in order to help tenants swap homes
Benefits changes warning over social housing rents
07 November, 2014
More benefit reforms by the UK government could make it difficult for housing associations in Wales to take on any more of the responsibilities that councils can no longer afford
Scotland's social landlords call on Smith Commission to devolve welfare system
06 November, 2014
Scotland's social landlords are calling on the Smith Commission to devolve all aspects of the welfare system, with the full fiscal and tax powers needed to fund the system
Renters need reform now - not the promise of a house in seven years
06 November, 2014
Will Labour break the grip of the home ownership political orthodoxy?
Guidance for handling arrears and possession sales of shared ownership properties
04 November, 2014
This guidance for lenders and HAs has been prepared jointly by the CML, NHF, HCA and the BSA
Council becomes first to use new anti-social powers to evict tenants
31 October, 2014
Oldham Council is believed to have become the first local authority in the country to use new anti-social behaviour powers to remove tenants from a property
MPs urged to prepare for shift among voters towards renting
30 October, 2014
Politicians have been urged to take the concerns of tenants more seriously after research indicated that more than 100 MPs will represent renter-dominated constituencies
Better repairs 'top priority' for social tenants
29 October, 2014
Four in 10 social housing tenants have cited better repairs and maintenance as their top priority for improving quality of life
Five ways housing associations can improve their customer service
28 October, 2014
To survive in a more commercial world, housing providers need better customer service
Almost half of British renters might never be able to afford to buy a home
24 October, 2014
The spiralling cost of buying a first home in the UK means that almost half of all renters are not sure they will ever be able to get on the property ladder
Government rejects social landlords' gas access call
24 October, 2014
Campaign to allow housing associations greater access to homes to save £500m receives major blow
Filling the void
24 October, 2014
Helena Partnerships was faced with a glut of three bedroom homes it couldn't rent. So it turned to the private rental market for answers
The private rented sector divide
24 October, 2014
Northern social landlords are starting to eye the private rented sector, but at the same time other social landlords are cancelling their PRS plans
Landmark appeal against out-of-London placements refused
23 October, 2014
Councils can house tenants outside of London without carrying out a detailed assessment of all the available properties nearby
Tenant to receive 'maximum payment' for emergency repair delay
23 October, 2014
An ombudsman has recommended that Waverley Housing pays a tenant the 'maximum amount' under the landlord's policy for 'unreasonable delay' in completing an emergency repair
New report reveals majority of social housing tenants who can work, are in work
21 October, 2014
While the majority of Londoners think people in social housing are unemployed, new research reveals that 74% of those who can work do
Sept 14 Buy-to-Let Index
20 October, 2014
Rents hit fresh record despite sharp slow down in annual rises
Understanding the new ASB Act - essential reading for landlords
20 October, 2014
ASB consultant Gez Kinsella shares his thoughts on preparations for the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
Housing association drops mandatory conditions from tenancy agreements
20 October, 2014
A housing association has quietly dropped mandatory conditions from its tenancy agreements after a pilot found they were not needed
Data Sharing and Universal Credit
17 October, 2014
The DWP consulted on changes that will allow information to be shared with social landlords about Universal Credit claims
Rent increase blow to landlords
16 October, 2014
Housing experts are warning that landlords face a costs squeeze under the reformed social rent formula as a result of unprecedentedly low inflation rates
Sector backs government's universal credit alert plan
16 October, 2014
Housing organisations have broadly welcomed government proposals to alert social landlords when their tenants move on to universal credit
Council launches tenancy fraud amnesty
15 October, 2014
Haringey Council has launched an amnesty for tenants that are illegally subletting their council homes
Social housing tenants' debt widening income divide
15 October, 2014
A housing association's research into the impact of financial and economic changes on households has uncovered a widening income gap between its tenants
Tenant Leading Change is about tenants and landlords coming together to support effective tenant involvement
14 October, 2014
The Government wants to see all social landlords offer tenants the chance to get involved and take control of their neighbourhoods
'Tenants are being judged by the standards of Benefits Street'
10 October, 2014
Should social landlords be imposing conditions on tenants as part of their tenancy agreements?
Passport patrol for renting a home
10 October, 2014
Midland residents will soon have to produce passports and immigration documents in order to rent a home in the private or social rented sector
Social housing tenants get bespoke BT internet service
10 October, 2014
Social housing tenants are now able to get access to an internet service specifically designed for them, after the launch of a new system by BT Business
How to ... create sustainable tenancies
09 October, 2014
Housing providers are now thinking radically about how they deliver front-line services to respond to the unprecedented changes they face as a result of welfare reform
Council housing standards must improve
09 October, 2014
Local authorities in Wales are in danger of providing a second class service for their tenants due to the slow progress in bringing their homes up to scratch
New service offers tenants rent savings on mobile top ups
09 October, 2014
Social housing tenants are being offered a new service that allows them to save money on their rent when they top up their mobile phone
Universal credit data sharing will help landlords support social tenants
06 October, 2014
Allpay has welcomed a consultation by the DWP seeking views on sharing UC claimant information with social landlords and local authorities
Ignore the stereotypes - most social tenants don't want to rely on benefits
06 October, 2014
Low pay and part-time work are the main reasons people are trapped in working poverty, including many in social housing
Landlords' development concerns over Tory benefit freeze
03 October, 2014
Housing associations have expressed concern about their ability to develop new homes under Conservative plans to introduce a two-year freeze on benefits
Tenant escapes eviction after taking five years to clear garden of scrap and cars
03 October, 2014
A social housing tenant has narrowly avoided being evicted by her social landlord, after finally cleaning up her garden
A living rent?
01 October, 2014
Mark Lupton and Helen Collins from Savills Housing Consultancy explain how their rent model linked to household income would work
Benefit cut could force social landlords to turn tenants away
01 October, 2014
Housing associations warn Conservative policy would also prevent them from building new homes as funding dries up
£4.5 million to heat social rented homes
30 September, 2014
The Scottish government has announced a £4.5 million scheme to improve the energy performance of 1,600 social housing homes
Poll Digest - Social - Circle Housing Group Social Housing Survey
29 September, 2014
Almost half of Britons believe social housing tenants choose to claim benefits as a lifestyle choice
Tenants trust social landlords for advice on energy savings
26 September, 2014
A study has found associations managing property are in the best position to offer help, ahead of energy charities and family and friends
Social housing chief executives' enormous pay packets are indefensible
26 September, 2014
While social tenants suffer benefit cuts and rent hikes, the salaries of those in charge of housing them continue to soar
Is Labour genuinely committed to social rent?
26 September, 2014
Labour needs to explain the role it sees for genuine social housing after May
Campaign to beef up social landlord's legal powers to access properties for mandatory gas safety checks
22 September, 2014
Campaigners are calling on the Government to beef up legal powers to allow regulated social landlords to access their properties to carry out mandatory gas safety checks
Social landlords lobby for radical rent model
19 September, 2014
New 'affordable working rent' links payment level to household income
Universal Credit data sharing with social landlords
19 September, 2014
Seeks views on allowing DWP to share information with social landlords to enable them to support tenants claiming Universal Credit
Approaches to tenancy management in the social housing sector
18 September, 2014
Exploring new models and changes in the tenant-landlord relationship
Major safety campaign targets dodgy fire doors in social housing
16 September, 2014
Scrutiny of fire safety in affordable homes is likely to remain at the top of many social landlords' agenda
Tenants evicted over messy gardens
15 September, 2014
A number of social housing tenants who refused to tidy up their gardens have been evicted
It is time to recognise the benefits of social housing
15 September, 2014
What are the benefits of the social rented sector, and why must current and future governments significantly raise current levels of social housing construction?
Fife man at centre of 'bedroom tax' turmoil
11 September, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions is launching a bid to overturn a landmark ruling that size does matter when it comes to defining a bedroom
Government launches 'right to move' consultation for social housing tenants
10 September, 2014
Social housing tenants who want to move to a new area for work will no longer be pushed to the back of the housing waiting list under new proposals being drawn up for town halls
Right to Move: government launches consultation to support social tenants who want to work
10 September, 2014
Social tenants who need to move to a new area for work will no longer be pushed to the back of the housing waiting list
Mutual exchange: 10 ways to help tenants swap homes
10 September, 2014
From financial incentives to flexibility, a CIH adviser provides tips on how landlords can help social housing tenants move home
Helping tenants to make a house a home
09 September, 2014
A new pilot scheme in Sparkbrook could revolutionise the way new tenants learn to set up home in Birmingham
The Big Tenant Survey - why did social landlords do so badly?
04 September, 2014
The Big Tenant Survey 2014 was completed by 61,000 tenants, who make up 7% of the 850,000 social housing tenants registered on the HomeSwapper mutual exchange platform
Eviction for fraudsters who lied on social housing applications
03 September, 2014
Two people who claimed they needed social housing have been evicted from their homes after making false claims on their applications
Enfield tears up rules in radical attempt to ease housing problem
02 September, 2014
Pushed into a corner by soaring prices, greedy landlords and a cap on benefits, one London council has embarked on a daring set of untested policies
The lessons that social landlords should learn from a damning tenant survey
02 September, 2014
The Big Tenant Survey did not make good reading for landlords
The Big Tenant Survey
01 September, 2014
The vast majority of social housing tenants do not feel listened to or cared about by their landlords
Scottish landlord data 'will empower social housing tenants'
29 August, 2014
Council and housing association tenants in Scotland are to be given more information about how well their landlord is performing
Churchill Home Insurance research reveals social renters experience more household crime than homeowners
29 August, 2014
Social renters are the tenancy group worst affected by household crime according to new research released by Churchill Home Insurance
Social tenants left without gas reconnected
28 August, 2014
More than 210 of 250 social homes in Wales left without fuel after water entered gas supply pipes have now been reconnected
Move to Midlands or be homeless: London mum brands council 'inhumane'
26 August, 2014
Cecilia Bruce-Annan has been told to move with her three children to Stoke-on-Trent because of the benefits cap
Boards shrink for housing associations but diversity is static
22 August, 2014
60% of current board members weren't in place in 2010/11 - but demographics barely shift
Sharing made easier for social landlords
22 August, 2014
Social landlords that promote Scottish government shared equity schemes have received some good news
Consultation on government's fuel poverty strategy published
22 August, 2014
Future governments will be required to tackle England's least energy efficient properties to fight fuel poverty
Housing association starts and completions up 10%
22 August, 2014
The number of annual starts and completions for housing associations in England have increased by 10% year-on-year
Mum of Derby disabled boy wins her bitter 'bedroom tax' battle
22 August, 2014
The mother of a severely disabled boy who was having her benefits slashed because of the so-called bedroom tax has won a rare legal victory
Quarterly Survey of Private Registered Providers
21 August, 2014
The June 2014 quarterly survey report is based on responses from 257 private registered providers of social housing who own or manage more than 1,000 homes
What would a yes vote in the Scottish referendum mean for social housing?
21 August, 2014
Housing has already been devolved to the Scottish government, but a yes vote could mark big changes for social landlords
All Welsh social landlords now have domestic violence policy
20 August, 2014
Every social landlord in Wales now has a domestic abuse policy for both tenants and staff following an intervention by the Welsh housing minister
New universal credit rules for tenants begin this week
20 August, 2014
An alteration meaning social landlords can now tell who is claiming universal credit began yesterday
"Scraping the Barrel" - The Cost of Living for Social Housing Residents: Executive Summary
19 August, 2014
Today we launch the first part of our research on the cost of living for social housing residents
94% of UK's social housing tenants face financial pains
19 August, 2014
The mass majority of the UK's social housing tenants have faced some kind of financial difficulty in the past six month
Paying rent through Facebook
19 August, 2014
The stark reality is there are 8.7 million adults in the UK that have never been online - and worryingly almost half are social housing tenants
Social landlord launches credit union tender
19 August, 2014
A social landlord has announced plans to team up with a credit union, in a bid to offer tailored financial support to its tenants and staff
Voids fall despite welfare reform fears
15 August, 2014
Social landlords defy a previously predicted rise in empty homes
Social landlords showing value for money
15 August, 2014
Value for money is the name of the game for social landlords preparing their annual results
Why housing associations should not be able to pick and choose their tenants
15 August, 2014
If providers chose their tenants, the poorest and most vulnerable people could be excluded in favour of the financially independent
Housing associations should have some say in who lives in their homes
12 August, 2014
When councils nominate tenants who are not appropriate for a property, housing associations should be able to intervene
Landlord alliance to sell energy to tenants
08 August, 2014
Landlords with 357,000 homes to form company to sell energy at cost price
ASB drops as Sovereign replaces concrete with grass for Christchurch residents
08 August, 2014
Sovereign housing association has seen anti-social behaviour drop after building residents in Christchurch a new communal area
Concerns over localised funding for supported housing
08 August, 2014
The government wants to localise funding for supported housing. Heather Spurr explains why this has landlords so worried
Council staff are not overpaid - far from it
08 August, 2014
Where the Taxpayers' Alliance sees waste, I see investment in our communities - and not enough of it
A rent first approach to Universal Credit
08 August, 2014
Outlines the changes introduced to tackle the challenge to housing association income posed by Universal Credit
Social landlord's care worker arrested after 16 poisoned
08 August, 2014
A 23-year-old female care worker has been placed in a psychiatric unit
Council forced to write off £1.1 million in rent arrears following IT fault
07 August, 2014
An east London council has been forced to write-off £1.1 million in rent arrears following a malfunction with an IT system
Social landlord is making a meal of things
07 August, 2014
A social landlord is offering breakfasts, lunches and learning activities to 500 families in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull this summer
London borough to limit average rent to below £100 per week
06 August, 2014
An inner-London borough has pledged to keep rents below an average of £100 per week for council tenants in the face of a lack of affordable housing in the capital
The government needs to understand the impact of its own housing policies
06 August, 2014
A number of different figures have popped out this week which should worry anyone who is even a little bit sentient
Cunning Plan sees Facebook rent payment system created
05 August, 2014
Social housing tenants in Salford can now pay their rent via Facebook
Court quashes Peabody eviction of vulnerable tenant
04 August, 2014
A housing association's attempt to evict a 58-year-old disabled man has been quashed after a judge ruled it did not follow its own policies for dealing with vulnerable tenants
Social housing and social investment
01 August, 2014
Report published by the DWP into Social housing
£millions in right to buy fraud uncovered by council
01 August, 2014
Barnet Council has uncovered nearly £12 million in right to buy, tenancy and benefit fraud in a 12-month period
Local authority slapped by judge over 'irrational and unfair' council tax policy
01 August, 2014
A local authority's decision to ban council tax support for residents has been branded "irrational and unfair" by a judge
Court quashes Peabody eviction of vulnerable tenant
01 August, 2014
A housing association's attempt to evict a 58-year-old disabled man has been quashed after a judge ruled it did not follow its own policies
Social landlord doubles surplus
01 August, 2014
Cost-cutting measures result in £40.2m surplus, despite drop in turnover
Councils shun flagship government homelessness scheme
31 July, 2014
London boroughs are 'increasingly unwilling' to take part in the government's programme for single homeless people
Social landlord more than doubles anticipated surplus
31 July, 2014
Circle Housing has produced a surplus of £44.5m for 2013/14, more than doubling the £20m it had targeted at the start of the year
Genesis surplus down 10%
31 July, 2014
Genesis Housing Association has seen its annual surplus decrease by just under 10% to £40.1m
Local authority's 'benefit tourism' rule discriminated against residents
31 July, 2014
Sandwell council's policy, designed to deter low-income families from south-east moving to the area, harmed locals
'Poor doors': not the worst thing about social housing
31 July, 2014
Separate entrances are nothing new, and the truth is that social housing providers demand them
Police warn that 'relentless' bedroom tax is turning people into criminals
31 July, 2014
Concerns have been expressed by police chiefs that victims of the "Bedroom Tax" are being forced to turn to crime and loan sharks
Injunction for PRS tenant after death threats to social housing resident
31 July, 2014
A PRS tenant has been given an anti-social behaviour injunction after making threats of violence towards a neighbour living in social housing
Tenants pin hopes on bedroom tax speed dating
31 July, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith hopes 'speed dating' sessions for tenants affected by welfare reform will undo a housing log jam
Bedroom tax tenants in Bristol see rent arrears reach £725,000
31 July, 2014
Rent arrears for council tenants in Bristol who have been hit by the so-called bedroom tax have soared to more than £725,000
Social landlord reports record £75m surplus
30 July, 2014
Affinity Sutton has reported a record £75m surplus, despite deciding to limit its exposure to the sales market
Calculating social wellbeing
30 July, 2014
By having a standard way of calculating social impact, Affinity Sutton has worked out the value of community investment programmes compare to other projects
What's really happening to rents?
30 July, 2014
Are rents rising more slowly than house prices? That's what the figures from the Office for National Statistics suggests
Eight housing apprenticeships launched in Sheffield
30 July, 2014
Sheffield City Council has launched a new apprenticeship scheme in all aspects of housing for "enthusiastic" young people
Meeting the value for money standard - is your organisation on track?
29 July, 2014
Social housing providers have been struggling to meet the value for money standard set up by the Homes and Communities Agency
West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative Delivers Amazing Savings On Fuel For Tenants
29 July, 2014
West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative has announced its fuel prices for its much vaunted Biomass Energy Project
'We have created a mess'
29 July, 2014
Since 2010 England has seen a NET loss of 35,000 social rented homes every year
Rental Index
28 July, 2014
Tenants in London now pay rents that double those across the rest of Britain
Tackling fuel poverty
28 July, 2014
Social landlords should not wait for government targets in order to respond to fuel poverty
Affordable housing tenants given separate doors in luxury developments
28 July, 2014
Social tenants are being forced to enter through separate 'poor doors' in multi-million-pound London developments
Nearly 60pc of rented homes fail inspections
28 July, 2014
Close to 60pc of all private rental premises that were inspected by local authorities last year failed basic minimum requirements
The future of social housing
25 July, 2014
This week the Homes and Communities Agency and GLA both published details of the funding they have allocated through their affordable homes programmes
London landlords urge rent overhaul
25 July, 2014
London's 15 largest housing associations are calling for the government to review rent setting for tenants
Digital isn't everything - many social housing tenants prefer paper
25 July, 2014
Just under half of all adults who have never been online live in social housing, so perhaps it's time to recognise the role of print
Landlords' multi-billion-pound fuel poverty hit
25 July, 2014
The government's fuel poverty strategy has left social landlords responsible for funding billions of pounds of improvement works
Hard up renters turning to payday lenders for deposits
25 July, 2014
Renters are being priced out of house and home by deposits that have soared by 50% since the financial crisis began
Councils failing to spend £millions in DHPs as families struggle
24 July, 2014
Local authorities are failing to spend millions of pounds that could potentially be used as emergency payments for families hit by welfare cuts
LIN member report July 2014 - Money goes begging: how councils could spend more on discretionary housing payments
24 July, 2014
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Warning to landlords and tenants after 'near miss' from communal blaze
23 July, 2014
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned tenants and landlords of the dangers of leaving combustible materials in communal areas
Social and private renters
23 July, 2014
Demographic and economic data on social and private renters
'Social housing should not be more expensive than affordable housing'
23 July, 2014
As a growing number of people cannot afford private rent, we roundup the main points from our debate on affordable housing
Is social housing a failed brand?
23 July, 2014
Social housing is now a damaged brand. Housing associations need to return to their roots
Bedroom tax sufferers not the only victims looking to swap their homes
22 July, 2014
With the controversial 'bedroom tax' under review for "pushing people into rent arrears", the attractiveness of downsizing in social housing appears never to have been higher
Nick Clegg accused of hypocrisy after U-turn on bedroom tax
17 July, 2014
Lib Dem leader says party no longer supports policy in its present form in intensification of Tory 'differentiation strategy'
Downsizing with the bedroom tax
17 July, 2014
The price for underoccupying a home is high for many vulnerable people. Jess McCabe visits Stoke-on-Trent to find out how landlords are attempting to help
Ratings agency to review negative social sector outlook after 'promising developments'
16 July, 2014
A ratings agency will review its negative outlook after reporting housing associations have 'coped well' with recent challenges
Councils ignoring mayor's plea to hit empty homes with 150% council tax bill
16 July, 2014
Boris Johnson has lobbied London local authorities to apply a 50% council tax premium on homes that have been empty for more than two years
The social housing brand is broken
16 July, 2014
Boris Worral, writing in a personal capacity as someone with experience of campaign and lobby work, responds to Tom Murtha
Don't mention social housing
16 July, 2014
Here is the speech delivered by Tom Murtha, SHOUT campaigner and former Midland Heart chief executive
Social landlord offers cash for occupancy
11 July, 2014
Guinness Partnership is offering buyers at its east London development a £10,000 cash incentive to live in its properties
Social landlord's record-breaking £174m surplus
10 July, 2014
L&Q has generated a mammoth £174m surplus, smashing the sector record it set last year by more than half
53,000 troubled families' lives turned around
10 July, 2014
Councils have been praised for turning around the lives of almost 53,000 troubled families in little over 2 years
Bridgend Council workers 'are turning to foodbanks and benefits to survive'
10 July, 2014
Claim comes as local government staff go on strike over pay
Council facing 'disproportionate' cuts of £44 per home
10 July, 2014
Camden Council has complained that it is facing a further budget gap of £70 million because of coalition cuts - which it must close by 2018
Over a million public sector workers walk out in UK-wide strikes
10 July, 2014
More than a million public sector workers are striking in disputes about pay and coalition cuts
Social landlord's staff to strike after being forced to 'work for free'
08 July, 2014
A Scottish social landlord's maintenance staff will take industrial action after being forced to work extra hours 'for free'
'Forging Futures' for social housing
08 July, 2014
Dr Chris Handy, chair of the Matrix Strategy Committee and chief executive of the Accord Group
Funding affordable housing
08 July, 2014
Low income housing tax credits in the USA and their potential in the UK
London landlords jubilant as rents reach '£1 High Club'
07 July, 2014
Delighted central London landlords have seen average weekly rents climb to £1.05 per square foot, meaning only one thing: Payday
Social housing tenants must get the service they deserve
07 July, 2014
Tenants have a right to know how to complain if they get a poor service from their social landlord
Angry councils lay down the law to control rogue landlords
04 July, 2014
London councils are rebelling against the Government's refusal to introduce licensing for private landlords and are setting up schemes
Common Allocations Policy
04 July, 2014
Ceredigion County Council has drafted a Common Allocations Policy
The extent of single homeless cuts
04 July, 2014
Freedom of Information Act requests shows how single homeless people have been disproportionately hit by council budget cuts
Social landlord defends Asian housing priority after outcry
03 July, 2014
Social landlord Orbit Housing has been accused of discrimination after apparently giving priority to Asian people at one of its housing schemes
Council finance broken
03 July, 2014
Councils in England and Wales should stop "moaning from the sidelines" and help redesign the totally broken local government finance system
Welsh government beats digital exclusion targets
03 July, 2014
The Welsh Government has published a set of revised targets for reducing digital exclusion after surpassing its original aims
Burdening tenants with extra conditions doesn't work
03 July, 2014
The opinion of Alison Inman, CIH and TPAS board member and former chair of the National Federation of ALMOs
Council considers rent cap scheme for private landlords
03 July, 2014
London School of Economics to examine a council's proposals for rent control
'Do your research'
03 July, 2014
NLA warns councils that their lack of understanding of the realities of the PRS is hampering efforts to improve standards
Bill to ban retaliatory evictions launched
02 July, 2014
A Liberal Democrat MP has launched a private members bill seeking to outlaw retaliatory evictions
Council house evictions in Lambeth are symptom of 'profit making culture'
02 July, 2014
The borough of Lambeth is gripped by a 'profit making culture' over the emptying of council houses
Social housing tenant survey results 'deeply worrying'
01 July, 2014
The results of a social housing tenant survey have been described as 'deeply disturbing', with residents caught in a spiral of poverty which is affecting their health and wellbeing
The inconvenient truth - quality of tenant data is average at best
30 June, 2014
Social housing has never been at the forefront of technology, and arguably has never needed to be
'Beds in sheds' building in north-west London is torn down by council
27 June, 2014
A council has taken landmark action to demolish an outbuilding which it suspected would have been used as an illegal "beds in sheds" dwelling
Peers round on Lord Freud over bedroom tax
26 June, 2014
Lord Freud withstood a barrage of questions about the bedroom tax in the House of Lords
'Pickle the bedroom tax' protest to coincide with minister's speech
26 June, 2014
Tenants and campaigners called for the bedroom tax to be 'pickled' outside the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Tories 'should amend bedroom tax'
25 June, 2014
The Conservative party should not impose the bedroom tax on tenants unless they turn down a suitable alternative offer of accommodation
Housing staff must get closer to tenants
25 June, 2014
Frontline housing staff believe they will need to work more closely with tenants in the future
First Minister to highlight £1bn investment in social housing
24 June, 2014
The £1bn spent by the Scottish Government on social housing in recent years is 'good for our economy and good for our society'
Housing benefit size criteria
24 June, 2014
Impacts for social sector tenants and options for reform
The Impact of Welfare Reform
24 June, 2014
The impact of welfare reform on social landlords and tenants
Tenants should be treated as customers too
20 June, 2014
Scrutiny of landlords' performance benefits all
Supreme Court to hear landmark council tax rebate case
19 June, 2014
A landmark case concerning local authorities' obligations when carrying out public consultations will be heard by the Supreme Court today
Social landlords could build 100,000 new homes a year
17 June, 2014
Social Housing Under Threat - a campaign for social housing - launches this week
LIN Member Report June 2014 - Response of Housing Associations to "Helping People to Find and Stay in Work"
17 June, 2014
This LIN member report is written by Kevin McCready
Pushing pay-to-stay
13 June, 2014
The government wants tenants to tell social landlords if their incomes rise to more than £60,000 a year - and then see their rents leap
Why should council tenants be left behind?
13 June, 2014
Did you know nationally that 82% of people are online but if you live in social housing - the figure is more likely to be 64%
Energy saving devices could save tenants hundreds of pounds
13 June, 2014
Thousands of tenants are going to benefit from cheaper utility bills thanks to new energy saving devices
The social housing stigma: how to fight the stereotyping of social tenants
11 June, 2014
Residents are not the scroungers they are often portrayed as, but social housing is hardly a workers' paradise
'Phase out' private rent and build more council homes
10 June, 2014
A trade union has called for the private rented sector to be 'phased out' in favour of a massive council house building programme
Thousands of social homes to benefit from ££0m British Gas solar partnership
09 June, 2014
More than 6,000 social homes will become rooftop solar sites as part of a £60m partnership between British Gas, Social Finance and Gen Community
Landlords to identify violent extremists
06 June, 2014
Manchester police to launch national scheme training housing staff to spot tenants vulnerable to radicalisation
Rent deadlock drives landlord out of boroughs
05 June, 2014
Lack of assurances means association will build larger homes elsewhere
Welfare Reform Survey - 2013/14 Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 Update
04 June, 2014
Summary of responses June 2014
Jersey minister says rent control 'doesn't work'
02 June, 2014
Jersey's housing minister says he has deep reservations over calls for rent controls
Family of disabled grandchild lose spare bedroom fight
30 May, 2014
The family of a severely disabled teenager from Pembrokeshire have lost their High Court challenge
Are housing associations really killing off social housing?
30 May, 2014
Critics may not like the tough decisions social landlords have taken, but we are more focused than ever on our social purpose
Government scores bedroom tax own goal
30 May, 2014
As most people will know the bedroom tax came into operation in April 2013
Caring through the night
30 May, 2014
The latest challenge to the bedroom tax focuses on overnight carers for disabled children
Bedroom tax pushes households into debt and fear of eviction
29 May, 2014
A third have cut back on food and a quarter have cut back on heating
Should the social housing regulator charge for regulation?
29 May, 2014
What impact could the proposals have and is there merit to charging for regulation?
Council turns to private sector landlords to solve housing crisis
28 May, 2014
A council has appealed to private rented sector landlords to offer homes for families on its waiting list
Octavia trial makes district heating hot topic for social landlords
27 May, 2014
A project by Octavia Housing is helping landlords re-think how they deliver heat and tackle fuel poverty in thousands of social housing properties
Legal battle looms over rent reform
23 May, 2014
Stock transfer associations say new rent regime will cost them millions
Guidance on rents for social housing
23 May, 2014
This guidance sets out the government's policy on rents for social housing from April 2015 onwards
Direction on the rent standard 2014
23 May, 2014
This direction will apply to standards set by the social housing regulator in relation to rent for registered providers from 1 April 2015
Localising Council Tax support administration subsidy grant determination (2014 to 2015)
23 May, 2014
This document sets out the distribution of subsidy paid to local authorities in England
Bedroom tax a year on - can the evidence speak for itself?
23 May, 2014
Opinion of Alan Humphreys, chief executive, Grand Union Housing Group
Relief for 'bedroom tax' 'victims'
23 May, 2014
People in Inverclyde hit by financial misery through the 'bedroom tax' will now automatically get relief payments under a new council deal
Four ways to help tenants appeal against bedroom tax
22 May, 2014
By helping tenants in bedroom tax appeals, housing providers can bring more money into communities and minimise arrears
Call for bedroom tax scrap for the abused
22 May, 2014
E-petition calling on the Government's Department for Work and Pensions to exempt victims of domestic violence from the bedroom tax
Will tenants ever pay their rent by smartphone?
20 May, 2014
More people are using mobile apps to make digital payments. Landlords need to get savvy now
Landlord fined for safety issues
19 May, 2014
Cardiff Council has fined a private landlord £1,100 under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006
Bedroom Tax First Tier Tribunal decisions
19 May, 2014
As decisions by the First Tier Tribunal on bedroom tax appeals seem to be coming in thick and fast, here is a list of them
'Bedroom tax victimising mentally ill patients'
16 May, 2014
The government's controversial bedroom tax is victimising patients with mental health problems
Ending bedroom tax injustice
16 May, 2014
It looks increasingly likely that the introduction of the bedroom tax will be filed as a regret
Why are social housing tenants stigmatised?
15 May, 2014
Kate Davies, Notting Hill Housing Group chief executive and CIH governing board member Sarah Webb Lecture, OneCIH Conference, Birmingham
Social landlords prepare to enter energy markets
15 May, 2014
Social landlords are muscling into the energy market for the first time, launching initiatives in a bid to protect them from price rises
Pembrokeshire grandparents in 'Bedroom tax' row have their challenge heard in High Court
15 May, 2014
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) who represented Paul and Susan Rutherford says it could be weeks before a ruling is made
Landlord exposed council to 'serious risk'
15 May, 2014
Arm's-length management organisation was unable to monitor repairs spend
New DWP proposal will trap people in their homes, and in debt
14 May, 2014
New DWP proposals to protect landlords' rental incomes are in danger of trapping people in their homes, creating a modern day version of a debtor's prison
The living wage was a good start - but what we really need now is a living rent
13 May, 2014
Housing costs take up an enormous amount of income for renters and frequent increases risk dismantling communities
Universal Credit - Rent Arrears Form
12 May, 2014
This form is for private and social sector landlords to claim Universal Credit rent arrears
Family of five face eviction from one room bed and breakfast accommodation
12 May, 2014
The family have no cooking facilities, no access to a washing machine and are not allowed to have visitors in the B&B where Reading Borough Council has placed them
Tenants facing eviction after refusing to pay a penny of bedroom tax
09 May, 2014
A West Midlands ALMO has revealed that 36 of its tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have not paid a penny of it
Social landlord launches credit union
06 May, 2014
A social landlord is set to launch a new credit union for its tenants
Bedroom tax: the penalty for being disabled
02 May, 2014
Since the government introduced the bedroom tax, we have seen substantial and sustained media coverage
Welsh MPs turn guns on UK Government for 'wicked' welfare changes
02 May, 2014
Westminster Hall debate puts so-called bedroom tax and Work Programme under scrutiny
Eviction rate doubles under 'unjust' bedroom tax
02 May, 2014
A council's eviction rate has doubled since the government's controversial bedroom tax came into effect last April
Scottish government given powers to 'offset' bedroom tax
02 May, 2014
Scotland has been given new powers to add more money to a fund that is claimed will offset the cost of the bedroom tax
Liberty granted permission for bedroom tax court challenge
02 May, 2014
Liberty has been given permission to proceed with a judicial review, claiming the policy unfairly affects separated families
Landlord opens school of social housing
01 May, 2014
A housing association has opened an academy in south London aimed at teaching residents about the social housing sector
Council housing - more than cheap rent and taxpayer 'subsidies'
01 May, 2014
Thoughts about community and social housing, which naturally contain a (mercifully short) moan about bedroom tax
How your council tax bill could be cut by £100 if councils forced everyone to pay their debts
29 April, 2014
Council tax bills could be cut by an average £100 per household if authorities chased up debts properly
Bedroom tax victim turned to 'spare room' cannabis factory to cope with debts
29 April, 2014
A tenant caught out by the bedroom tax allowed one of her spare rooms to be used as a cannabis factory to cover her loss in benefits
'Thanks for paying your bedroom tax - here's a Creme Egg'
25 April, 2014
Housing association Valleys to Coast in Bridgend has written to tenants offering the gesture to thank those struggling with financial hardship for their "efforts to pay this shortfall"
Social landlord's 'Talent Pool' gets grandmother job
25 April, 2014
A grandmother-of-three has been helped into work by her social landlord
Thamesbank and Hounslow Council Help for struggling families
25 April, 2014
Residents struggling with the impact of welfare reform will be able to get help managing their finances thanks to a partnership between Hounslow Council and Thamesbank
Bedroom Tax human rights ruling could pave way for 420,000 to launch similar appeals
24 April, 2014
Spina bifida sufferer Jacqueline Carmichael and 24-hour carer Jayson were told the Coalition's hated charge contravened their human rights
Food for Thought
23 April, 2014
Riverside one of the UK's leading housing providers has provided £500 of funding to Gateshead Foodbank
Anonymous housing assault survey launches
23 April, 2014
Inside Housing is surveying the social housing sector for the third year in a row to find out more about the levels of abuse that housing professionals experience in the course of doing their jobs
Providing social housing for local people
22 April, 2014
Statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England - summary of consultation responses
Plea to aid downsizing amid empty rooms glut
22 April, 2014
Seven in 10 households in England and Wales have at least one spare bedroom despite a severe housing shortage, census figures show
HSBC enters social housing sector with £75m loan
17 April, 2014
A HA has confirmed it has secured a £75 million debt facility from HSBC, marking the bank's first major direct lending to the sector
Financial situation deteriorating for majority of low income social housing tenants
17 April, 2014
Almost two thirds of social housing households feel that their financial situation has worsened in the last year
Fees for eviction proceedings to rise by 150%
16 April, 2014
Fees for issuing eviction proceeding notices to social tenants are due to surge by 150 per cent to £250
Bedroom tax savings to be used to build new homes
14 April, 2014
Grant Shapps has said that the money the government has saved through the bedroom tax will be used to build new homes for people on housing waiting lists
SFHA welcomes launch of domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) but expresses concerns over Green Deal Assessments for social housing stock
14 April, 2014
The SFHA has welcomed the launch of the domestic RHI but has called on the Government to forgo Green Deal Assessments for social housing stock
Council launches scheme to rent spare rooms to tenants facing homelessness
11 April, 2014
Mansfield District Council has introduced a new initiative to encourage households to rent spare rooms to those at risk of becoming homeless
Croydon Council rent arrears drop by nine per cent
11 April, 2014
Rent arrears for Croydon Council tenants have dropped by more than nine per cent in the last year
Public access
11 April, 2014
A new scheme launched by the Bar is designed to help social landlords access legal help effortlessly
The impact of welfare reform on social landlords and tenants
09 April, 2014
How are social housing tenants and landlords being affected by welfare reforms?
Social landlords may need to lower rents
09 April, 2014
Social landlords may be forced to lower rents because tenants cannot keep up with soaring housing costs
Council defends unspent DHP
04 April, 2014
North Lincolnshire spends just 17 per cent of its housing DHP funds
Social landlord blames bond price on Osborne pension changes
04 April, 2014
A social landlord has blamed the price of a £200 million bond issue on George Osborne's shake-up of pensions in the recent Budget
Council threatens residents with bailiffs
04 April, 2014
Cardiff Council has threatened its residents with bailiff action if they fail to clear their debts
Time to rethink bedroom tax and offer exemptions to disabled people
04 April, 2014
MPs today urged the government to rethink the bedroom tax and offer exemptions to disabled people
Number of social housing tenants swapping homes due to bedroom tax up by a quarter
03 April, 2014
The number of social housing tenants using home-swapping services as a result of welfare reform has risen by a quarter in the last 12 months
Cause for concerm?
02 April, 2014
Early impacts of benefit sanctions on housing associations and cooperatives in scotland
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects Landlord Learning Document
01 April, 2014
This publication pulls together key issues and learning that the organisations involved collectively agree on and also provides practical examples.
Bedroom tax has failed on every count
28 March, 2014
We now know the policy is barely helping overcrowding and the savings are far less than the government hoped
It's official: the bedroom tax causes misery
28 March, 2014
I don't think the increasingly strained Iain Duncan Smith intends to cause suffering, but that's exactly what his bedroom tax does
Charity reports rise in arrears
28 March, 2014
The number of people approaching Citizens Advice centres for help with social housing rent arrears has risen by 10 per cent in a year
Welfare and Benefits Officer helping social housing tenants increase household incomes by half a million pounds
28 March, 2014
A Welfare and Benefits Officer based in Stockton-on-Tees has been helping social housing tenants to increase their household incomes by over half a million pounds
DWP responds to universal credit payment concerns
27 March, 2014
DWP to change process of social landlords applying for 'alternative payment arrangements' under UC for tenants who are not paying their rent
New homes being built to help 'victims of bedroom tax'
27 March, 2014
Twenty-one new homes are set to be built in Merthyr Tydfil next week to help those struggling with the 'Bedroom Tax'
"Legacy of recession" remains as Citizens Advice reports 26 per cent rise in house repossession problems during 2013
24 March, 2014
National charity helped with 87,000 social housing rent arrears problems last year
Digital inclusion: housing providers need to think mobile
24 March, 2014
Residents are increasingly accessing the internet via mobiles - and social housing providers must react to the trend
Welfare cap could make housing association homes 'unaffordable'
21 March, 2014
The head of one of the UK's largest housing providers has said the welfare cap outlined in today's Budget could see housing association homes become unaffordable
Salix Homes teams up with Community Switch to help Salford tenants save money on energy bills
21 March, 2014
Salford-based Salix Homes is working with Community Switch to help its tenants to save money by switching to a cheaper energy supplier
Half of social housing tenants forced to choose between food and fuel
18 March, 2014
Half of a social landlord's tenants think their energy bills are too high, with some even choosing between paying bills and buying food
Councils launch legal challenge into London mayor's rent plan
14 March, 2014
Councils will find it difficult to get developers to build affordable housing under plans by Boris Johnson to raise rent levels
300,000 fewer social homes will receive insulation due to proposed cuts
14 March, 2014
Proposed government cuts to retrofit subsidy funding will result in almost 300,000 fewer social rented homes receiving insulation over the life of the scheme
The impact of the bedroom tax on stock management by social landlords
14 March, 2014
CIH Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Housing Best Value Network (SHBVN) sample survey of social landlords
Bedroom tax - Landlords successful in tackling stock management challenges
13 March, 2014
Scottish social landlords have worked hard to minimise the impact of the bedroom tax on the speed with which property is re-let
Scotland's social landlords urged to rethink above inflation rent increases
13 March, 2014
Social landlords have been urged to rethink plans for above inflation rent increases to relieve pressure on tenants hit by welfare reforms
Would independence make Scotland's welfare fairer?
12 March, 2014
Plans to scrap bedroom tax and other welfare reforms are all very well but a future Scottish government will be constrained by finances
Council tax benefits 'perverse'
11 March, 2014
Changes to council tax benefits have weakened work incentives for almost a quarter of a million people in England
Housing Benefit has made landlords complacent
11 March, 2014
Social landlords have allowed tenants to disconnect from their contractual responsibility to pay rent
IPPR: Devolve certain benefits to 'improve social outcomes'
11 March, 2014
Responsibility for housing benefit and the work programme should be devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Universal Credit: Iain Duncan Smith and welfare changes
11 March, 2014
The work and pensions secretary has started the biggest overhaul of the UK's welfare state since it was brought in
Freud and IDS stonewalling bedroom tax fund request
11 March, 2014
Lord Freud and Iain Duncan Smith have been stonewalling Scotland's request to add more money to a bedroom tax fund
Circle Housing chief urges housing leaders to tackle welfare reform together
10 March, 2014
Mark Rogers has urged the housing industry, government and third sector agencies to pull together and support customers affected by welfare reform
Wellbeing Valuation Approach
10 March, 2014
Report by Affinity Sutton - measuring the social impact of community investment
Government warned over age discrimination housing proposals
07 March, 2014
The Scottish government has been warned to abandon plans to allow social landlords to discriminate against potential tenants because of their age
Performance Matters: social landlords get ready to report on their performance
05 March, 2014
The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has today published the first edition of a new series of reports about 'Performance Matters'
Social housing - Public money, Private Pay
04 March, 2014
Attracting top talent to the social housing sector is essential but how are things right now?
Bedroom tax cutting people adrift from their lives
04 March, 2014
Bishop of Swansea and Brecon John Davies will join a protest rally against the tax in Cardiff
Household benefit cap and Universal Credit housing costs
03 March, 2014
DWP proposals relating to the new definition of exempt accommodation
Bedroom tax refund delay woe for householders
03 March, 2014
Council chiefs in the North-East say they are struggling to find hundreds of people unlawfully charged the 'bedroom tax' after blunder
Should council tenants move so that bankers can have nice homes?
03 March, 2014
Londoner Kevin Mullins and his wife need a bigger home in prime Covent Garden but council rules say they should go to the 'affordable' fringes
West Dunbartonshire Council secures additional funding for struggling tenants
03 March, 2014
West Dunbartonshire Council has secured an extra £500,000 of Discretionary Housing Payments to help residents affected by the bedroom tax
One in five could be in housing association homes by 2033
03 March, 2014
Housing associations could house one in five of England's population by 2033
Bedroom tax loophole closes
03 March, 2014
A loophole which allowed thousands of tenants to escape the bedroom tax closes
Council to provide 3,500 new homes in 'ground breaking' PRS scheme
28 February, 2014
A London borough will establish a council-owned company to build thousands of private rented homes
Empty social homes and rent arrears up in Wales
27 February, 2014
Empty social homes and tenant arrears have increased in Wales, according to the latest social housing figures
London rents more than twice national average
26 February, 2014
The average London rent is now 102 per cent more than the national average
Social Housing Vacancies, Lettings and Rent Arrears, 2012-13
26 February, 2014
SDR 31/2014 26 February 2014
English housing survey 2011 to 2012: household report
26 February, 2014
Annual report on households in England, covering themes such as housing needs, housing moves, and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
Duncan Smith mocks Labour bedroom tax figures
25 February, 2014
More than 21,500 people have now been identified as wrongly paying the bedroom tax according to figures obtained by the Labour Party
Campaigners fail to overturn bedroom tax court ruling
24 February, 2014
A group of people with disabilities has failed to overturn a court ruling which found the bedroom tax is lawful
Largest recipients of housing benefits in Wales pocket £25m in a single year
24 February, 2014
Landed estates, letting agents and private landlords as well as charities and not-for-profit organisations share mammoth benefits cash pot
Social landlords need to do more to protect tenants' data
24 February, 2014
To avoid breaching the law, social landlords need to do more to protect tenants' data
Impacts of Welfare Reforms on the Social Rented Sector
21 February, 2014
Report of a Welsh Government Task and Finish Group
Five lose housing benefit cut appeal
21 February, 2014
Five disabled social housing tenants have lost their Court of Appeal bid to have benefit cuts for those with spare bedrooms ruled unlawful
Social landlord agrees immigration deal with the Home Office
21 February, 2014
Glasgow landlord to report suspicions over legal status of housing applicants
Court to rule on bedroom tax legality
20 February, 2014
The Court of Appeal is due to rule on whether the bedroom tax is legal when applied to disabled people
DWP reveals nearly 500,000 households affected by bedroom tax
20 February, 2014
The DWP has released statistics breaking down the number of households affected by bedroom tax and the average amount deducted from HB
Bedroom Tax Toolkit
20 February, 2014
Coast and Country Housing Association Bedroom Tax appeal toolkit
Council accused of 'social cleansing' after halving housing waiting list
19 February, 2014
A campaign group has accused Brent Council of 'social cleansing' after it more than halved its housing waiting list
'Bedroom Tax' help
19 February, 2014
Nearly 7,000 extra households receive assistance in just one month
Independent Scotland is the only way to scrap bedroom tax for good says Margaret Burgess
19 February, 2014
The only way to scrap the bedroom tax for good is through the powers of an independent Scottish Parliament said Welfare Minister
Majority of UK's social housing tenants believe homes sub-standard
18 February, 2014
Over half of the UK's social housing tenants believe the property they in live fails to meet decent homes standards
Growth of loans for Scottish social landlords lowest since 2004
18 February, 2014
The growth of loans available to Scottish housing associations has been squeezed to its lowest rate since 2004
Tory-run councils will ignore pleas from ministers and impose tax rises
18 February, 2014
Dozens of Conservative councils will defy pleas from ministers and impose council tax rises on their residents in April
West Dunbartonshire Council rent rise to be invested in housing
18 February, 2014
Rents for council tenants in West Dunbartonshire are to rise by 7.63%, which the council states will help fund improvements to housing
Housing benefit 'spare room' rebates for 3,000 in West Midlands
18 February, 2014
At least 3,000 tenants in the West Midlands are set to be eligible for rebates after having benefits wrongly cut because of extra bedrooms
Archbishop Nichols: UK welfare system 'seriously wrong'
18 February, 2014
The UK's welfare system is "seriously wrong" in allowing poorer members of society to remain "in a destitute situation"
People urged to take up social housing as bedroom tax leaves properties empty
18 February, 2014
A local authority is set to discuss encouraging more people into social housing as homes sit empty due to the ravages of the bedroom tax
Council to buy homes with right to buy cash
17 February, 2014
Milton Keynes Council intends to buy homes with right to buy sales cash to help ease a rental property shortage
Social landlords still struggling with anti social behaviour
17 February, 2014
Taking quick and effective action in serious anti social behaviour cases remains challenging
Impact of welfare reform on housing associations
17 February, 2014
Early effects and responses by housing associations to the introduction of welfare reforms
NLA calls for Council Tax relief for flood-hit landlords
17 February, 2014
The NLA is calling on the government to widen its offer of 100 per cent Business Rate relief for those affected by the recent devastation
Evictions in rental sector at highest level since records began
14 February, 2014
Over 12,000 people were evicted in the last three months of 2013
CIH Scotland commentary on recent bedroom tax tribunal rulings
14 February, 2014
Second revised edition - February 2014
No comfort for those in fuel poverty
14 February, 2014
Imagine living in a house so cold, you stay in bed all day just to keep warm. This is the reality for hundreds of social housing tenants
Right time to invest in energy efficiency?
14 February, 2014
Is it still a good time for social landlords to invest in energy efficiency?
Government closes bedroom tax loophole
14 February, 2014
An oversight that exempted some of the victims of the bedroom tax from being hit by the policy has been closed by the government
Arrears drop in Passivhaus schemes
13 February, 2014
A landlord claims it has slashed rent arrears close to zero by housing tenants in super energy-efficient Passivhaus homes
As cost of rent rises and housing supply remains stretched should the Government increase frozen rent-a-room tax threshold
13 February, 2014
The rent-a-room tax threshold is out of date and needs to be hiked to keep up with far higher rental costs
The fight for social housing
13 February, 2014
The HCA Prospectus marks another milestone in the slow death of social housing, but the sector must fight to defend it
Bid to scrap bedroom tax to get second Commons reading
13 February, 2014
A Labour MP's bill calling for the bedroom tax to be scrapped will get a second reading after successfully passing its first hurdle
Solar panel investment to continue
12 February, 2014
A housing association has announced further plans to fit energy saving solar panels on some of its oldest properties
Landlords should offer more efficient mutual home exchange
12 February, 2014
Kris Hopkins said social landlords should do more to help tenants switch homes as the government launched an updated mutual exchange guide
Councils ignoring Government 'bedroom tax' advice penalising disabled people
11 February, 2014
Councils are ignoring government guidance and failing to prioritise disabled people for payments to help cope with the bedroom tax according to the Papworth Trust
Housing minister: social landlords should help tenants to move
11 February, 2014
Social landlords should do more to help tenants who want to move home, Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has claimed
Free access to computers in Liverpool
11 February, 2014
In a bid to get more people online Riverside is joining forces with Imagine If Trust to provide free access to computers
Early impacts of Welfare Reform on rent arrears
10 February, 2014
Research Report 2 from the Scottish Housing Regulator
Bedroom Tax Tribunal result
10 February, 2014
Nearly Legal - a new bedroom tax First Tier Tribunal decision from Monmouthshire raises some issues on the First Tier Tribunal's approach to room use
Promoting mobility through mutual exchange: realising the potential
10 February, 2014
This guide draws on the experience of 12 mobility pilots which the DCLG funded to test innovative and cost-effective ways of supporting mobility through mutual exchange
Bedroom Tax loophole
10 February, 2014
The Government has closed the bedroom tax 'loophole' with effect from 3 March 2014
Majority of associations to hike rents by maximum
07 February, 2014
More than 95 per cent of housing associations will increase their rents up to the maximum allowed
Who Pays? -The Impact of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy on Disabled Residents living in Adapted Properties in Wales.
07 February, 2014
'£40m public money set to be wasted in Wales' due to bedroom tax impact on disabled people according to this new report from Wales and West Housing
Town halls asked to help freeze Council Tax this year
06 February, 2014
Eric Pickles has called on councils to take up the offer of additional central government funding to help freeze Council Tax this year
The minor prophet and the bedroom tax miracle
06 February, 2014
Iain Gray advised his fellow MSPs to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God after speech in regards to Bedroom Tax
'£40m public money set to be wasted in Wales' due to bedroom tax impact on disabled people
06 February, 2014
More than £40m of public money is set to be wasted in Wales due to the removal of the spare room subsidy from disabled people
Up to 600 homes in Wirral set to receive bedroom tax refunds
05 February, 2014
Up to 600 homes in Wirral could receive refunds of around £1,000 after discovering they should have been exempt from paying the bedroom tax
Is the 'bedroom tax' the new Poll Tax?
04 February, 2014
The withdrawal of the spare room subsidy has definitely gained an enhanced political salience, beyond its arithmetical and social impact
Scotland pledges to meet full cost of bedroom tax
04 February, 2014
Scotland has pledged to meet the full cost of the bedroom tax by finding an extra £15 million for housing benefit support
Benefit cuts leave 70,000 people in council tax arrears, says Labour
04 February, 2014
Around 70,000 people are being pursued by bailiffs for council tax arrears following benefit cuts, the Labour Party has claimed
Ministers branded "utterly clueless" over Bedroom Tax's impact on disabled people
04 February, 2014
Campaigners claim up to 400,000 have to pay the £14-a-week surcharge - but when Tory Employment minister Esther McVey was asked she did not know
Government review into councils' housing spending welcomed by ALMOs
04 February, 2014
The National Federation of ALMOs has welcomed the government's decision to launch an independent review into the role councils can play
City sees drop in number of bedroom tax victims
04 February, 2014
Bristol City Council has reported a drop in the number of tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax will waste £234Million of taxpayers' money if disabled tenants forced to move house
03 February, 2014
The figure is nearly Half the £500million the Government hoped to save this year with the hated rules - ministers estimate around 35,000 claimants will be affected
Freud: Bedroom tax figures 'may indicate people are downsizing''
03 February, 2014
The lower than expected number of people hit by the bedroom tax may be due to people downsizing into smaller properties
Strain for Shoreline over £179k owed in bedroom tax arrears from struggling tenants
03 February, 2014
More than half the Shoreline tenants affected by the so-called bedroom tax are in arrears
Social housing's clients should drive change
03 February, 2014
A highly partial and confused picture of our social housing reform process
Minister Nicola Sturgeon in call over benefit aid cap
03 February, 2014
A further £15m has been found by the Scottish government to help those hit by the so-called "bedroom tax" in the year ahead
Social landlords should focus on helping tenants, not boosting profits
31 January, 2014
With residents facing a debt crisis, landlords should get their own homes in order before wheeling and dealing in the city
MSPs call for end of 'bedroom tax'
31 January, 2014
A Holyrood committee has called on the UK government to abolish the spare room subsidy or hand powers to the Scottish Parliament
Government pledges £50m more in aid for benefit claimants hit by bedroom tax
31 January, 2014
The Government today promised more than £50 million extra to help London benefit claimants affected by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Payback time
31 January, 2014
DWP acknowledges that social housing tenants who have been claiming housing benefit for same home since 1996 are exempt from the bedroom tax
Universal credit: DWP answers key questions on housing payments
30 January, 2014
The DWP has published a new guide for social landlords to help them understand and plan for the direct payment of housing costs under UC
More than 270,000 poorest households in England face £80 council tax rise
30 January, 2014
Dozens more local authorities say they are reducing protection for vulnerable residents
Fewer homes funded if councils restrict conversions to affordable rent
30 January, 2014
Councils that seek to restrict the conversion of social homes to affordable rent will see 'fewer homes funded in their area'
Iain Duncan Smith Blasts Council Of Europe 'Lunacy' Over 'Inadequate' UK Benefits Warning
30 January, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has lashed out at the Council of Europe's "lunacy" for calling on the UK to raise the amount of benefits paid out
Tough ask
30 January, 2014
On the whole social landlords need to up their game to get funds from philanthropists
Video: 'Bedroom tax' petition evidence session
30 January, 2014
The Welfare Reform Committee hosted a second evidence session on petition PE01496
Council pledges to help hundreds of tenants wrongly hit by bedroom tax
30 January, 2014
Sheffield City Council has pledged to support hundreds of social housing tenants wrongly charged with the controversial bedroom tax
Disabled childrens bedroom tax amendment defeated
30 January, 2014
An amendment to the bedroom tax exempting disabled children from the bedroom tax was defeated in the Lords by 185 votes to 154
£165m fund to help housing benefit claimants
30 January, 2014
Councils will receive £165 million to support vulnerable claimants who might need extra support next year (2014 to 2015)
Almost half of housing staff have experienced resident suicide threats
29 January, 2014
Housing officers should receive more training and support to help residents affected by welfare reforms
Housing association gives boost to vulnerable people
29 January, 2014
A scheme to help vulnerable people manage their money has secured a total of nearly £58,000 for residents in Carlisle
Scots bedroom tax error answers demanded
29 January, 2014
Clarification over how many people in Scotland may have been wrongly hit by the bedroom tax has been demanded by the Scottish Government
Turned away
29 January, 2014
Will the Scottish housing bill make it easier for social landlords to abandon homeless people
Unspent millions in former Social Fund budget prompts call for 'bedroom tax' help
29 January, 2014
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert confirmed Discretionary Assistance Fund hasn't spent more than half its budget
164 tenants wrongly charged bedroom tax
29 January, 2014
164 of 1,356 tenants affected by the bedroom tax are due a refund because of a major error by the DWP when they drafted the regulations
Benefit cap 'hits most vulnerable'
28 January, 2014
The Government's so-called "benefit cap" is threatening to cause severe hardship to some of the most vulnerable people in society
Lawyers Granted Judicial Review Against Councils 'Unfair' 'Bedroom Tax' Housing Policy
28 January, 2014
Lawyers acting on behalf of a disabled couple, have been granted permission to bring a judicial review
Crooked grandmother evicted from council home
28 January, 2014
A woman who fraudulently claimed £42,000 in benefits has been evicted from her council home
Bedroom tax builds: HAs must develop smaller homes to win grant share
28 January, 2014
Housing associations are being advised to deliver one and two-bed homes if they want to win a share of the latest affordable housing grant
Tenancy fraud scheme 'frees up' Gloucestershire social housing
28 January, 2014
A scheme to provide social housing for "people who genuinely need it" has seen fraudulent tenants evicted from up to 70 homes in Gloucestershire
Explain benefit reform error, Scots minister Burgess demands
28 January, 2014
The Scottish government has demanded to know how many "vulnerable people" in Scotland have incorrectly lost out
Judicial review sought over council's 'unfair' housing policy
27 January, 2014
A Black Country council is facing a judicial review over its handling of a housing benefits claim
Drive for more one and two bedroom homes in HCA prospectus
27 January, 2014
Affordable housing providers will be expected to deliver more small homes to help bedroom tax tenants downsize
Exempt accommodation discussion paper
27 January, 2014
NHF discussion document to develop a proposition on what a new system should look like and what principles should under pin it
Social landlord optimises rent payments ahead of universal credit with pioneering agreement
23 January, 2014
A social landlord is optimising rent payments from tenants ahead of universal credit through a pioneering agreement with its local credit union
Whistleblower claims company swindled hundreds of thousands from social landlords
20 January, 2014
A building company fiddled hundreds of thousands of pounds from councils and housing associations by paying bribes and deliberately overcharging for repairs
British renters now paying £854 a month
20 January, 2014
The average British tenant now pays £854 a month in rent but the upward trajectory of charges could be slowing
Rent support scheme nears 100% success rate in preventing evictions
17 January, 2014
A scheme that helps vulnerable tenants in rent arrears avoid eviction has recorded a 97% success rate for keeping people in their homes
Cold homes make 23% of social housing tenants ill
16 January, 2014
More than a fifth of social housing tenants have suffered ill health as a result of cold homes, as they struggle to cope with spiralling energy bills
Councils have until February to apply for additional DHP
16 January, 2014
Councils hoping to bid for a share of £20 million in additional emergency hardship funding have until February to apply
Council may ban right to buy homes being let
16 January, 2014
A Labour-led council in London is attempting to become the first to bar social tenants that take up the right to buy from ever letting the property to private tenants
The bedroom tax error explained
15 January, 2014
A newly discovered bedroom tax loophole could see tens of thousands of households paid back millions in housing benefit payments. But who will be affected by it and what happens next?
Has bedroom tax caused housing trust's lettings struggle?
15 January, 2014
Perplexed housing chiefs say there has been an enormous and unaccountable drop in the number of people in need asking for trust homes
Illegal subletters get month's amnesty to own up
14 January, 2014
Social housing tenants that are illegally subletting their homes in Croydon are to be offered a month-long amnesty to confess
Government steps up efforts to sell-off social housing stock
13 January, 2014
The government is to offer more incentives to help social housing tenants take up the right to buy in 2014, communities secretary Eric Pickles has announced
First council announces bedroom tax refunds since revelation of legal loophole
13 January, 2014
Exeter CC has revealed that "a small of number" of tenants are due bedroom tax refunds after a recent revelation
Tory MP Anne McIntosh joins revolt against bedroom tax
13 January, 2014
One of the North's Conservative MPs yesterday joined the revolt against the 'bedroom tax' - calling for an exemption for rural areas
Rents for social housing from 2015-16
13 January, 2014
The consultation invites views on the proposed rent policy for social housing from 2015 onwards
Amendment 'stigmatising' social tenants passes in House of Lords
10 January, 2014
A heavy defeat for the government in the House of Lords last night paved the way for an amendment which 'stigmatises' social tenants
Three ways to improve how you handle housing complaints
09 January, 2014
Handling complaints well can save time and resources later on. Here's how you can resolve them more effectively
Action call on poor housing in private rented sector in Hyndburn
08 January, 2014
Residents living in privately-rented homes should be guaranteed similar living standards to those living in social housing
The 'Unrentables'
07 January, 2014
It might sound like a bad cartoon movie, but it's becoming real life: the 'unrentables' are a subset of the 10 million renters in Britain
Early impacts of Welfare Reform on rent arrears
07 January, 2014
Survey on rent arrears and the impact of Welfare Reform on the social housing sector in Scotland
Eviction of tenants on welfare 'will create benefit blackspots'
06 January, 2014
A big landlord's decision to reject housing benefit claimants is the latest symptom of a trend that could see the low-paid excluded from whole areas of the country
How to make the 2015 spending review work for all of Britain
06 January, 2014
Councils should become more proactive in the private rented sector and use housing benefit money to improve standards
Osborne accused of 'deliberately misleading people' by Labour
06 January, 2014
Labour has accused George Osborne of 'deliberately misleading people' by claiming the coalition is funding an expanded social housing programme
How councils can prepare residents for universal credit
03 January, 2014
Findings show that 90% of Citizen's Advice clients are not ready for universal credit - so what can councils do?
Providing social housing for local people
02 January, 2014
Statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England
Bedroom tax problem 'will last a generation'
24 December, 2013
Preston's bedroom tax problem will take at least 18 years to sort out, councillors have been told
How the Discretionary Housing Payment fund has been spent by region
23 December, 2013
How the Discretionary Housing Payment fund has been spent by region - April to September 2013
How to beat the buy-now-pay-later profiteers at their own game
23 December, 2013
One housing provider has set up a cheaper alternative to buy-now-pay-later deals that carry costly mark-ups for residents
Councils could be banned from using 'bedroom tax' phrase in move to veto contentious language
19 December, 2013
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles could be given power to put a blue pencil through any language with which he disagrees
£250,000 invested to help tenants through difficult times
19 December, 2013
Guinness South is investing £250,000 into a new five-person team designed to help tenants sustain their tenancies through difficult times
Disabled tenants come off worse in bedroom tax DHP lottery
19 December, 2013
Social housing tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have wildly varying chances of receiving financial help
Cycle safety must be considered in GLA affordable grant bids
19 December, 2013
London social landlords bidding for affordable housing grant will have to submit a 'cycle safety statement' as part of their bids
Support for Housing Benefit claimants to meet any rent shortfall
19 December, 2013
Documents to assist local authorities with their support for HB claimants affected by the size criteria for social sector tenants
Letter to claimants affected by removal of the spare room subsidy
19 December, 2013
A suggested letter for local authorities to send to claimants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
The Financial & Social Cost of Evictions
19 December, 2013
Recent reports show the number of pre-eviction notices soaring by 26% across UK social housing
Christmas card warns London council tenants 'pay your rent'
18 December, 2013
"Insulting" Christmas cards warning "Don't overindulge this Christmas. Pay your rent!", have been sent out to west London council tenants
Social landlord fails to assure HCA
18 December, 2013
A housing association has so far failed to assure the Homes and Communities Agency it can manage development risks
Call For 'Bedroom Tax' To Be Scrapped
18 December, 2013
In a pointed report, the Scottish Affairs Committee has called on the government in London to scrap the reforms
A fair deal for councils and fair bills for taxpayers
18 December, 2013
Councils should focus on sensible savings to protect services and keep Council Tax down
Public sector housing rents set to rise by 5% in April
16 December, 2013
People living in public sector homes in the Isle of Man will see their rent rise by five per cent next year
Social housing will perish if its supporters don't defend it
16 December, 2013
The government displays a deep hostility towards social housing and its defenders are nowhere to be found
Town halls 'failing to protect vulnerable' from higher council tax
16 December, 2013
It is 'not clear' if the cut to council tax credit will meet the government's objectives to protect vulnerable people from tax increases
Landlords count the cost of storm damage
13 December, 2013
Housing organisations are facing bills for hundreds of thousands of pounds in the wake of a tidal surge and deadly storm that battered the UK last week
GB Social Housing to re-enter market
13 December, 2013
Bond aggregator, GB Social Housing, is re-entering the lending market under new management
HSBC to start lending to housing associations
12 December, 2013
The world's largest bank, HSBC, plans to start lending to housing associations next year
HCA warns of potential downgrades as landlords contacted over VfM performance
12 December, 2013
The Homes and Communities Agency has written to a number of housing associations over concerns about their value for money performance
25% of housing benefit payments switched back to landlords
12 December, 2013
One in four tenants on the UC direct payment demonstration projects have had their benefit switched back to their landlords due to rent arrears
First social supermarket in the UK opens
10 December, 2013
The first 'social supermarket', where products can be bought for as much as 70 per cent off, has opened in South Yorkshire - but only for 500 families
Over three quarters of London's social tenants are in work
09 December, 2013
The majority of London's social housing tenants are in work
Social landlord closes property linked with violence and drugs
09 December, 2013
A social landlord has managed to close a property that had become a centre for anti-social behaviour
Labour councils to build 87% more social homes for rent
09 December, 2013
Labour local authorities, and the social landlords they work with, have on average 87 per cent more social and affordable homes with planning permission
The Human Impact of Welfare Reform Exposed
09 December, 2013
Ministers hope the Government's flagship welfare reform will teach people to be more responsible but can they shoulder the burden?
HCA to downgrade housing associations after poor VfM performance
06 December, 2013
The HCA will downgrade a number of housing associations in the New Year as a consequence of their poor value for money performance
ECO cuts put landlords' retrofit plans at risk
06 December, 2013
Government plans to cut back a vital £1.3 billion a year green subsidy have left hundreds of millions of pounds of social housing retrofit projects across Britain at risk
G320 has capacity to build 15,000 homes
06 December, 2013
Social landlords in London have the capacity to build up to 15,000 homes over 10 years if they are given greater access to grant funding and land
Preparing for Universal Credit Implementation
06 December, 2013
Key questions and answers for Local Authorities
Conference hears how digital revolution can beat the welfare reform blues
06 December, 2013
Technology can help ease the burden of welfare reform, delegates at a conference for social landlords in the North West were told recently
Social Housing Fraud... Let the battle commence
06 December, 2013
Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013
Lifting of council borrowing limit welcomed but concern over selling off of "expensive" council homes
06 December, 2013
The Chancellor's announcement that local authorities will be expected to sell off 'expensive' council homes has been met with less enthusiasm
Concern over rent arrears led to discovery of woman's body at sheltered housing complex
05 December, 2013
The body of an elderly woman went undiscovered for six weeks at a sheltered housing complex
Benefit changes 'penalising tenants'
05 December, 2013
Housing benefit changes are penalising tenants and putting substantial pressure on landlords' resources
Social tenants Christmas eviction warning
05 December, 2013
A housing association has told its tenants that those who are up to date with their rent will get two 'rent free' weeks this Christmas
More than 50% drop of social home starts in Scotland
04 December, 2013
The number of social home starts in Scotland has dropped by more than 50 per cent quarter-on-quarter
Real London Lives project shows 80% in HAs are working
04 December, 2013
4 in 5 people living in housing association homes in the capital go to work each day
Welfare reform having serious financial impact in Scotland
04 December, 2013
Welfare reforms are having a serious financial impact on social landlords in Scotland, the SFHA will tell a UK parliamentary committee today
Universal Credit: Housing association pilots prepaid card for automatic rent payments
04 December, 2013
Housing association Moat is piloting a prepaid card that will help its tenants pay their rent when they receive housing benefit direct under UC
Government urged to remove borrowing cap so councils can build new homes
04 December, 2013
Parts of the country with thousands of families languishing on social housing waiting lists are being prevented from building council housing
£120m social housing contract for green deal provider
03 December, 2013
A green deal provider has secured a £120 million contract to provide solar panels to social housing clients across England and Wales
UK's most successful empty home scheme celebrates milestone
03 December, 2013
A council's long-running empty homes scheme has now brought a landmark 3,027 properties back into use
Registered Social Landlords
03 December, 2013
A report providing information on lets made by Registered Social Landlords in 2012/13 has been released by Scotland's Chief Statistician
Sub-letting tenants could face prison
03 December, 2013
New legislation carries a 2 year sentence or fine of up to £5,000
Experts claim social landlord assets undervalued by £14bn
02 December, 2013
Housing association assets are undervalued by more than £14 billion
Newcastle landlord launches 'rent to own' scheme
02 December, 2013
A Newcastle MP has backed a 'rent to own' scheme for white goods, furniture and electronic gadgets
Charities Turn 'Bedroom Tax' Attack On PM
02 December, 2013
David Cameron says disabled people who need the extra room are exempt from the subsidy - but organisations claim this is not true
Landlords risk missing out on 10.3bn Euro cash
29 November, 2013
An international affordable housing body has warned that social landlords risk missing out on a share of 325 billion Euro of EU cohesion funding
Get a grip on repair costs
29 November, 2013
Fixed-price repairs contracts cannot be applied automatically to leaseholders
Council to prioritise housing for locals and armed forces whilst punishing bad behaviour
29 November, 2013
Southwark Council has decided to prioritise its social housing to people with a local connection and members of the armed forces
A Brief Guide to Rents for Social Housing from 2015-16
29 November, 2013
Main changes to the legislation to the Social Rent Policy that the Government are proposing
Councils may be asked to return HRA cash
29 November, 2013
Cash-strapped councils that topped up their ailing general funds with millions of pounds of rent money could be forced to return the cash
Will council crisis funds last the winter?
28 November, 2013
As local assistance schemes take over from the social fund, families may have to choose between 'heat and eat'
Hastings 'under pressure' from London benefit families
28 November, 2013
An East Sussex council says it is concerned about the number of benefit dependent families being moved out of London into Hastings
Build-to-rent tenants jump queue for family-size homes
28 November, 2013
Faced with a 10-year wait for scarce two- and three-bed houses, group in London will help build 10 to rent themselves
DBC demands bedroom tax exemptions for disabled people
27 November, 2013
The Disability Benefits Consortium is calling on the Government to take immediate action to exempt disabled people, their families and carers from the 'bedroom tax' changes to HB
Social landlords to form alliance with police
26 November, 2013
Social landlords from across Greater Manchester are to sign a new pledge that will lead to them working more closely with the police
Call to extend new fire rules to social landlords
26 November, 2013
A new fire safety scheme where businesses can select just one fire authority to set regulations 'must' be extended to social landlords
Foodbank partnership to help vulnerable tenants
25 November, 2013
A housing association has gone into partnership with a food bank to help tenants struggling with debt and unemployment
Hopkins: it's easy to fill voids
22 November, 2013
Housing minister dismisses claims welfare reform has made it harder to let larger social homes
PM says more needs to be done to tackle social landlord payoffs
21 November, 2013
David Cameron said today that local authorities need to do more to stop big payoffs to chief executives of housing associations
Building better dialogue between tenants and landlords
21 November, 2013
How social landlords are engaging with their tenants on the ground
Trust offers homes on website to tackle high private rents
21 November, 2013
A housing trust has started advertising some of its properties on a new national website in a bid to combat high private sector rents
The landlord-tenant relationship must adapt to welfare reform
21 November, 2013
Attempts to change tenants' behaviour are only half of the solution. Landlords must change how they work as well
New data shows how many North West families are really being hit by the bedroom tax
19 November, 2013
Manchester, Liverpool and Salford among top ten most affected
MPs' bedroom tax hypocrisy - a sensible solution, at last
19 November, 2013
Why not stick those politicians claiming housing expenses while voting for the bedroom tax in a block of studio flats in central London?
Calls to social landlord surge 35% since welfare reform
18 November, 2013
A housing association has recorded an upsurge in the number of calls to its customer call centre since welfare changes came into effect this year
Halton mulls online-only move for 90% of customers
15 November, 2013
A landlord is considering giving tenants tablets and smartphones as part of a drive to get 90 per cent of its customers online only by 2018 in a bid to cut costs in the face of welfare reform
Council says feared benefit cap 'exodus' has failed to materialise
15 November, 2013
An 'exodus' that was predicted in a London borough as a consequence of the benefit cap has failed to materialise, Hammersmith and Fulham council has claimed
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
14 November, 2013
Parliamentary briefing - Updated November 2013
Survey finds landlords in limbo over ECO contracts
14 November, 2013
Rumours that the UK's main subsidy for energy efficiency work on homes may be scrapped or considerably altered have left social landlords wondering about the fate of contracts worth millions
How can housing associations avoid financial disaster?
14 November, 2013
After two organisations' finances hit the rocks in the past year, our experts give their advice on how to manage risk
DWP Quarterly Statistical Summary - Focus on Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
13 November, 2013
This Statistical Summary aims to give users a structured overview of the benefit National and Official Statistics, published by the DWP
Better finance for 1m social tenants if data was shared
12 November, 2013
One in five social tenants are unable to get loans from traditional mainstream lenders because they fail to pass credit tests
Helping tenants back to work
12 November, 2013
All of us working in social housing know how tough the current economic climate is for our tenants
Seven simple ways you can help residents reduce their energy bills
12 November, 2013
As energy prices soar many face a choice between heating and eating. Here's how you can help people in your communities
Bedroom tax leaves properties standing empty, North East MPs claim
11 November, 2013
Tenants are scared to move in to larger properties because of the under-occupation penalty, according to North East MPs
Council plans not to evict bedroom tax tenants unless they turn down offers to move
11 November, 2013
Tenants in arrears as a result of the bedroom tax will not be evicted unless they decline two offers of alternative accommodation
Into the red
08 November, 2013
Inside Housing launched its welfare reform focus group to chart the impact of the government's welfare reforms on social landlords and their tenants in April
Councils fail to spend hardship funds
08 November, 2013
English authorities could be forced to return £26 million to government if they don't start spending
Public perceptions of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS)
08 November, 2013
A report of research carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions
Social landlord to launch new shared ownership model
07 November, 2013
Thames Valley Housing is launching a shared ownership model where home owners automatically buy 1 per cent more of their property each year
Benefit cap: 36,000 accept work help
07 November, 2013
New figures show almost 36,000 people potentially affected by the benefit cap have accepted support to get into work
Housing associations in Wales give £1bn economic boost
06 November, 2013
More than £1bn a year is being spent by Welsh housing associations with 80% of the money staying in Wales, according to independent research
Welfare reform and social housing
06 November, 2013
Given the far reaching impact and implications of the Government's welfare reforms, how have providers responded to the challenges
Parents under pressure as rising rents add to cost of living crisis
06 November, 2013
The lack of affordable housing is adding to the country's cost of living crisis with private rents in England set to rise another 44% by 2020
Social landlord becomes living wage employer
06 November, 2013
A North East social landlord has pledged to pay its staff the living wage
Housing providers braced for 80% rise in arrears
04 November, 2013
The social housing sector is preparing for an 80% rise in rent arrears rates as a consequence of the government's welfare reforms
How the Poundbury project became a model for innovation
04 November, 2013
For 20 years, the Prince of Wales's housing scheme in Dorset has led the way on green energy and social housing
Rents for social housing from 2015 to 2016
01 November, 2013
This consultation sets out the proposed changes to rent policy for social housing, to apply from April 2015 onwards
New social rent policy branded 'unfair' by local authorities
01 November, 2013
Council landlords have branded the government's new social rent policy 'unfair'
Time to put the professional into the PRS
31 October, 2013
Robert Flint from Winckworth Sherwood discusses ways in which social landlords can increase the professionalism of the private rented sector
Five things to consider before renting homes out at full market rates
30 October, 2013
Social landlords are increasingly developing homes for rent by young professionals and others ineligible for social housing
Social landlord pledges £65m to develop private rented homes
29 October, 2013
A social landlord has become the latest association to divert significant financial resources into the development of privately rented homes
Local authority reduces households in temporary accommodation by 58%
29 October, 2013
A local authority has reduced the number of households in temporary accommodation by 58 per cent year-on-year
Barrister warns bedroom reclassification could lead to refinancing
28 October, 2013
A top housing barrister warned landlords could trigger a repricing of their stock by reclassifying the number of bedrooms in their property
HCA: 'Get tough on gas access'
25 October, 2013
Social landlords should take legal action against tenants who refuse gas safety engineers access to their homes
Social landlords given a chunk of second RHPP pot announced
24 October, 2013
Social landlords across Great Britain have been awarded a share of an additional £5 million pot to kit out homes with renewable heating equipment
What Can I Rent for My Budget in London?
24 October, 2013
Many of the people who move to London each year are surprised by how high rents are in the city
Social landlord and council launch electric pay-per-use car club
23 October, 2013
A London borough and housing association have launched an entirely electric pay-per-use car club in East London today
Social landlord gives residents food bank vouchers as poverty increases
21 October, 2013
London housing association steps in to support food banks after seeing residents struggle to buy food
Incentives would encourage bedroom tax tenants to pay up
18 October, 2013
Incentives such as vouchers for essential items and rent holidays are most likely to be effective in getting bedroom tax-hit tenants to pay rent on time
The bedroom tax: only fair to private tenants?
18 October, 2013
Of all the arguments made for the bedroom tax, the most slippery is the one about it being 'only fair to private tenants'
A better private rented sector must not be at the expense of social homes
16 October, 2013
While the government's £1bn build-to-rent fund could help those renting privately and expand the sector, thought must be given to how the policy affects need at the bottom of the market
'Affordable rents are driving up costs and housing benefit'
16 October, 2013
Policy and practice officer Laura Shimili looks at the new statistics on fixed term tenancies and affordable rents for 2012/13
Local people will be prioritised for council housing under new statutory guidance
15 October, 2013
New measures announced by the Government will ensure that local people are prioritised for council housing, said Eric Pickles
Shropshire and Mid Wales homes waiting list hits 25,000
15 October, 2013
The waiting list for social housing across Shropshire and Mid Wales has grown to 25,000 people, figures showed today
Young mothers evicted from London hostel may be rehoused 200 miles away
15 October, 2013
Newham council says cuts and welfare reform mean it might have to look outside borough to rehouse 29 single mothers
Boston landlord licensing plans to tackle anti-social behaviour
15 October, 2013
A Lincolnshire council is planning to introduce a licensing system for landlords to crack down on anti-social behaviour at their properties
What you need to know about the new social housing fraud act
15 October, 2013
The new act comes into force today to crack down on the estimated 100,000 social housing properties subject to fraud
Testing DWP's assessment of the impact of the social rented sector size criterion on Housing Benefit costs and other factors
15 October, 2013
Research questions bedroom tax's ability to make savings - The government may have significantly over-estimated the savings likely to be generated by the bedroom tax
Only 'well-established' locals to be considered for social housing
14 October, 2013
Only people with a 'well-established' connection to a local area will be considered for council housing
Poverty in social housing decreases but increases in PRS
14 October, 2013
The number of people living in poverty in London's social housing has decreased by 340,000 over the last ten years
Council offers grants for tenants to downsize
14 October, 2013
Harrow Council is offering its tenants grants to downsize their homes in an effort to reduce its 4,000-strong housing waiting list
Social housing sales in England: 2012 to 2013
10 October, 2013
This statistical release presents national statistics on the number of sales of existing social housing stock in England for 2012 to 2013
Family of 12 to get Ipswich council homes joined together
09 October, 2013
Plans to knock two Ipswich council houses together for a family with 10 children have sparked a petition from neighbours opposing it
Re-energising The Green Agenda
09 October, 2013
Report by the All Party Parliamentary Group calls for green deal social landlords consultation
Stoke-on-Trent council flats to be rented privately - because tenants don't want to live there
08 October, 2013
High-rise council flats and family homes are set to be offered for rent to professionals - because tenants do not want to live there
Crackdown on tenancy fraud in Gloucestershire
08 October, 2013
Social landlords across Gloucestershire, including Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH), will be shining a spotlight on tenancy fraud this week
Local authority lettings in England drop 17% in six years
04 October, 2013
Statistics released today show the number of homes let by councils in England has dropped 17 per cent in six years from 145,403 in 2007/08 to 120,012 in 2012/13
Sleepy housing associations must become more efficient, says Boles
01 October, 2013
Conservative ministers have warned housing associations must become much more efficient in their use of assets if they are to remain 'relevant'
Is the Conservative party bringing about the end of social housing?
01 October, 2013
This government is forcing housing associations to charge 'affordable rents' that are too pricey
Future of work programme should include 'more involvement' for social landlords
01 October, 2013
Welfare minister Lord David Freud has hinted the government will answer pleas by social landlords for its flagship employment scheme to be overhauled
Millions of ghosts in UK's rented properties
30 September, 2013
Up to 3.3 million 'ghost' tenants are living unofficially in rented properties across the UK, new research has revealed
Housing benefit challenge set for Appeal Court
27 September, 2013
The legality of housing benefit changes is to be challenged after lawyers for 10 adults and children with disabilities won the right to take their cases to the Court of Appeal
Social landlords to 'stress-test' business models rather than ring-fencing assets
27 September, 2013
Social landlords will no longer be required to ring-fence their social housing assets from riskier commercial ventures elsewhere in their business as had been planned
Digital champions may hold the key to empowering housing communities
26 September, 2013
This week's launch of the Digital Champions Network could be the beginning of a new era of online literacy for residents
Red alert
26 September, 2013
The shooting of a housing employee during an eviction in July highlighted the dangers front line workers face in the line of duty
Research published on impact of welfare reform
23 September, 2013
New research published on the impact of the proposed housing benefit reforms on the social rented sector
At the end of the road
20 September, 2013
The Welsh Government is planning to abolish the mandatory ground for possession commonly known as ground 8 (of schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988)
Give social landlords funding for advising tenants about universal credit
19 September, 2013
Social landlords must be funded to provide advice to tenants if universal credit is going to succeed
Take cues from the private sector and form partnerships, says housing association head
19 September, 2013
Social housing needs to take more cues from the private sector and providers should attempt to form better partnerships across this boundary
CIH advises councils to collect data on the size of bedrooms
19 September, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing is advising councils to ensure they gather data about room sizes from social landlords
Sector study on governance of housing associations registered in Wales
18 September, 2013
This research study assesses how well housing association Boards meet certain standards of governance in use across Wales
Housing associations take the lead in promoting social value
18 September, 2013
Public bodies can learn from services and campaigns of housing organisations, says government social value ambassador
Tougher penalties for benefit crooks welcomed by social landlord
17 September, 2013
Guinness South has welcomed government proposals to increase jail terms for benefit cheats to up to 10 years
Labour disputes 'bedroom tax' claim by Jackie Baillie
16 September, 2013
Labour has said it has not pledged to reverse housing benefit changes
Housing benefit by region
16 September, 2013
Every region in Great Britain saw increases in the number of housing benefit claims
Social housing unites in Nottingham to oppose bedroom tax-linked evictions
16 September, 2013
Nottingham's largest social housing providers have agreed to take an anti-eviction policy against people who fall into rent arrears due to the bedroom tax
Leaked email outlines bedroom tax defence for Lib Dems
16 September, 2013
An email outlining how Liberal Democrat members should defend the bedroom tax in interviews was accidentally leaked to the media this morning
'Party politics' stopping tenants from getting bedroom tax discretionary payments
16 September, 2013
Local councils are 'playing politics' by not granting discretionary payments to tenants affected by the bedroom tax
DWP mulls fresh bedroom tax advice
13 September, 2013
The DWP is considering issuing fresh guidance to councils and tribunals following four successful appeals against the bedroom tax
UN expert says UK government 'most aggressive' in 11 missions
13 September, 2013
An under-fire UN inspector said she had never faced such an 'aggressive' reaction from a government, after a report she wrote was branded an 'absolute disgrace' by a senior Tory politician
'Bedroom tax for the better off' possible in Wales if stamp duty is devolved
13 September, 2013
Devolving stamp duty powers to Wales could be used to create a 'bedroom tax for the better off'
£20m to help bedroom tax victims in Scotland this year
13 September, 2013
The Scottish Government has announced in its draft budget that £20 million will be made available this year to help those struggling from the effect of the bedroom tax
Less than 5% of landlord's households affected by bedroom tax willing to downsize
13 September, 2013
Peabody has said less than five per cent of its households hit by the bedroom tax are willing to downsize
UN official will urge government to fund social housing
13 September, 2013
A United Nations investigator will recommend the government starts funding social housing again, to avoid breaching international treaties on housing
DWP mulls fresh bedroom tax advice
13 September, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions is considering issuing fresh guidance to councils and tribunals following four successful appeals against the bedroom tax
Nottingham landlords draw up bedroom tax eviction protocol
13 September, 2013
Nottingham's largest social landlords are introducing a city-wide eviction prevention protocol for dealing with tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Grant Shapps should reconsider his ill-informed UN 'bedroom tax' outrage
13 September, 2013
Raquel Rolnik acted within her remit and did meet the government despite the Tory chairman's claims to the contrary
It's an extra room, but does it count as a bedroom?
13 September, 2013
Four council tenants have had a cut in their housing benefit reversed, after a tribunal in Fife ruled that an extra room in their home was not a bedroom
Housing association backs UN official's slamming of 'abhorrent' bedroom tax
12 September, 2013
Coast & Country Housing has welcomed the findings of a United Nations' special rapporteur, which branded the bedroom tax a 'shocking' policy that should be abolished
NHS trust told to alert landlords after suicide
12 September, 2013
A coroner has recommended a London hospital trust passes information about vulnerable patients to social landlords
7,000 Scottish tenants to get grants to curb bedroom tax effects
12 September, 2013
An extra 7,000 households hit by the bedroom tax in Scotland can receive hardship grants as result of the Scottish Government more than doubling funding in its budget
RESI: Councils still don't recognise PRS social benefits
12 September, 2013
Councils are still reluctant to recognise the private rented sector's social benefits, a conference heard today
The bedroom tax is a bad idea - but welfare reform is necessary
12 September, 2013
If you want to give people the chance of a future that's better than a life on benefits you have to change this mess of a system
'Shocking' bedroom tax should be axed, says UN investigator
11 September, 2013
Housing expert Raquel Rolnik says policy could constitute a violation of the human right to adequate housing
Conservatives protest to UN over 'bedroom tax' report
11 September, 2013
Conservative chairman Grant Shapps has condemned as an "absolute disgrace" a UN official's critical comments on the government's housing benefit changes
Protestors gather at parliament to banish bedroom tax 'monster'
11 September, 2013
Protestors against the coalition's bedroom tax are congregating today at the Scottish parliament, as housing charity Shelter Scotland steps up its campaign against the widely-hated policy
UN tells government to abolish 'shocking' bedroom tax
11 September, 2013
The United Nations' special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing has told the Tory-led coalition that it should abolish its controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax is a human rights issue
11 September, 2013
The UN special investigator's shock over bedroom tax exposes the low status social rights are afforded in Britain
Bedroom tax effect questioning continues
10 September, 2013
The committee probing the effect of the bedroom tax in Scotland will continue their examination today
Bristol council tenants in arrears 'may be evicted'
10 September, 2013
Council tenants in Bristol who have fallen into arrears due to housing benefit changes may have to be evicted, the city's mayor has admitted
Council's energy saving work set to save social tenants thousands
10 September, 2013
Tenants of Sandwell Council are set to collectively save over £38,000 year-on-year following the installation of energy saving features to properties by Wates Living Space
Liverpool housing association will pay Bedroom Tax
09 September, 2013
South Liverpool housing trust says it will cover people's bedroom tax shortfall if they make an effort to get a job
Tax paid for tenants in training
06 September, 2013
A Liverpool landlord is covering bedroom tax shortfalls for tenants to incentivise take-up of a training and employability programme
'Escalating human cost' of welfare reform highlighted in Manchester
06 September, 2013
Manchester housing providers have highlighted the 'escalating human cost' of welfare reform, five months after the bedroom tax came into effect
Opinion: Benefit reforms are sending us back to the future
04 September, 2013
Steve White, the outgoing chief executive of Blackwood Housing Association, argues that the government's welfare reforms signal a fundamental shift in the way the sector operates
Charity's campaign to banish the bedroom tax 'monster'
04 September, 2013
Housing charity Shelter Scotland has launched a campaign to get the UK government's controversial bedroom tax abolished
Bedroom tax investigated by UN housing official
04 September, 2013
Raquel Rolnik on two-week tour of UK cities to assess general housing policy as well as impact of bedroom tax on human rights
Elderly residents to receive lodger support under council scheme
03 September, 2013
A scheme to keep elderly people in their own homes for longer by having a lodger move in to provide low-level support is set to be introduced by the Royal Borough
Tenant slashes wrist in housing office after being driven to despair by bedroom tax
03 September, 2013
Tormented former miner attempted suicide in front of staff because he couldn't cope with running up rent arrears as a result of the hated tax
Council tenants in B&Bs slashed to zero
03 September, 2013
The number of families living in bed and breakfast accommodation in Westminster for more than six weeks has been slashed to zero
Landlords launch consortium to cut costs and support business
02 September, 2013
Scottish social landlords are to launch a new procurement consortium to cut costs and support local businesses
Regulator acts to avert landlord insolvency
02 September, 2013
A new report highlights the decisive action taken by the Scottish Housing Regulator to avert the insolvency of a registered social landlord
Sky-high rent? Why not get a home on the cheap and live like a lord
02 September, 2013
As the costs of renting soar we look at innovative ways to find accommodation on the cheap
Bedroom Tax: Ed Miliband says Labour will scrap hated levy
02 September, 2013
In a sensational victory for the Sunday People's campaign, the Labour leader could unveil his plan as early as this month in his Brighton conference speech
Renting cheaper than buying in London, the South East and Scotland
02 September, 2013
Inflated house prices mean mortgages are less affordable than renting for many, even with a 20pc deposit
Labour pledges £50m to battle 'bedroom tax'
02 September, 2013
Labour will pledge to find £50 million in Scotland's budget in order to negate the impact of the so-called 'bedroom tax' in Scotland
Bedroom tax could cause Christmas homelessness crisis
30 August, 2013
Landlord repossession claims and court orders issued after the introduction of the tax in April saw double digit rises in the three months to June
Frozen out
30 August, 2013
When the government announced its controversial welfare reforms, it promised that supported housing would be protected from the impact. So why are some providers still left out in the cold?
Smaller landlords shun ratings in deal drive
29 August, 2013
Small and medium-sized housing associations without credit ratings are turning to capital market funding, due to improved investor appetite
Social landlord on verge of mass stock transfer
29 August, 2013
Salford's Salix Homes has been recommended as the preferred bidder to take ownership of 8,200 council properties in the city
Family Mosaic builds less to keep rents low
28 August, 2013
Family Mosaic's surplus rose by 18 per cent to £45 million in 2012/13, but it built fewer homes in an attempt to keep rents at social levels
Cambridgeshire councils see rent problems increase after benefit changes
27 August, 2013
The number of people asking for help with rent payments in the last few months has quadrupled in some areas, Cambridgeshire councils' data shows
Bedroom tax boosts arrears for Welsh housing associations
23 August, 2013
Housing associations in south Wales have seen more than half their tenants affected by the bedroom tax fall into rent arrears
Bedroom tax activists to take part in mass sleep out
23 August, 2013
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners across the country will take part in a mass sleep out tomorrow night
Disabled single mother becomes first Scottish victim of bedroom tax
22 August, 2013
A severely disabled mother of two is to become the first tenant in Scotland to be evicted from her home as a result of the bedroom tax
'Speed dating' homes swap event for Oxford tenants
22 August, 2013
A 'speed dating' event is being held for council and housing association tenants in Oxford who want to swap their homes
Tenants may beat 'bedroom tax' with new bathrooms
21 August, 2013
Hundreds of people who could fall victim to the "tax" are to benefit from new plans to convert spare bedrooms into bathrooms.
Bedroom tax forcing previously paid-up tenants into arrears
21 August, 2013
Shocking new figures appear to suggest that social housing tenants who previously kept up with their rent payments have been forced into arrears since the introduction of the widely condemned bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax will destroy rural communities'
20 August, 2013
The government's bedroom tax will lead to the break-up of rural communities, a pressure group has warned
Bedroom tax putting thousands into debt
20 August, 2013
Thousands of the most deprived people in St Helens are being sent into a vicious spiral of debt and hardship
Gwent tenants owe £190,000 after housing benefit changes
20 August, 2013
Tenants of four Gwent housing associations who were hit by changes to housing benefit now owe more than £190,000 despite previously making the rent,
Supporting vulnerable people back into society requires time, Patience and commitment, not punitive measures
20 August, 2013
Abigail Scott Paul reveals how benefits changes are affecting people on the front line of poverty in the North East
Housing association pledges to rehome bedroom tax victims
20 August, 2013
A housing association has pledged to rehome anyone who goes into arrears and is evicted due to the bedroom tax
Two thirds of London tenants in conflict with their landlord
19 August, 2013
Two thirds of tenants in London have had bad experiences with a landlord and more than half parted ways while in dispute over deposits
Landlords spoil pay-to-stay party
16 August, 2013
Many social landlords intend to reject the government's pay-to-stay policy, an exclusive poll by Inside Housing reveals
Bedroom tax safety warning
16 August, 2013
A Merseyside HA is advising staff not to display their uniforms or name badges outside work hours due to fears for their safety from bedroom tax protestors
Islington devolves DHP decisions to landlords
16 August, 2013
A council is delegating power to housing associations to decide who receives discretionary housing payments and emergency loans in a bid to speed up applications
Housing association staff donate to food bank
14 August, 2013
Staff at Sanctuary Housing in Salisbury have donated food from their own kitchens to a local food bank
SFHA call for evidence
14 August, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is currently gathering evidence on the ability of under occupying tenants to move to smaller homes
FOI reveals effects of bedroom tax in Wales
14 August, 2013
More than half of Welsh councils received more requests for additional housing payments in the first two months of the bedroom tax than for the same period last year
Digital Deal: 12 projects to help social tenants get online
12 August, 2013
The government's Digital Deal has provided funding for internet services and training to social housing tenants
Government funds effort to get social housing tenants online
12 August, 2013
South Essex Homes is one of twelve UK housing associations that have secured funding from the government's 'Digital Deal'
Major flaws revealed in pay-to-stay policy
09 August, 2013
The government's pay-to-stay policy will not work in parts of 16 LAs across London because tenants will have to earn more than the £60k cap to be able to pay affordable rents
Majority of social tenants happy with their homes but bedroom tax causing anxiety
09 August, 2013
Two thirds of social housing tenants say they are happy or very happy with the condition of their properties and a third believe the standard of social housing is on the up
No internet access in 17% of UK homes, ONS data shows
09 August, 2013
Four million homes in the UK are still not connected to the internet, according to the Office of National Statistics
The secrets of success in tackling social housing fraud
08 August, 2013
By clamping down on tenancy fraud, Sandwell council recovered 44 properties and saved nearly £1m
Evictions loom as social landlord reports 86% arrears rise since bedroom tax
07 August, 2013
A Northumberland social landlord has warned that evictions might be on the cards after seeing its rent arrears shoot up by 86% since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax: Huge rise in tenants in arrears
07 August, 2013
The number of social housing tenants plunging into rent arrears in the Scottish capital soared in the two months following the introduction of the bedroom tax
Scottish charity plots bedroom tax challenge
06 August, 2013
A charity is pulling together a working group to plot a legal challenge to the bedroom tax in the Scottish courts
96% of bedroom tax victims have nowhere to downsize to
06 August, 2013
The vast majority of social housing tenants affected by the bedroom tax have no smaller properties available to them to downsize to
Bedroom Tax: Neighbours form ring of steel to help foster mum ruined by levy
05 August, 2013
Irene Lockett could not pay the extra £23.24 per week docked from those with empty rooms under new welfare rules.
Bedroom Tax: Council spent £40,000 making home fit for disabled daughter.. now they say it's too big
02 August, 2013
Daily Mirror case study
Tax boost for existing tenants
02 August, 2013
Sinn Fein is 'confident' the bedroom tax will not apply to existing tenants in Northern Ireland, a representative has said
Housing association joins community bank
02 August, 2013
A Somerset-based housing provider has told its tenants they are set to benefit from its new partnership with a community bank
Food vouchers for hard-up tenants
02 August, 2013
Tenants of North Lincolnshire Homes who are struggling financially are being offered vouchers to exchange for three days worth of food
High-earning tenants forced to declare income
31 July, 2013
High-earning social tenants are to be legally obliged to declare their income under plans to force households that earn more than £60,000 to pay market rent
Rent Payment and Collection Under Universal Credit
31 July, 2013
CIH Scotland practical guidance for Scottish social landlords on rent payment and collection under Universal Credit
The bedroom tax court judgment has thrown up some puzzling anomalies
31 July, 2013
Disabled people are left wondering how a policy which leads to such significant discrimination and hardship can ever be justified
Disabled families await housing benefits cuts ruling
30 July, 2013
The High Court is to rule on whether cuts to housing benefit for social housing residents with spare bedrooms discriminates against disabled people
High Court rejects disabled tenants bedroom tax challenge
30 July, 2013
The High Court has just rejected ten families' challenge against the bedroom tax. The families plan to appeal
Housing benefit challenge dismissed by High Court
30 July, 2013
Disabled families have lost a court challenge to social housing benefit cuts for residents with spare bedrooms in England, Wales and Scotland
Housing groups slam bedroom tax ruling
30 July, 2013
Housing groups and charities have been left 'deeply disappointed' after the High Court dismissed a legal challenge to the government's bedroom tax
'Bedroom Tax' leads to rise in Glasgow rent arrears
30 July, 2013
Rent arrears are rising across Glasgow since the 'bedroom tax' was introduced almost four months ago
Bedroom tax legal challenge dismissed by high court
30 July, 2013
Ten families who argue the tax discriminates against those with disabilities vow to appeal as campaigners warn that ruling puts such families at 'real risk of homelessness'
Housing benefit challenge cases
30 July, 2013
A group of 10 disabled people have lost a legal challenge to government plans to cut housing benefit. They are from various parts of the UK all say they are being badly affected by the benefit changes. Here are the arguments of four of them.
High-earning tenants forced to declare income
29 July, 2013
High-earning social tenants are to be legally obliged to declare their income under plans to force households that earn more than £60,000 to pay market rent
Bristol City Council may relax rules on tenants in rent arrears
29 July, 2013
Council tenants in arrears in Bristol could be allowed to move home after the council said it may relax its regulations on those who owe rent
Spread the word
29 July, 2013
ALMOs can play a key role in improving standards in the private rented sector
Bothered by the bedroom tax? Try speed dating
29 July, 2013
A council's speed dating experiment has proved successful in helping social housing tenants beat the bedroom tax
Housing association pledges year's support to food banks
29 July, 2013
Wulvern Housing has pledged to support two food banks for another year
Man cuts own throat in bedroom tax protest
26 July, 2013
Witnesses say the middle-aged man sliced his throat from ear-to-ear with a knife as he spoke to an adviser
No bedroom tax evictions, TUC leaders demand
26 July, 2013
TUC leaders in Manchester have urged the city council not to evict any tenants who fall into arrears as a result of the bedroom tax
LIN Member Reprot July 2013 - Local Authority Led Universal Credit Pilots: A summary of early learning from the pilots
25 July, 2013
DWP Report
Sheffield Page Hall landlord licensing consultation launched
24 July, 2013
Landlords in Sheffield could be forced to apply for special licences to let property in an area of the city, the council has said
Government sets out right to transfer rules
23 July, 2013
Long-awaited plans to give tenants' groups the right to take ownership of their estates have been published
Landlords 'spend £325m a year on ASB'
23 July, 2013
Social landlords spend £325 million every year dealing with anti-social behaviour
Should I Stay or Should I go - 100 days of the Bedroom Tax
23 July, 2013
Aragon Housing Association Report
Should tenants pay more rent if they can afford to?
23 July, 2013
Unnecessary subsidy paid to 16% of social-rent households could go towards the development of thousands more homes
As renters cry out for change, ministers bury their heads in the sand
22 July, 2013
Private renting used to be a stepping stone
Is private renting the new social housing sector?
22 July, 2013
A new Communities and Local Government report recommends some changes to the private rented sector
RHI open to social landlords
19 July, 2013
Social landlords will be able to benefit from a scheme to encourage the use of renewable heating technology
Real Life Reform
12 July, 2013
Liverpool Housing Trust Project brief - Monitoring the real impact of Welfare Reform across the North 2013-2014
Welfare reform - how are landlords preparing?
12 July, 2013
A summary of findings from a CIH/Circle Housing survey
Landlords win reprieve on renewable heat scheme
12 July, 2013
Social landlords will be able to benefit from a scheme to encourage the use of renewable heating equipment
Disabled benefit claimants forced to cut food bills
11 July, 2013
Nine in 10 disabled people hit by the bedroom tax who have been refused a discretionary housing payment are cutting back on food or bills to make ends meet
Landlords struggle to rehouse bedroom tax tenants
11 July, 2013
Most social landlords will only be able to rehouse less than a fifth of tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Housing crisis: The poor struggling to pay rent
09 July, 2013
Since April about 660,000 people living in social housing have been told they may only claim benefit for what is judged to be an appropriate number of bedrooms
Newcastle tenants hit by bedroom tax urged to take part in home swap events
08 July, 2013
Council tenants in Newcastle affected by the bedroom tax are being invited to take part in a series of home swap events across the city
Family Mosaic looks at 'whole person' to get 1,000 back to work
08 July, 2013
Family Mosaic is taking a look at the 'whole person' to get 1,000 people back to work and is encouraging the rest of the social housing sector to learn from its employment 'Boot Camp' programme
Councils must gain more power to raise standards in the private rented sector
08 July, 2013
Local authorities should enforce private rented sector standards yet lack funds to do so. Expanding selective licensing can fix this
Funding rules will not end social housing
05 July, 2013
Landlords will not be expected to convert all re-lets to affordable rents in the new funding programme
The Bedroom Tax in Merseyside
05 July, 2013
Our report highlights the impact of the bedroom tax after 100 days
Duncan Smith accused of 'living on a different planet' after hailing success of bedroom tax
03 July, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has been accused of 'living on a different planet' after hailing the controversial bedroom tax 'a success' in a House of Commons debate
CIH backs Freud over bedroom tax threat
28 June, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing has defended the welfare reform minister's threat to councils over the 'inappropriate' reclassification of properties for bedroom tax purposes
Evaluation of the temporary jobs pilot: Proving Talent
28 June, 2013
Report by the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion for the Give Us A Chance consortium of social landlords
Scottish parliament considers bedroom tax petition
28 June, 2013
The Scottish Parliament's Petition Committee has agreed to remit Govan Law Centre's (GLC) bedroom tax petition to the Welfare Reform Committee for full
Lord Freud offers new direct payment 'guarantees' to protect social landlords
27 June, 2013
Lord Freud today announced further concessions on Universal Credit direct payments as he sought to appease social landlords' concerns over the controversial policy
'It's not a bedroom tax' claims Freud as he faces angry protests from within and without
27 June, 2013
Lord Freud has faced a room full of social housing officials angry over the government's bedroom tax policy at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Protesters call for bedroom tax leniency
26 June, 2013
Campaigners called on housing staff not to enforce the bedroom tax in a picket outside the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference today
Poverty and problematic debt: what can social housing providers do?
25 June, 2013
The current economic situation and planned welfare reform have led to concerns over a potential increase in problematic debt among social housing residents
North East homeless are hit by Government's bedroom tax
25 June, 2013
THE head of the North East's biggest homeless charity has revealed the Government's bedroom tax is even affecting those who sleep on the streets
Government warns Leeds City Council on bedroom tax
24 June, 2013
Leeds City Council has been warned it could lose money after it reduced the number of bedrooms it said were in some council homes
Housing benefit changes and how one man downsized
24 June, 2013
A single man explained how he moved from a three-bedroom house to a flat after his children moved out and changes to housing benefit, which were introduced in April, cut his income
Bedroom tax debt mounts
21 June, 2013
As housing providers across Britain scrabble to get to grips with the bedroom tax, Inside Housing asks a focus group of 10 social landlords how painful it has been so far
Benefit Cap rollout
21 June, 2013
National implementation of the benefit cap will be managed over a 10 week period split into two tranches:
Halton social landlord says house exchange schemes helping tenants hit by bedroom tax
21 June, 2013
Home swaps are helping tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax' to relocate
Cuts and bruises
21 June, 2013
Over the past two-and-a-half years, Inside Housing has carried many warnings about the likely dire impacts of welfare reform on tenants and social landlords
How to manage income collection effectively
20 June, 2013
Social landlords are operating in an increasingly challenging financial environment
Councils call for powers to tackle nuisance tenants in private rental sector
19 June, 2013
Councils are calling for extra powers that will let them tackle anti-social behaviour committed by people living in privately rented homes
Anti social residents kept off council waiting list
19 June, 2013
Slough Council may bar people who have behaved anti-socially or are 'not financially responsible' from its housing waiting list until they 'change their ways'
Bedroom can be any size for bedroom tax
18 June, 2013
West Berkshire Council rule that a bedroom is not a bedroom because it is only 49 square feet
Bedroom tax hits 500 Westminster council tenants as rent arrears shoot up 16%
14 June, 2013
Nearly 500 social housing tenants have been hit by the bedroom tax in a London borough that has seen rent arrears jump by 16% in a single month
SNP government would axe bedroom tax
14 June, 2013
A Scottish National Party government would axe the bedroom tax north of the border within a year of Scottish independence
Councils handed £50m to fight fuel poverty
14 June, 2013
The Scottish Government has allocated £50 million for councils to improve the energy efficiency of homes
East Lothian to pay bedroom tax bills
14 June, 2013
East Lothian Housing Association is paying the bedroom tax for some of its tenants - having developed an assistance scheme for households it feels are particularly unfairly hit
Bedroom tax protest in memory of suicide victim
14 June, 2013
A protest is being staged in Birmingham on Saturday 15 June in memory of a woman who committed suicide over the bedroom tax
CIH urged to invite anti-bedroom tax tenant to speak at conference
13 June, 2013
Social tenants across the country have signed a letter to the Chartered Institute of Housing opposed to the bedroom tax
Under-occupying tenant's 'emotional attachment' to home no defence against eviction
13 June, 2013
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a tenant has no right to remain in her social home simply because she has an 'emotional attachment' to it
The social tenant's guide to taking in a lodger
13 June, 2013
With the changes in benefits about to come into force on 1st April 2013, there are new rules about under-occupancy
Patch work: Solving the rent equation
12 June, 2013
New research by LIN has found a direct link between arrears and the number of staff employed to collect rent. But even with smaller 'patch' sizes, housing officers are struggling to keep tenant debt under control
Council's figures reveal it saves six from homelessness everyday
12 June, 2013
Southwark Council saves six people a day from homelessness, according to new figures
Collecting Rent is Crucial for Housing Associations
12 June, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations has re-stated that the Federation and its members do not support a headline 'no evictions' policy
Fund to help tenants start their own businesses
10 June, 2013
Social housing tenants in west and south Yorkshire are to benefit from a scheme to help them start up their own businesses thanks to £1.5 million of European cash
'Bedroom tax' failing, says housing associations' report
07 June, 2013
The government's policy on homes has come under fire in a report by the University of Cambridge and seven housing associations across the eastern region
Skills selector
07 June, 2013
Housing providers are on the hunt for employees with specialist skills as a result of welfare reforms, which are putting tenants' finances and landlords' incomes under pressure
'No-eviction' policies to tackle the bedroom tax won't work
05 June, 2013
Council's would be better advised to offer practical help for low-income households than take this problematic approach
Pensioners facing bitterness and bankruptcy in retirement as debt levels soar
03 June, 2013
Instead of a happy retirement, many over-65s are now in debt to loan sharks
Shelter launches website aimed at solving young people's housing problems
03 June, 2013
Housing charity Shelter has launched a new website designed to assist people working with young people on their housing and homelessness problems
Brighton speed daters get to keep each other's houses
30 May, 2013
A local authority has come up with a novel way to help tenants hit by the bedroom tax - speed dating
Hungry Britain
30 May, 2013
Welfare cuts leave more than 500,000 people forced to use food banks, warns Oxfam
Leeds council tackles bedroom tax with semantic solution
30 May, 2013
Reclassifying spare rooms as 'non-specific rooms' should help tenants in social housing avoid reduction in housing benefit
How to avoid paying your bedroom tax - get it reclassified as a study
30 May, 2013
Councils and housing associations are reclassifying thousands of bedrooms across Britain as box rooms, studies or non-specific rooms so that tenants can avoid the so-called "bedroom tax".
'Bedroom tax': More tenants apply for financial help
30 May, 2013
Bedroom tax or spare room subsidy? The politicians may argue over the title but one fact can't be ignored. That's the growing evidence of council tenants facing real financial difficulties
Rape victim legally challenges bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
A victim of rape, assault, harassment and stalking has launched a legal challenge against the bedroom tax on the grounds it is 'discriminatory'
Ten lessons landlords should learn about the bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
Shelter Cymru's Jennie Bibbings explains the best and worst ways in which housing providers have handled the bedroom tax
Social landlord saves club for the elderly
29 May, 2013
A club for the elderly has been saved from the axe after a social landlord stepped in with funds
Tenants face eviction over controversial 'bedroom tax'
28 May, 2013
Thousands could lose their homes as councils and housing associations begin a clampdown on those in rent arrears
Coventry council apologises to families told they could not appeal against 'bedroom tax' cuts to benefits
24 May, 2013
Council accepts letters to tenants were wrong after challenge by campaign group Coventry Against the Bedroom Tax
Reclassification 'will not hit rent hard'
24 May, 2013
A leading academic has claimed that landlords reclassifying their properties to protect tenants from the bedroom tax would only suffer 'very limited' losses
How can the Digital Deal help social housing providers?
24 May, 2013
Social landlords have until June 3 to bid for a share of the Digital Deal, a £400,000 government fund aimed at helping tenants get online and improving their IT skills
Council 'sorry' for empty room letter to disabled woman
23 May, 2013
A disabled woman who was wrongly told she had to pay an under-occupancy charge has received an apology from the council for "causing her distress"
Bedroom Tax Snapshot
23 May, 2013
The best and the worst of landlord and local authority practice, as experienced through Shelter casework
Homes 'standing empty' because of bedroom tax
23 May, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary has claimed homes are being left empty because of the bedroom tax, and called for the controversial policy to be axed
Social landlord's new phone app has bedroom tax calculator
22 May, 2013
One vision Housing revamped smart phone app now comes with a bedroom tax calculator - so tenants can work out if their HB will be cut
Homes 'standing empty' because of bedroom tax
22 May, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary has claimed homes are being left empty because of the bedroom tax, and called for the controversial policy to be axed
Growing up renting: A childhood spent in private rented homes
21 May, 2013
Our rental market is having a damaging impact on children's lives
Social landlords team up and offer speed-dating to tackle bedroom tax
21 May, 2013
Four housing associations in the Bristol area have teamed up to offer their tenants a housing speed-dating event, in an effort to help combat the bedroom tax
Local authority shakes up its housing allocations policy
21 May, 2013
Richmond Council has rewritten its housing allocation policy to give priority to locals, ex-service personnel, foster carers, people in work and those making a "significant contribution to society".
Law 'should change' to stop B&B use
21 May, 2013
A flagship Conservative council has called for law changes to prevent it 'frittering away millions of pounds' on housing people in temporary accommodation
Too many questions about welfare changes remain unanswered
21 May, 2013
The UK Government's welfare changes are throwing a question mark over the Welsh Government's ability to deliver support to some of Wales' most vulnerable people, Tackling Poverty Minister Huw Lewis warned
Welfare reform could cost landlords £1.4bn a year
20 May, 2013
Social landlords face losing £1.4 billion of rental income a year as a result of welfare reform, according to a new report
Regulator warns of 'substantial' threat to finances
20 May, 2013
Housing providers face being hit by a 'double whammy' of increased rent collection costs and reduced income due to welfare reform
Rule change to allow conversion of office space into social housing could regenerate high street
20 May, 2013
Planning law changes which will allow disused office buildings to be converted into residential accommodation could regenerate the high street
Three top tips for creating a successful digital inclusion strategy
20 May, 2013
A strategy is crucial in combating digital exclusion, but what should be included and how can you make it work?
Renting in Wales: Concern over cost of tenancy changes
20 May, 2013
Plans to change how social and private homes are rented in Wales have been outlined by the Welsh government
The Welsh Government has unveiled plans to simplify the law on renting homes
20 May, 2013
Housing Minister Carl Sargeant has been spelling out his plans to simplify complicated law governing how homes are rented
Housing chief issues second warning over 'unfair and incompetent' bedroom tax
17 May, 2013
A housing chief has issued a second warning to government over its reforms of the benefits system
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects:Learning the lessons, six months in
16 May, 2013
DWP Direct Payments Report
Universal Credit direct payment pilots to be extended for further six months
16 May, 2013
The Universal Credit direct payment demonstration projects will be extended for a further six months, Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud has announced
Universal Credit direct payment demonstration projects - latest findings
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions today published its latest report into the Universal Credit demonstration projects testing the payment of housing benefit direct to social housing tenants
LIN Press Release - Direct Payment projects extended for 6 months
16 May, 2013
DWP Direct Payment Projects extended for 6 months
Bedroom tax victims begin High Court challenge
16 May, 2013
Ten claims being brought against the government's bedroom tax have begun to be heard at the High Court
Direct payment pilots extended to test bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has extended pilots testing the direct payment of housing benefit to tenants to assess the impact of the bedroom tax
Disabled families at High Court in housing benefit challenge
15 May, 2013
Disabled people and their families are challenging the government's decision to cut housing benefit for recipients living in properties deemed too large
Survey uncovers health concerns of private tenants
14 May, 2013
Rogue landlords are putting tenants in the private rented sector at risk by failing to carry out repairs
Bedroom Tax suicide: Grieving son of Stephanie Bottrill hits out at David Cameron
13 May, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's punishing new payments were the last straw for the tragic 53-year-old who killed herself to avoid plunging into further poverty
Private landlords seek to develop strategy for longer-term tenancies
13 May, 2013
RLA is surveying its members in an effort to present its own alternative to Shelter's proposals for longer-term private sector tenancies
LIN Member Report May 2013 - Direct Payments to Tenants and the Impact on Rent Arrears
13 May, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Vivienne Ashley
Providers warned over temporary housing plan
10 May, 2013
Housing associations pulling out of managing temporary accommodation due to benefit caps risk reducing the amount of available stock for homeless households, London Councils has warned
Westminster seals free internet deal
10 May, 2013
Westminster Council has signed a deal which will eventually roll out free internet access to more than 22,000 households
High Court to consider tenants' claims against Bedroom Tax
09 May, 2013
The High Court is to consider 10 claims being brought against the government's Bedroom Tax
Bedroom tax tenants failing to pay rent
09 May, 2013
South Yorkshire Housing Association has revealed that half of its tenants affected by the bedroom tax have failed to cover the resulting shortfall in their rent
Digital divide cuts off social tenants
07 May, 2013
Social housing continues to lag behind other tenures in terms of internet access
Migrants' access to benefits likely to be restricted
07 May, 2013
The government is expected to seek to restrict migrants' access to social housing and benefits in measures to be outlined tomorrow
Social housing: Welsh government's annual £4m for 30 years
07 May, 2013
The Welsh government has revealed plans to inject a further £4m a year into new social housing for the next three decades
Housing association apologises for 'eviction' letter
03 May, 2013
Housing association Genesis has apologised for any distress it may have caused by a letter it sent out that appeared to threaten tenants with eviction
How housing providers are beating the bedroom tax
03 May, 2013
Faced with a huge increase in arrears as a result of the under-occupation penalty, some housing providers have taken major steps to protect their residents and themselves
Keep it in the family
03 May, 2013
Family housing association in Birmingham is tackling rising unemployment by pledging to fill 10% of its job vacancies with its own tenants
Landlords to get benefits of tenants in arrears
01 May, 2013
Payment of benefit will be switched back to social landlords when tenants accrue two months of arrears during universal credit 'pathfinders'
Universal Credit direct payments: Testing the water
01 May, 2013
As Universal Credit gets underway in the North West of England, Liverpool-based One Vision Housing reveal the findings of their own direct payments pilot and share some valuable lessons
Opinion: It's not too late to save struggling families from devastating cuts
01 May, 2013
Bob Taylor, chief executive of Knowsley Housing Trust argues that people must be given a sense of hope
Diabetic man says dialysis room is 'not a spare bedroom'
30 April, 2013
A man who uses a room of his house for daily dialysis treatment says the government's changes to housing benefits are unfair
Social landlord cuts kitchen refurb costs
30 April, 2013
A social landlord has achieved a 17% reduction on its kitchen refurbishment programme following a pilot into strategic procurement methods
Universal credit: Major benefits shake-up begins
29 April, 2013
A massive shake-up in the UK benefits system starts with the first claims being made for the new universal credit payment
PRS tenants protest against unfair fees
29 April, 2013
Private renters campaigning against unfair fees and high rents demonstrated outside letting agents in north London on Saturday
CLG pulls out of mobility scheme
26 April, 2013
The Communities and Local Government department has decided not to fund a new national mobility scheme for social housing tenants
Law group warns against mass appeals
26 April, 2013
A wave of mass appeals against bedroom tax decisions risks leaving people in limbo due to tribunal delays, law centres have warned
Rights law is an asset
26 April, 2013
Without article 8, those in bedroom tax disputes will have an uphill struggle, according to Giles Peaker, solicitor at Anthony Gold
Tenants asked to sign 'ambition plans'
25 April, 2013
A south west housing association is requiring new tenants to sign up to a plan to improve their lifestyle, which will be linked to their future access to housing
Social hearted, commercially minded
25 April, 2013
Housing associations must forge new relationships with their tenants to help with increasingly squeezed finances, according to a report from the think tank The Smith Institute
Charity warns 'bedroom tax' will push up homelessness
25 April, 2013
A Swansea mother has told ITV News that she sufferes sleepless nights and has even considered suicide due to changes to the benefits system
Housing Minister approves Council plan to help struggling tenants
25 April, 2013
Council tenants who are most affected by the changes to housing benefit could be eligible for financial help following successful lobbying from Swindon Borough Council
Council to build PRS homes
24 April, 2013
Telford & Wrekin Council is planning to build more than 550 new homes for the private rental market over the next three years
Social housing tenants offered recycled computers in online drive
24 April, 2013
Social housing tenants are being offered recycled computers in a drive to get more residents online
Bedroom tax drove tenant to create cannabis cake factory in shed
24 April, 2013
A social housing tenant who turned his shed into a cannabis factory has claimed he did so to raise funds to pay the bedroom tax
Councils need more powers to tackle tenancy fraud
24 April, 2013
Tenancy fraud will soon be criminalised, but only greater powers to investigate fraudsters will stop people getting away with it
Homelessness Transition Fund
24 April, 2013
Homeless charities across England can now apply for grants of up £150k to invest in new ways of preventing and tackling rough sleeping
Bedroom tax drove tenant to create cannabis cake factory in shed
23 April, 2013
A social housing tenant who turned his shed into a cannabis factory has claimed he did so to raise funds to pay the bedroom tax
Edinburgh confirms no eviction policy
23 April, 2013
Edinburgh Council has adopted a 'no eviction' policy for tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax'
Should minimum space standards apply to social and private housing?
22 April, 2013
British homes are the smallest in western Europe. Would minimum space standards make the difference?
Coventry libraries' online time rises for welfare tests
22 April, 2013
The amount of free internet access in Coventry's libraries has been doubled to two hours because people were struggling to complete new welfare reform online assessments in an hour
Join the E-action against the bedroom tax
19 April, 2013
Mencap has created an e-action which allows people to tell David Cameron what they think about the bedroom tax
Letting agents face tougher scrutiny
18 April, 2013
Letting agents and residential managing agents will now have to sign up to a recognised ombudsman scheme following an amendment to a bill currently going through parliament
Half of privately owned homes are 'under-occupied'
18 April, 2013
Research from Naionwide shows 49% of owned homes have two or more spare bedrooms, while in the private rental sector only 16% do
Wates Living Space invests in QSH and Steve Partridge becomes new CFO
18 April, 2013
QSH acts an interface to match housing needs with institutional finance, enabling Housing Associations and Local Authorities to build much-needed affordable homes without government subsidy
Social housing tenants paid £30 to learn about money
17 April, 2013
A housing association is offering tenants a £30 incentive to learn how to manage their personal finances.
Bedroom tax: lack of legal support may see housing arrears increase
17 April, 2013
Fears are growing that the 'bedroom tax' will lead to an increase in evictions, but it may not be that simple for social landlords
Council to use HRA funds to limit bedroom tax
17 April, 2013
Swindon council has got permission from the housing minister to use money from rental income to set up a £420,000 fund to support tenants affected by welfare cuts
Up to 10,000 new homes will improve the rental market
16 April, 2013
The Build to Rent Fund is designed to help developers invest in homes built specifically for private rent by reducing the up-front risk in a relatively untested market
Greenwich Council launches job scheme for victims of benefit cuts
16 April, 2013
The Royal Borough of Greenwich claims it is the first council in the country to launch a scheme to get the families worst affected by the government's benefit cuts into work
Credit union £38 million expansion deal signed
16 April, 2013
ABCUL has been awarded a contract worth up to £38million to modernise and grow the credit union industry so it helps more people on low incomes
Housing associations get part of £1bn private rent fund
16 April, 2013
Eight housing associations were among the successful bidders that will share £700 million of government funding for new private rented homes
GHA buys homes for tenants to avoid bedroom tax
16 April, 2013
Glasgow Housing Association is to buy 300 homes to allow people to avoid the government's bedroom tax
Top tips: lessons from the direct payment pilot schemes
15 April, 2013
How can you prepare for the introduction of direct payment? Our panel of experts involved in the government's pilot schemes share their advice
Council urged to limit impact of bedroom tax
15 April, 2013
Councillors in Cambridge to discuss measures to limit the impact of the 'bedroom tax' including reclassifying some properties
Benefit change: Tenants outnumber available Wales homes
12 April, 2013
There are not enough suitable homes available for tenants in Wales who want to downsize amid changes to the benefit system, BBC Wales research shows
Housing bodies slate bedroom tax mass appeals
12 April, 2013
Chartered Institute of Housing warns campaign may risk strong cases
Investment pot to prevent homelessness
12 April, 2013
A £78,000 investment pot is being established to prevent homelessness by Richmondshire Council
Why a digital inclusion strategy is now crucial for social landlords
12 April, 2013
Changes to how benefits are accessed means housing providers will have to do more for their tenants
Tenants could be offered cash to leave country
12 April, 2013
A north London council is considering offering up to £20,000 to tenants considering a move abroad
Knowsley saves 200 households from bedroom tax
11 April, 2013
Knowsley Housing Trust has so far succeeded in exempting up to 200 tenants from the bedroom tax
Welfare reform is needed but the bedroom tax will end badly
10 April, 2013
The 'bedroom tax' does little for either benefits claimants or the public purse and is likely to become the poll tax of 2013
Government denies shifting social housing cash
10 April, 2013
The Northern Irish Government has denied that it has siphoned money intended for social housing into first time buyer schemes
Charity wins appeal over bedroom tax for Sheffield family
10 April, 2013
A Charity has secured exemption from the 'bedroom tax' for a Sheffield family - and say others could have success too
Housing sector aiming to get tenants on the internet with 'Spring Online'
09 April, 2013
Housing providers across the UK are to help their tenants get internet access as they take part in this year's 'Spring Online' campaign
Council receives 5,000 requests for low cost homes
09 April, 2013
A London council has received 5,000 requests from local people asking it to help them find low cost homes in the borough
Live discussion: direct payment demonstration pilots
08 April, 2013
The government's pilot schemes have seen arrears double in the first four months, but what can be learned from the six schemes' progress so far?
Government pledges £400k universal credit IT cash
08 April, 2013
Social landlords can bid for a share of £400,000 government funding to help tenants improve their internet skills
Benefit changes: Leeds City Council could 'reclassify' bedrooms
08 April, 2013
Plans to "reclassify" bedrooms in more than 800 council homes are being considered in Leeds, in response to housing benefit changes
A slice of life
08 April, 2013
Over the next year, Inside Housing will track the impact on their businesses and lives through this new welfare reform focus group
Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Manual
05 April, 2013
April 2013 Good Practice Guide for DHP's
Housing benefit changes may prompt return of rent collectors
05 April, 2013
Nine in 10 housing professionals predict increased arrears under universal credit, requiring landlords to rethink rent collection methods
Strike a Digital Deal to help people get online
05 April, 2013
Social landlords are urged to bid for funding to design innovative projects to help their tenants get online with the launch of Digital Deal
Bedroom tax to cost more than it can save
05 April, 2013
The bedroom tax will cost Northern Ireland more to implement than it will save in HB, according to new figures released by CIH and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations NIFHA
Council tenants can rent out spare rooms
04 April, 2013
Social housing tenants will be allowed to make thousands of pounds by renting out their spare rooms and their benefits will be unaffected, ministers have admitted
Changes to council tax on empty homes introduced this week
04 April, 2013
Information from the Empty Homes Agency Limited
Bedroom Tax: Some Home Truths
03 April, 2013
Bedroom tax could cost taxpayers more, not less, according to new NHF report
The Bedroom tax map of Britain: where will it hit hardest?
03 April, 2013
The National Housing Federation has worked out what this will mean per year for claimants in each constituency across the country
Universal Credit and future funding: social housing sector reveals its greatest fears
03 April, 2013
Housing associations are nearly as concerned with funding as they are with Universal Credit
An open letter to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister about the impact of the bedroom tax on our tenants
03 April, 2013
Riverside Housing Association
£40 million for council tax cuts
03 April, 2013
The Scottish Government has pledged to protect vulnerable residents from increased council tax bills by launching a £40 million fund to bridge the gap
LIN Member Report April 2013 - Bedroom Tax Appeals
02 April, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner
Scottish government says law to prevent 'bedroom tax' evictions is unnecessary
02 April, 2013
The Scottish government has rejected Labour's call for emergency legislation to prevent tenants being evicted as a result of arrears caused by the so-called "bedroom tax".
Warning: if you spend your money on fags you might lose your home
02 April, 2013
Housing associations have come under attack for 'patronising' messages over welfare reform. How should they reach tenants?
'Scrap bedroom tax or give Scotland its fair share of funds'
02 April, 2013
The UK government must scrap the bedroom tax in Scotland or give the country its fair share of funds to deal with both the human and financial impact
Impact of Welfare Reform on Social Landlords in the South-West
28 March, 2013
A new study has revealed that 56 percent of housing associations and almost 30 percent of councils are worried that their tenants still know hardly anything about the welfare changes
LIN Press release - Information for private and social sector members
28 March, 2013
DHP and underspend
Government lose Bedroom Tax challenge decision
28 March, 2013
The Government fails in its attempt to prevent legal action against its controversial Bedroom Tax
Fast-track possessions to rise
28 March, 2013
Housing associations will increasingly use 'fast-track' possession notices to evict tenants who fall behind with rent payments
Tenants choose to stay and pay bedroom tax
28 March, 2013
Just 1 per cent of households affected by the government's 'bedroom tax' have moved home to avoid the controversial under-occupancy charge, which comes into effect on Monday
Money Advice Service - guides
27 March, 2013
Free printed guides give you clear, unbiased information and advice in plain English - of particular interest will be the 'Everyday money' guides
Council slaps five-year local connection rule on social housing applications
26 March, 2013
A local authority will from next week only allow those with a five-year connection to the area to apply for council housing
Benefit changes for disabled people and social housing tenants
25 March, 2013
One of the most radical reforms of the benefits system starts to takes effect from April with changes to many payments, including those for social housing tenants
Cameron announces crackdown on housing and welfare for migrants
25 March, 2013
Prime Minister David Cameron has outlined government plans to restrict the benefits available to migrants in the UK
LIN Press Release - information for private and social sector landlords
25 March, 2013
Changes to the size criteria for approved foster carers and parents of armed forces personnel
Housing associations shirk their responsibilities to those most in need
22 March, 2013
It is too easy for social landlords to turn away those that have fallen through the cracks of the system in favour of safer tenants with good salaries
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
22 March, 2013
Parliamentary briefing
Plan to scrap eviction power
22 March, 2013
The Welsh Gov is planning a forthcoming white paper to scrap ground 8 possession law which social landlords may use to combat arrears caused by welfare reforms
'Money saving expert' Martin Lewis launches financial advice service for social tenants
21 March, 2013
'Money saving expert' Martin Lewis has launched a new service to help social tenants manage their finances
Pay to stay threshold to be set at £60,000
21 March, 2013
Social landlords will be able to charge market rents to tenants where their household income exceeds £60,000, the government has announced
Expert round up: how should housing providers use data?
18 March, 2013
Our panel of housing and technology leaders share their advice on how to capture and analyse data
How will the housing benefit changes work?
18 March, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the "bedroom tax" by Labour and, for many, the name has stuck
Council: no tenant to be evicted over bedroom tax
18 March, 2013
A council has declared that none of its social tenants will be evicted if they cannot afford to pay the government's forthcoming bedroom tax
Thousands protest against bedroom tax
18 March, 2013
Thousands of people have gathered at demonstrations across the UK to protest against the government's 'bedroom tax' penalty for under-occupation of social housing
'Welfare reform will change social housing forever'
15 March, 2013
The government's welfare reforms will change the social housing landscape forever, delegates at the CIH Scotland conference have been told
Bedroom tax: drastic u-turns, partial concessions, and spin
15 March, 2013
The most significant - and potentially most politically damaging - bodyswerve on the bedroom tax this week was slipped out without fanfare
Going private
15 March, 2013
High house prices mean homeownership is a pipe dream for a growing number of renters. Neil Merrick examines how social landlords are generating extra income and plugging a gap in the market by moving into the PRS
Tory MPs voice bedroom tax worries
15 March, 2013
Conservative MPs have written to councils raising concerns about the impact of the 'bedroom tax' - despite voting for the measure in parliament
Birmingham landlord finds just 6% of tenants will downsize
15 March, 2013
A survey of residents by a Castle Vale Community Housing Association has found that only 6 per cent intend to move to a smaller house as a result of the 'bedroom tax'
Courts will fill up with tenants, lawyers warn
15 March, 2013
Lawyers expect courts to be inundated with 'thousands' of legal cases following the introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax' next month
Bedroom tax: why you should march against this heartless, pointless 'reform'
15 March, 2013
Mass evictions of the most vulnerable are no way to tackle the housing benefit bill, and we must do all we can to stop them
Protestor delivers 'bedroom tax disclaimer' to One Vision
15 March, 2013
A protestor has hand-delivered a 'bedroom tax disclaimer' to the head offices of One Vision Housing
Foster carers with more than one child will still face 'bedroom tax'
14 March, 2013
Carers' exemption from under-occupancy charge does not extend to more than one 'spare bedroom', ministers reveal
Housing sector heading for 'perfect storm'
13 March, 2013
The Scottish Housing Regulator has warned of a 'perfect storm brewing' in the social housing sector
Public sector 'should look to housing to improve'
13 March, 2013
The public sector is failing deprived communities and is in urgent need of reform, a leading think tank warned today
Westminster Council under attack over bedroom tax claims
12 March, 2013
A councillor has written to Westminster City Council's cabinet member for housing to complain that of over 500 tenants due to be hit by the bedroom tax, only 8 have so far been downsized
Tenants affected by benefit changes get help to downsize
12 March, 2013
Tenants in Torfaen who are affected by welfare reform and are struggling to pay their rent will now find it easier to move a smaller home
IDS pledges to protect disabled children
12 March, 2013
The work and pensions secretary has pledged to protect disabled children who will be hit by the bedroom tax
Charity launches spare rooms campaign
12 March, 2013
Depaul UK is calling on UK households with spare rooms to offer them to homeless young people
Council's bedroom tax avoidance house swap event creates 200 viewing requests
12 March, 2013
Croydon Council's house swapping event has led to almost 200 requests to view properties.
LIN Press Release - Partial U-turn over bedroom tax
12 March, 2013
Partial U-turn over bedroom tax announced by Iain Duncan Smith
Welfare reform trial sees rent arrears rise in Torfaen
11 March, 2013
Tenants in south Wales taking part in a trial of the UK government's benefits reforms have seen rent arrears rise seven-fold to £140,000 in seven months
Occupancy Analyser
11 March, 2013
Wirral Partnership Homes has launched a new 'occupancy analyser' toolkit to help assess the financial impact of the bedroom tax on its future income
These 'spare' bedrooms are far from empty, Mr Shapps
11 March, 2013
If 'we're all in this together', let's have escalating council tax bands based on bedroom size
Three quarters of bedroom tax tenants won't move
11 March, 2013
Three quarters of tenants who will be affected by the bedroom tax would refuse to move even if smaller properties were available, according to research conducted by Aspire HA
80,000 People in London fall foul of Bedroom Tax
11 March, 2013
Thousands of low-income families across the capital will be forced to pay more rent or move out of their homes when the bedroom tax comes in according to NHF
Bedroom tax fact check
08 March, 2013
Following Prime Minister's Questions this article looks at the claims made about who will be exempt from the bedroom tax
Tenants asked to sign bedroom tax disclaimer
08 March, 2013
A Liverpool-based housing association is asking tenants to sign forms that say they accept they will be hit with legal action if they don't pay their rent as a result of the 'bedroom tax'
Orbit recycles hundreds of old computers to help tenants get online
08 March, 2013
Orbit Group is recycling hundreds of old computers to help tenants get online ahead of the government's imminent welfare reforms
Anger on the streets
08 March, 2013
Protests against the government's controversial bedroom tax are being staged across the country ahead of the policy's implementation on 1 April
Minister casts doubt on PM's housing benefit claim
08 March, 2013
A senior Conservative has cast doubt on claims by David Cameron that severely disabled children are exempt from what critics have dubbed the "bedroom tax"
'Bedroom tax will stop new homes being built'
07 March, 2013
The forthcoming bedroom tax will limit the amount of new homes social landlords are able to build, according to a speaker at a CIH South East Conference
'Under-occupancy charge is not a tax' says PM
07 March, 2013
The Prime Minister has been defending the coalition's "under-occupancy charge", which has been dubbed "bedroom tax", at Prime Ministers Questions
Welfare Reform Bill: the impact of underoccupation proposals on neighbourhoods
07 March, 2013
Housing Futures Network Report
Universal Credit: Proposal for Direct Payments trigger
07 March, 2013
CIH has joined forces with the National Housing Federation and Community Housing Cymru to advise the government
DWP sets date for national benefit cap roll-out
07 March, 2013
The national roll-out of the benefit cap will begin on 15th July announced the Department for Work and Pensions
Figures show where bedroom tax will hit hardest
06 March, 2013
The NHF has calculated which constituencies will be hit hardest by penalties for under-occupation of social housing that come into force on 1 April
Tackling Squalor - The pivotal role of social housing
06 March, 2013
Report by Centre for Labour and Social Studies
Council ends lifetime tenancies for social homes
06 March, 2013
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has ended lifetime tenancies for new social housing applicants
Ministers urged to exempt foster carers from 'bedroom tax'
06 March, 2013
Leaders of 11 children's charities say new rules will make it more difficult for people in social housing to become foster carers
Benefit changes: Residents look to 'swap properties'
06 March, 2013
People in Croydon who may lose out of benefits as the government changes its rules on spare bedrooms have said the changes will have a big impact on their lives
Bedroom tax to be introduced before legal challenge
06 March, 2013
A legal challenge to the government's penalty for the under-occupation of social housing will not go ahead until after the policy is introduced on 1 April
Homes Under the Hammer star launches household goods re-use scheme
05 March, 2013
Martin Roberts, star of TV show Homes Under the Hammer, has launched a housing association's new household goods re-use scheme
Social rents increases will break up communities
05 March, 2013
The government's misguided changes to social rents will have a negative affect on people's mental health and on treatment and support services
New bedroom tax figures show local impact
05 March, 2013
New figures estimating the numbers of people hit by the bedroom tax at constituency level have been released by the National Housing Federation
East meets west
04 March, 2013
Three hundred households in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from highly efficient heating systems thanks to £20 million from the Japanese government
300% rise in demand for youth emergency accommodation
04 March, 2013
Depaul UK's campaign is calling on the 7.5 million households nationwide that have spare rooms to consider making it available to a young homeless person
Benefit cap will force more children to move schools mid-year, says thinktank
01 March, 2013
RSA warns that poorer children are more likely to have their education disrupted if they are forced out of affluent areas
'Bedroom tax' legal challenge
01 March, 2013
A disabled couple have gone to the High Court to take legal action against the Government's so-called bedroom tax
Exclusive: Benefit claimants offered £6,500 to move out
28 February, 2013
Labour-run Brent LBC will offer 150 benefit recipients with large families a one-off payment of £6,500 to move out of the borough, under a proposed £1m 'new start' scheme for those hit hard by welfare cuts
Bedroom tax will cost taxpayers more
26 February, 2013
The coming bedroom tax will end up costing Scottish taxpayers more not less, Shelter Scotland has warned.
Scottish charity calls for £50m bedroom tax fund
26 February, 2013
A housing charity has told the Scottish Government it needs to set aside £50 million to protect social tenants from the impact of the bedroom tax
DWP: bedroom tax will not be changed
25 February, 2013
There will be no changes made to the bedroom tax according to the Department for Work and Pensions
Bedroom tax protestors joining 'benefit justice summit'
25 February, 2013
Tenants protesting against the bedroom tax and other welfare cuts are to join a 'benefit justice summit'
The bedroom tax ignores the link between home and health
25 February, 2013
The emotional costs of 'bedroom tax' could far exceed savings in housing benefits according to JRF
Coast & Country launches mass protest against the bedroom tax
25 February, 2013
Coast & Country is harnessing the voice of tens of thousands of social housing tenants from across the North East to launch a mass protest against the bedroom tax - speaker from LIN Director Claire Turner opens this event
Bedroom tax will hit poorer students
25 February, 2013
The bedroom tax could hit students already struggling to survive without financial support from their parents
Top tips: managing the bedroom tax in social housing
25 February, 2013
How can housing providers protect tenants and their bottom lines from the impact of the under-occupation penalty? Our experts share their advice
DWP rules out changes to bedroom tax
22 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted there will be no change to the bedroom tax following reports that Iain Duncan Smith has asked officials to look at how the policy will affect disabled people
Home swap service to tackle welfare reform
22 February, 2013
Social landlords are to set up a national mobility scheme to help tenants move to avoid the impact of the government’s welfare reforms and to find work
Challenging Times, Changing Lives
22 February, 2013
Welfare reforms will fail to result in positive changes unless the government and social landlords increase support services for tenants, Riverside study warns
'Bedroom tax' rules re-examined
21 February, 2013
Welfare secretary Iain Duncan Smith has instructed officials to "look again" at how the "bedroom tax" will affect disabled people, the BBC has been told
Government backtracks on pensioner bedroom tax
21 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to protect some of the pensioners that could be hit by the bedroom tax
Southwark Council pilot findings cast doubt on viability of Direct Payment of benefits
21 February, 2013
A London council has projected it faces a rocketing £14 million increase in rent arrears once the direct payment of HB to tenants comes into effect later this year
Universal credit: more tenants face eviction and rent arrears
20 February, 2013
Emerging findings from direct payment pilots suggest vulnerable housing benefit claimants will struggle with new measures
Is the 'bedroom tax' fair?
20 February, 2013
MPs Helen Goodman and Richard Harrington debate whether people should have their benefits cut if they have a spare room
A mother of 11 housed in a 'mansion'? Spare us this modern morality tale
20 February, 2013
Huge families on benefits may make for spectacular news stories but economically they are insignificant
Couple take bedroom tax hit to keep shrine to dead son
20 February, 2013
A couple who lost their son to cancer are prepared to pay the bedroom tax to keep a shrine to his memory
Welfare changes: tenants get explanatory video
19 February, 2013
Hundreds of council home tenants can learn more about the Government's forthcoming welfare changes thanks to a new online film
Free IT courses for Dale & Valley Homes' customers
19 February, 2013
Council tenants in Wear Valley are being offered the chance to learn computer skills for free
800% rise in homeless families housed in B&Bs for over six weeks
18 February, 2013
The amount of homeless families being housed in B&Bs for over six weeks has risen by 800% since 2010's general election, new figures have revealed
LIN Press Release - Information on Direct payment of Universal Credit Housing costs direct to landlords
15 February, 2013
Universal Credit (UC) - Guidance on Personal Budgeting Support
Council housing homeless families in £1,500 per week hotel rooms
15 February, 2013
Westminster City Council is paying over £1,500 per week to house homeless families in West End hotel rooms
Direct payments housing association: 'Welfare reforms could cost us £10m a year'
14 February, 2013
Wakefield and District HA who are taking part in the DWP Direct Payment demonstration projects says the Government's welfare reforms could end up costing it £10million a year
'Social landlords don't have to collect the bedroom tax'
14 February, 2013
Current claims that the bedroom tax will increase the housing benefit bill by forcing under occupiers into the private sector are one dimensional
Tenants get lessons in IT and savings
14 February, 2013
Whitefriars Housing has teamed up with Henley College and is giving its tenants lessons in IT and how to save and manage their money
Benefit cuts: London tenants told to move away from Capital
14 February, 2013
Camden council is considering shipping tenants that'll be hit by the coming benefit cuts as far away as Leicester and Birmingham
Social landlord backs motion to help those hit by bedroom tax
14 February, 2013
Liverpool Mutual Homes is backing a Parliamentary motion to increase Discretionary Housing Payment funding in the face of the coming bedroom tax
London council forced to move families away
14 February, 2013
A London council is considering moving up to 2,817 people miles out of the borough because benefit changes mean they will struggle to pay private sector rents
Room without review: Thoughts on tackling the bedroom tax
12 February, 2013
Report from nearlylegal - housing law, news and comment
'I do not accept the bedroom tax is a tax'
12 February, 2013
David Cameron made that rather self-defeating comment in the Commons on the 6th February during Prime Minister's Questions
Harlow Council plans social housing ban for criminals
12 February, 2013
People with certain convictions will be banned from social housing under a new policy introduced by a council
Birmingham to set up lettings agent
11 February, 2013
Birmingham Council plans to launch a social lettings agency to provide access to private rented property to people in housing need
Universal Credit - Local support services framework
11 February, 2013
The Local support services framework states it will be up to the DWP to make exceptions to normal payment rules such as paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to landlords
LIN Press Release - Universal Credit (UC)
11 February, 2013
The local support services framework for the government's flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit, states it will be up to the DWP to make exceptions to normal payment rules such as paying the housing element of the credit to landlords
Bedroom tax 'won't work in Liverpool'
11 February, 2013
The government's bedroom tax won't work in Liverpool, a housing association targeted by protestors has said
Back to the future for housing reward and incentive schemes
08 February, 2013
Written off in the last decade, social landlords should look again at prizes and incentives to manage welfare reform
English Housing Survey Headline Report 2011/12
08 February, 2013
The first results from the 2011-12 English Housing Survey. The EHS is the government's major national survey on homes and housing
Benefit uprating strips cash out of social housing communities
07 February, 2013
Residents claiming jobseeker's allowance will see their income rise by £2 a week, although bills are expected to climb by £10
Work longer to keep spare room, says pensions minister
07 February, 2013
People facing a cut in housing benefit because they have a spare room in their council home could work more hours to keep it, the pension minister has said
Ed Miliband attacks David Cameron over bedroom tax
06 February, 2013
Labour leader says cut in benefits for those with spare rooms in social housing will hit disabled people and military families
'Bedroom tax' will cost taxpayers more
06 February, 2013
The government's controversial new "bedroom tax" will cost rather than save money in parts of the country, it has been claimed
Bedroom tax debate: Liam Byrne and Nigel Mills
06 February, 2013
MPs Liam Byrne and Nigel Mills join Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the studio to debate the impact of the 'bedroom tax'
'Bedroom tax': Carer criticises housing benefit cut
06 February, 2013
A man who gave up work to care for his sick wife is "disgusted" at the so-called "bedroom tax" which may see him lose £60 a month in housing benefit
Under-occupation and Housing Benefit - Tranmere and Rock Ferry Case Study
04 February, 2013
Riverside case study
Under-occupation and the new policy framework
04 February, 2013
Report by the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research
Sheffield private rent plan finalised
01 February, 2013
A group of councils in the Sheffield city region has finalised plans to develop up to 1,000 private rented homes using government funding and local authority-owned land
No Clear Benefit
31 January, 2013
The financial impact of Council Tax Benefit reform on low income households
Employment and Support Allowance - Incapacity Benefits Reassessment: Work Capability Assessments
31 January, 2013
Nearly a third of those on the old incapacity benefits have been found capable of some kind of work since controversial reassessments began, according to figures from the DWP
Nudge, nudge: Orbit reward scheme cuts rent arrears by 500k
29 January, 2013
Orbit Heart of England says its resident reward scheme, ProPoints, has helped reduce rent arrears by around half a million pounds
Housing association to create 1,000 apprenticeships for workless tenants
29 January, 2013
Radian is planning on creating 1,000 apprenticeships for its unemployed tenants
Set in place solid foundations - Then tackle the myriad of welfare reforms
28 January, 2013
LIN complimentary report for landlords
Government 'could change' bedroom tax
28 January, 2013
A junior minister has said the controversial bedroom tax could change if there are impacts the government has 'not thought of'
Freud: Direct payments will not reduce incomes
28 January, 2013
Lord David Freud said he does not expect landlords to 'suffer sudden losses of income' as a result of direct payment of benefit to tenants
The spare bedroom tax: a mess of contradiction and impossibility
28 January, 2013
In April the new 'spare bedroom tax' comes into force, meaning many low-income families and disabled people will be forced to move or face yet more cuts. The implications are frightening
Tenants get £40 boost to open jam jar accounts
28 January, 2013
Walsall housing association is offering its tenants financial incentives to open up jam jar accounts
Merseyside families to be hit with yearly £16 million 'bedroom tax' bill
25 January, 2013
Analysis of DWP data by the NHF has revealed that the Government's 'bedroom tax' could cost Merseyside's social tenants over £16 million a year
Hundreds get plugged into opportunities at employment fair
25 January, 2013
Organisations in Knowsley have worked together to help link people with employment and training opportunities in the borough
Apprentice Scheme Goes From Strength to Strength
25 January, 2013
South Tyneside Homes' apprenticeship scheme is proving popular as the programme is helping a great deal of youngsters onto the first rung of the employment ladder
landlords should get systems in place before Universal Credit
25 January, 2013
Here Claire Turner, director of LIN, argues that landlords should take steps to prepare for Universal Credit before payments are made direct to tenants
Landlord to cushion bedroom tax blow
25 January, 2013
A housing association plans to pay tenants the amount they will lose through the bedroom tax over three years as a lump sum cash incentive to downsize
Rent arrears to rise 51% under welfare reforms
24 January, 2013
Housing associations expect their rent arrears to increase by more than half as a result of the government's welfare reforms
Rent arrears could rocket over 50% under new welfare plans
24 January, 2013
A million people living in social housing could struggle with their rent and end up in debt as a result of the Government's welfare shakeup, warns the NHF
Evictions warning over housing benefit reforms
24 January, 2013
Changes to housing benefit later this year could lead to a rise in evictions, a key housing body has warned
Millions to struggle with rents under welfare reforms
24 January, 2013
A million people living in social housing could struggle with their rent and end up in debt as a result of the Government's welfare shakeup
Committee warns rising rents threaten low income Londoners
23 January, 2013
A London Assembly committee will demand to know where traditional housing association tenants will be housed if spiraling rents in the capital price them out
Supporting People funding boost is a mirage for cash-strapped councils
23 January, 2013
Whitehall allocations process suggests SP boost but 'obscures' real funding cuts that leave local authorities out of pocket
MPs debate impact of 'bedroom tax' changes in Wales
22 January, 2013
MPs will discuss the impact of a so-called "bedroom tax" which will impose an under-occupancy penalty on tenants
Social housing should build a future for our young people
21 January, 2013
Octavia Housing has launched an apprenticeship scheme only open to residents, fostering culture of aspiration on its estates
Only 37% of landlords to offer green deal
18 January, 2013
Just over a third of social landlords are planning to let tenants take up the government's green deal programme according to new research
Landlord to host 'soap opera' about benefit changes
17 January, 2013
New Charter Homes is turning its offices into the venue for a 'soap opera' to help tell tenants about important changes to their welfare benefits
Councils win cash to tackle fuel poverty
17 January, 2013
Councils and third sector organisations have been allocated £46 million of government funding to tackle fuel poverty
Exempt accommodation update
17 January, 2013
NHF report on how the reform of benefits to cover housing costs will affect people living in supported and sheltered housing
How housing staff can work to tackle child poverty in their communities
16 January, 2013
Thousands of children are struggling in poor families. Housing providers should not turn away from this tricky problem
Council offering landlords cash incentives to house homeless families
16 January, 2013
Hounslow Council has launched a new incentive for landlords to help local families at risk of becoming homeless
Welfare reform: Landlord restructures to create 17 permanent roles
15 January, 2013
Guinness South has restructured its Neighbourhood Services Directorate to create 17 permanent roles to help residents cope with welfare reform changes
The direct payment guinea pigs
11 January, 2013
Inside Housing examines the results of six pilot projects, which have been testing the new system since June, to find out what landlords can expect
Six steps to improve digital inclusion in 2013
10 January, 2013
Getting residents online is now more important than ever. Follow six simple stages to help this transition
Benefit caps 'will lead' to increased homelessness
09 January, 2013
A leading landlord organisation has warned that government plans to cap benefits are likely to lead to an increase in homelessness
LIN Member Reprot January 2013 - Universal Credit Service Charges
09 January, 2013
DWP guidance for landlords
LIN Press release - Universal Credit Service Charges
09 January, 2013
Universal Credit service charges - guidance for landlords
Support for social tenants to have their say on local services
08 January, 2013
CLG have launched a new training programme designed to put power firmly in the hands of social tenants
Sustainable housing movement held back by lack of tenant data
07 January, 2013
The Naked House experiment proves the impact on energy bills, but the real challenge is changing resident behaviour
Benefit cut set to hit forces families
07 January, 2013
The bedroom tax will penalise families with empty bedrooms - forcing tenants to downsize or pay for the rooms. It means service personnel deployed away from home could have nowhere to come back to when they are on leave
Enterprise Clubs - support for self-employment
04 January, 2013
Enterprise Clubs - make the most of local knowledge and resources to help unemployed people in their communities set up as self-employed or start their own business
Millions behind with rent and mortgage payments
04 January, 2013
Millions of households are struggling to maintain rent and mortgage payments in the face of the government's austerity measure
Tenant arrears fall by 16%
04 January, 2013
It's good news for landlords as the number of tenants in severe arrears has fallen for the first time in over a year
Measures to reduce Housing Benefit expenditure - an overview
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to tenants in social rented housing
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Home-work: Helping London's social tenants into employment
02 January, 2013
Report by The Centre for London
Unintended consequences: Local Housing Allowance
01 January, 2013
Report by People, Place and Policy online
Website tracking council tax benefit changes launched
24 December, 2012
A think tank has launched a website tracking changes to council tax support in England
Number of homeless families in B&Bs on the rise
24 December, 2012
Official figure doubled from 1,230 to 2,460 in London between 2010 and 2011, and rose again in first six months of 2012
Tenants handed computers in Christmas giveaway
21 December, 2012
Newlon Fusion, the community arm of Newlon Housing Trust is presenting tenants with computers and training as part of work to prepare for the impact of welfare reforms
Temporary accommodation
21 December, 2012
NHF submission to DWP in response to their update on temporary accommodation reforms
Editor's blog: my Christmas wish is for housing to find a voice on welfare
21 December, 2012
Latest evidence on rent arrears under universal credit is damning, but next analysis will come too late
Direct payment projects warn of creeping arrears
18 December, 2012
The creeping of arrears in the direct payment demonstration projects is further evidence landlords will need to provide a range of payment options
Direct Payment projects: Rent worth more than £500,000 not collected
17 December, 2012
More than £500k of rent was not collected by RSL's and LA's during the first four months of the Government's Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
Housing provider's adviser army to prepare 1000s of tenants for welfare reform
17 December, 2012
A housing provider is sending out an army of advisers to inform its tenants about the Government's imminent welfare reforms
LIN Press release - Direct payment pilots report increased arrears
17 December, 2012
Landlords testing direct payment of benefit failed to collect 8 per cent of rent on average in the first four months of the six pilot projects
Providers missing out on social media
14 December, 2012
Housing associations must take advantage of social media for better engagement with their tenants, a study has found
Landlords hand out food parcels to tenants
14 December, 2012
Social landlords are increasingly having to provide food parcels for residents struggling to meet rising living costs as austerity bites
'Tenants unaware of impact benefit changes will have on them'
12 December, 2012
New research has found that only 22% of housing providers believe their tenants understand the impact that the coming welfare changes will have on them
Demonstration projects have shown 'value of jam jars'
12 December, 2012
An MP says the demonstration projects trialling direct housing benefit payments to tenants have shown the value of jam jar budgeting accounts
Housing associations 'set to manage' Universal Credit challenge despite significant risks
11 December, 2012
Universal Credit poses a significant but manageable risk to housing associations, according to an overview of the sector published by the ratings agency Moody's
Would payment of housing benefit to landlords create a stable private sector?
11 December, 2012
Labour will address direct payment in exchange for offering longer, more stable tenancies. Will the policy work?
DWP: Direct Payments Demonstration Projects: Findings from a baseline survey of tenants in five project areas in England and Wales
10 December, 2012
DWP Demonstration Project report
Direct payments will require landlord to collect extra £23m a year
10 December, 2012
Golden Gates has warned that the move to pay housing benefit directly to tenants as part of UC will require it to collect an extra £23m each year
Social landlord's 'stark warning' so far ignored by 700 'under occupiers'
10 December, 2012
A social landlord which wrote to 1,400 'under occupying' tenants who will be affected by the coming Bedroom Tax is yet to receive replies from half of them
Latest on Universal Credit
10 December, 2012
10 December 2012 - Universal Credit and related regulations laid before Parliament
Home-work: Helping London's social tenants into employment
07 December, 2012
Report by think-tank Demos
Statutory Homelessness: July to September Quarter 2012
07 December, 2012
Official figures show housing benefit cuts leading to sharp rise in homelessness
Direct payment to cost pilot landlord £8 million a year
07 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted its plans for direct payment of benefit will proceed despite a landlord on a pilot project claiming the policy will cost it £8 million a year
Northern landlords buy lettings firms
07 December, 2012
Two northern housing associations will take on the management of 1,300 private homes after buying independent private lettings businesses this week
Autumn statement 2012 in charts
06 December, 2012
What did George Osborne announce in the Autumn statement
George Osborne's Autumn Statement: Reactions
06 December, 2012
Reaction to George Osborne's Autumn Statement
Housing benefit to rise less than rate of inflation
06 December, 2012
Payment increases to landlords to be capped at 1% from 2014, while plan to end housing benefits for under-25s is dropped
Osborne unveils fresh welfare cuts
06 December, 2012
George Osborne has announced a series of welfare cuts in his autumn statement
Chancellor plans to bring 50,000 homes on to the market
06 December, 2012
Autumn statement unveils plans to use infrastructure capital fund to accelerate existing housing schemes
Social housing and the autumn statement: all in it together?
06 December, 2012
It is still not clear how much, if any, of the £5bn capital injection has gone to affordable housing or to new homes over the next three years
The Autumn Statement: Austerity here to stay
06 December, 2012
Austerity is here to stay. That is tough for everyone - but hardest for the poorest
Landlords 'deeply concerned' over new benefit caps
06 December, 2012
Housing associations are "deeply concerned" around proposals to cap working age benefit increases
Warning on benefit cuts amid rise in homelessness
05 December, 2012
Rise in statutory homelessness has disproportionately affected families with children, Crisis report says
Housing could lose out in £5bn spending spree
05 December, 2012
George Osborne is set to unveil a £5 billion boost to fund a wave of stalled infrastructure projects today but the housing sector could miss out
Welfare budget under spotlight - Autumn Statement
05 December, 2012
The welfare budget is set to come under further assault today as chancellor George Osborne delivers his Autumn Statement
Autumn Statement: At-a-glance summary of key point
05 December, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has updated MPs on the state of the economy and the government's future plans in his Autumn Statemen
Osborne unveils fresh welfare cuts
05 December, 2012
George Osborne has announced a series of welfare cuts in his autumn statement
Study of accredited landlords finds they prefer vetted tenants too
05 December, 2012
Survey of landlords offers guidance for local authorities, but reveals stark differences between tenants and owners
Government to push ahead with 'pay to stay'
05 December, 2012
The government has confirmed it is pressing ahead with plans to charge high-earning social tenants more rent
Further welfare cuts risk 'serious unrest'
04 December, 2012
Social housing tenants and the communities where they live could be 'pushed over the edge' by further welfare cut
Housebuilding stifled by government funding rules
04 December, 2012
Treasury limits on investment are preventing councils and Almos from building up to 60,000 new homes over the next five years
Moat splits resident services into three tiers to influence tenant behaviour
04 December, 2012
Moat residents who are in rental arrears will no longer qualify for a cosmetic repairs service from February
Government taxes your spare room
04 December, 2012
We all know that money is tight but for thousands of social housing tenants things could be about to get even tighter
The Financial Implications of Welfare Reform for Social Housing Landlords
04 December, 2012
The viability of dozens of housing associations is at risk from the financial impact of welfare reform - report from PHHS
George Osborne set to drop plan to end housing benefit for under-25s
03 December, 2012
Lib Dems revolt against David Cameron's 'unjust' move in runup to chancellor's autumn statement
Government Policies: Giving communities more power in planning local development
03 December, 2012
We want people to be able to influence decisions about new and modified buildings and facilities in their area.
Sale and leaseback deals 'could be risky'
03 December, 2012
A senior figure at the housing regulator has urged housing associations to exercise caution when entering into sale and leaseback deals
Expert round up: the future of Almos
03 December, 2012
Compilation of opinions on arm's-length management organisations
Housing ALMOs branching out to deliver range of services
03 December, 2012
ALMOs are branching out from their core business of managing council homes to provide a growing range of services for other landlords
Regulator in resource crisis
30 November, 2012
Social housing regulator has admitted it lacks the resources to function effectively and plans to lobby the government
Osborne may relax council debt cap
30 November, 2012
Treasury official hints at borrowing increase for house building authorities
Prisk: State land sell-off could yield 33,000 new homes
30 November, 2012
The Government has sold enough public sector land to build an estimated 33,000 new homes, the housing minister has revealed
Why housing associations should take advantage of the private rented sector
30 November, 2012
As Places for People expands into the private rented sector, its chief executive explains why others should follow their lead
Landlord warning on Benefits Changes
30 November, 2012
The National Landlords Association has concerns about changes to benefits
Time to think big
30 November, 2012
If housing providers get these details right, private rent will take off
Autumn statement: what it means for housing
29 November, 2012
Find out all about the autumn statement, what it means for the sector and what we expect
An army of benefit scroungers? The evidence just doesn't stack up
29 November, 2012
Our research into people on low incomes found little sign of the stereotype of the workshy claimant who doesn't deserve help
The private sector cannot be the only answer to London's housing problems
29 November, 2012
The capitals property market serves the demands of the wealthy and global speculators, rather than the needs of the majority
Three factors that make a supported housing scheme a success
29 November, 2012
A not-for-profit organisation has helped develop a scheme that supports individuals with learning disabilities and diverse needs
October Market Trend Data from Land Registry
29 November, 2012
October house prices down 0.3 per cent since September
Localism will fail unless government and housing associations get joined up
28 November, 2012
The Government's localism agenda will fail unless the current disconnection between housing associations and Westminster is overcome
Post 2015 doubts hold back house building
28 November, 2012
Housing groups have warned uncertainty about the future of affordable housing is holding back development
Landlords urged to invest in communities
28 November, 2012
The contribution housing associations can make by investing in areas where they rent homes has been highlighted in a report published today
Ignorance prevents housing providers from claiming social investment
28 November, 2012
With social investment expected to become a popular form of funding for community services, housing associations are perfectly placed
Poor housing can 'lead to mental health problems'
27 November, 2012
Councils, landlords and other agencies should work together to help vulnerable people living in bedsits
Housing associations should report 'social value'
27 November, 2012
Housing associations should be legally required to report on the social value they generate
Welfare-to-work: Official figures show job target missed
27 November, 2012
The government's flagship welfare-to-work programme has failed to hit its main target, official figures show
Acting on Localism: The role of housing associations
27 November, 2012
The role of housing associations in driving a community agenda. A new ResPublica report
DWP IT system causes benefit data backlog
26 November, 2012
Concerned councils left overloaded by system crucial to government welfare reforms
Quarter of tenants need help with universal credit
26 November, 2012
Around a quarter of social tenants will need support with the switch to universal credit if they are to avoid financial risk
Why it's time for greater competition in social housing management
26 November, 2012
Benchmarking means that providers judge themselves against often poor-performing competitors
Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2012
26 November, 2012
Extent of in-work poverty is laid bare in a new Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) report today
Back-to-work scheme 'failing homeless'
26 November, 2012
Homeless people are being failed by the government's flagship back-to-work programme despite large amounts of public money
Why social landlords should provide fully furnished properties
21 November, 2012
Tenants that can't afford the upfront costs of furnishing a home are falling victim to expensive rent-to-own schemes
Autumn Statement submission
21 November, 2012
NHF submission to the Government, which outlines a five point plan for growth through housing
Housing associations 'must do more' to help tenants ahead of Universal Credit
21 November, 2012
Housing associations need to do more to assist tenants in using the internet and to support their communities in setting up social enterprises
Charity increasing ties with housing associations to get disadvantaged into work
20 November, 2012
A business-led charity is hoping to expand its relationship with the social housing sector as it looks to increase delivery of a successful employment scheme
Landlord partners with energy firm so tenants can see fuel use
20 November, 2012
Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing has partnered with an energy firm to allow tenants to see how much energy they're using in a bid to reduce monthly bills
'Bedroom tax' dilemma for social housing tenants
20 November, 2012
Research seen by the BBC suggests almost 95,000 people in England could be forced into arrears because there are no smaller homes for them to move into
Social tenants' finances and vulnerability to direct payments
20 November, 2012
NHF report which identifies those who will struggle with move to Universal Credit
HA's employment scheme sees 54 into work in 6 months
16 November, 2012
New Charter Homes' employment scheme has got 54 people into paid work in six months
How social landlords can take the lead on enabling broadband connectivity
15 November, 2012
Research recently found that just under half of those living in social housing have no access to the internet
Freud admits reforms could force families to move
15 November, 2012
The minister for welfare reform Lord David Freud has admitted that a reduced cap on housing benefit could force families in high-value areas to move
Plan to fit 'super-fast broadband' to London council flats
13 November, 2012
Wandsworth Council is considering options to give council tenants access to fibre optic broadband
Government claim that universal credit will always make work pay for single parents is at risk of failure, new research shows
13 November, 2012
Universal credit will fail to provide all working single parent families with a route out of poverty, and act as a disincentive to work longer hours for some
Cutting housing benefit for under-25s 'is unworkable and irresponsible'
12 November, 2012
Crisis says move to save £1.8bn risks condemning thousands of vulnerable young people to homelessness
McCausland rules out call for six-month freeze on government's 'bedroom tax'
12 November, 2012
Northern Ireland's social development minister has ruled out any postponement of the "bedroom tax", due to be introduced in April next year
Communications for smaller housing associations
09 November, 2012
New NHF guide illustrates how smaller housing associations can communicate effectively, whatever their resources
Audit Commission doubles tenancy fraud estimates to nearly 100,000
09 November, 2012
Up to 98,000 socially rented properties in England are being used fraudulently, according to the Audit Commission's revised tenancy fraud figures
Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012
09 November, 2012
Government's response to the consultation
HB Direct
09 November, 2012
November 2012 - includes information on Council Tax Support, Supported 'exempt' accommodation and Universal Credit, Temporary accommodation, Universal Credit and the HB Direct pilots
Knock, knock
09 November, 2012
Who's there? This is the question Aspire Housing is asking tenants during visits to their homes to find out who will be hit by the bedroom tax next April
Direct payment tenants taken to court
08 November, 2012
One of the HA's involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects has warned social landlords to get strict with their arrears policy ahead of UC
Should social tenants receive free broadband access?
08 November, 2012
Jake Berry has called on government to provide free broadband for social housing residents. Do you support the proposal?
What can housing expect from the autumn statement?
08 November, 2012
The chancellor will announce his plans for the economy on 5 December. What impact will this have on the housing sector?
£5.67: the value of £1 spent on confidence and skills for tenants
08 November, 2012
With the Social Value Act coming into force next year, housing associations are fighting to prove their financial worth
Six tips for landlords to reduce void rental periods
07 November, 2012
Welfare reform will lead to repossessions and properties being abandoned by tenants. Here's how to get it back into use quickly
How to: Work in partnership with the private rented sector to tackle homelessness
06 November, 2012
CIH report
The cost of running a home
06 November, 2012
A guide from Wolverhampton Homes which aims to give an idea of those costs that tenants will have to budget for when running their own home
Between a rock and a hard place - the early impacts of Welfare Reform on London
06 November, 2012
CPAG Report
The best of British banking
06 November, 2012
A report by Accent on basic bank accounts for Consumer Focus
Changes to sanctions for Employment and Support Allowance claimants from 3 December 2012
06 November, 2012
Introducing a revised sanctions regime for Employment and Support Allowance claimants who are in the Work Related Activity Group
Top tips: helping residents find employment
06 November, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on why and how housing providers should help tenants to find work
Why we should provide social housing tenants with free broadband
06 November, 2012
It's not a vote-winner and it won't make me popular, but social tenants need free internet access
Trust launches welfare benefit advice phone line
05 November, 2012
Halton Housing Trust is launching a new phone service to help its customers get to grips with welfare reform and benefit entitlement
PDF: Lost benefits - An article from February 2004
05 November, 2012
Disturbing results from a trial of direct housing benefit payments mean the government should think long and hard before applying the reform to the social sector
Dispelling the myth that social housing is a barrier to work
05 November, 2012
Information from Riverside Housing Association
Bedroom Tax Guidance
05 November, 2012
CIH Scotland - This practice guidance is aimed primarily at Scottish social landlords - i.e. local authority landlords and registered social landlords
April is the cruellest month
05 November, 2012
Every time you think you have got your head around the impact of the April 2013 welfare changes you realise you have forgotten something that makes it even worse
London housing crisis: benefit bill soars as rents rise and wages lag
05 November, 2012
New government data on in-work households in the capital claiming housing benefit illustrates the impact of high rents, especially in the poorer suburbs
CLG Committee to hold inquiry on the on the implementation of welfare reform by local authorities
02 November, 2012
Consultation closing date 14.12.12
Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects- Emerging Learning
02 November, 2012
This is the second report in this series
NIFHA calls for bedroom tax delay
02 November, 2012
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations has called for a six month postponement to the introduction of the under-occupation penalty
Landlords plan bank account
02 November, 2012
A group of Greater Manchester landlords is working with local credit unions to set up a new type of bank account to help thousands of tenants who could be made worse off by welfare reform
Direct payments landlord wants policy u-turn
02 November, 2012
The CEX of Wakefield and District Housing who are involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects says he hopes the results will change policy to allow tenants to retain the choice to have HB paid to their landlord
Council stands to lose £70m in welfare shake-up
01 November, 2012
One of England's largest local authorities stands to lose £70m over the next five years as its tenants feel the brunt of welfare cuts
No regrets, says direct payments landlord
31 October, 2012
Family Mosaic says it's pleased it's taken part in the Direct Payment demonstration project as it has given it a better understanding of how to prepare itself and its tenants ahead of UC
Housing associations and provision for destitute migrants - associated appendices
31 October, 2012
Social landlords can take advantage of a pack that has been launched to prevent migrants being homeless
Implementing Universal Credit: will the reforms improve the service for users?
30 October, 2012
Report by CESI
DWP issues warnings to households in benefit cap hotspots
30 October, 2012
Nearly 89,000 households across Great Britain may be affected by next April's household benefit cap, with 42% living in social housing, according to the DWP
DWP holds back data on direct payment pilots
30 October, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted tenants are ready to manage their own money but is not yet releasing data from its direct payment pilot projects
Lord Freud told to explain 'unique circumstances' of direct payments concession
29 October, 2012
A Labour MP has called for an urgent debate or statement from Lord Freud as to why he has let tenants in Northern Ireland continue to have HB paid directly to their landlord under UC
Residents in crisis can bank on support from their HA
29 October, 2012
Residents in crisis will be receiving food and support more quickly than ever thanks to Thames Valley Housing Association
Unlawful subletting: Bill could force Sky and banks to hand over data
26 October, 2012
Banks, building societies, utility companies and even Sky TV could all be forced to hand over data to social landlords to help them detect and prosecute instances of fraud
IDS plans 'two-child' family benefit cap
26 October, 2012
Families claiming child-related benefits may find the amount they are entitled to capped at two children, the work and pensions secretary said today
Landlords to access tenants benefit data
26 October, 2012
Housing associations in Liverpool have launched a new IT system with the city council's benefits service that will give them access to tenants' benefit data
Open letter to landlords: why renting to housing benefit claimants makes sense
26 October, 2012
Put those prejudices aside. This is a real period of opportunity for those letting properties in the private rented sector
Are banks turning their backs on state-sponsored Universal Credit accounts?
26 October, 2012
It appears not all is going to plan with the DWP's attempts to get a national payment supplier to offer 'budgeting accounts' for Universal Credit claimants
Millions set aside to cover welfare costs
26 October, 2012
The UK's largest landlords are stockpiling cash in preparation for next year's onslaught of welfare reforms
Doubts cast on green deal cash back scheme
25 October, 2012
Construction groups have questioned whether £125 million of cashback payments will be sufficient to encourage take up of the green deal energy efficiency scheme
What housing providers can learn from the Tesco Clubcard
25 October, 2012
Most social landlords know very little about their tenants, but collecting the right data can improve housing services
Labour support for Tory MP's subletting Bill
24 October, 2012
Labour has pledged its support for a Private Members' Bill - tabled by a Tory MP - which will crackdown on social housing fraud
Choosing a life on benefits is no longer an option
23 October, 2012
Jobseekers who repeatedly refuse to play by the rules face losing benefits for three years under tough new rules
Universal Credit: Northern Ireland to continue direct payments to landlords
23 October, 2012
Tenants in Northern Ireland will still be able to have their housing costs paid directly to their landlord, it has been announced
SFHA: Benefit bill due to lack of social homes
23 October, 2012
The growing HB bill is due to a shortage of social rented housing and increased subsidies for expensive private sector rents, new research from the SFHA has found
Housing benefit limit only for future claimants
22 October, 2012
Plans to end housing benefit for under-25s would only apply to new claimants, the Department for Work and Pensions has said
The future goes digital for Sanctuary residents
22 October, 2012
Residents from across Brighton are to be given the opportunity to get online and surf the web thanks to a new Sanctuary Housing initiative
Home Truths 2012: the housing market in England
22 October, 2012
This National Housing Federation report says that by the next election one million earners will be dependent on welfare to afford rent
Northern Ireland tenants 'worst hit' by bedroom tax
22 October, 2012
The bedroom tax will cost housing association tenants in Northern Ireland more than £70,000 a week, the chief executive of a membership body has said
Local authorities to seek minimum council tax payments
19 October, 2012
More than 100 councils fear they cannot plug the funding cuts in council tax benefit by hiking up rates on empty and second homes
Homeless youngsters given lodgings in spare rooms
19 October, 2012
A Herefordshire organisation that supports young homeless people has found lodgings for two 17-year-olds
Minister's domestic abuse warning about welfare reforms
19 October, 2012
Welfare reforms could make it harder for female victims of domestic abuse to leave violent partners, according to Welsh government minister
Possible changes to Rotherham council homes tenancies
19 October, 2012
New tenants in larger council houses in Rotherham may no longer be offered life-long tenancies in an attempt to cut the number of families waiting for accommodation
Industry pans payment control
19 October, 2012
Plans to introduce pre-payment cards to restrict how groups of people spend their benefit money risk stigmatising claimants, housing organisations have warned
Tenants 'not confident' about direct payments
18 October, 2012
One in three social housing tenants on benefit are not confident they can keep up to date with rental payments if they receive their benefit direct, a report has found
Peer calls for disabled exemption to bedroom tax
18 October, 2012
A Labour peer has called for thousands of disabled people to be exempt from the bedroom tax
Holes in the Safety Net: The impact of Universal Credit on disabled people and their families
17 October, 2012
A report by the Children's Society, Citizens Advice and Disability Rights UK says 100,000 households with children could have incomes reduced by up to £28pw
Rent increases to slow on the back of low inflation
17 October, 2012
Social housing tenants are likely to see lower rent increases next year after the Treasury released inflation figures
Why digital exclusion is a social care issue
17 October, 2012
As our society becomes increasingly digitalised, figures reveal a large proportion of those not online have a disability or are elderly
Over 50% of Welsh social housing incompliant with government standards
17 October, 2012
Well over half of Wales' 72,329 social homes are failing to comply with the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) according to official figures
Lords fear bedroom tax will hurt disabled tenants
17 October, 2012
Peers have raised concerns about the impact of the bedroom tax on disabled people - and said discretionary housing payments will do little to help the problem
Call for rent limits on former Council properties
16 October, 2012
Labour seeks curbs on buy-to-let investors charging inflated rent
Hammersmith & Fulham confirms allocation plans
16 October, 2012
Hammersmith & Fulham Council have agreed new policies on tenure, allocations and homelessness
LIN Member Report October 2012 - How to tackle under-occupation
15 October, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Rebecca Wilkie.
Universal Jobmatch
15 October, 2012
Universal Jobmatch launches on 19 November 2012. This is DWP's new, free online job posting and matching service
120,000 troubled families could be legally banned from spending benefits on alcohol and tobacco
15 October, 2012
Troubled families living on benefits will be legally barred from spending welfare money on alcohol and tobacco, under plans being drawn up in Whitehall
Green Deal Quick Guides
15 October, 2012
Quick guides on the Green Deal are available for householders, owners, tenants and landlords
Clegg vows to oppose age limit on housing benefit
15 October, 2012
Nick Clegg has vowed to oppose a 'blanket ban' on housing benefit for under 25-year-olds, but stressed further welfare cuts will be needed
Call for housing associations to collect council tax
12 October, 2012
A West Midlands-based housing association says it's worth exploring the idea of social landlords collecting council tax on behalf of local authorities as a result of the Government's welfare reform
171,000 single parents could lose their homes
12 October, 2012
More than 171,000 single parents could be forced to move home if housing benefit is axed for under-25s
Homes recovered in subletting crackdown
11 October, 2012
Dozens of homes have been recovered in Lambeth as part of a crackdown on fraudsters
£8m in DHP funds left unspent by councils
10 October, 2012
Councils across Britain failed to spend nearly £8m in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) last year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed
No approaches on two-year fixed-term tenancies, says HCA
10 October, 2012
The HCA says it has not yet been approached about breaches to the regulatory framework around councils offering and planning to roll-out two-year fixed-term tenancies for young people
Jury out on state-sponsored bank accounts for Universal Credit
10 October, 2012
Housing associations have given a cautious welcome to Government plans to subsidise for a year bank accounts that would help claimants manage monthly payments under Universal Credit
Landlord warns welfare cuts will hit house building
10 October, 2012
One of the largest developing housing associations in the south east has warned of a 'huge drop in housing capacity' if further changes are made in welfare and rental policy
PM confirms age limit plan for housing benefit
10 October, 2012
David Cameron has confirmed the government will look to end automatic housing benefit for under 25-year-olds
Minister announces £145m fund to boost financial inclusion
09 October, 2012
Lord Freud tells Conservative conference that he is working with the financial community to develop ways to increase financial inclusion
Osborne's housing benefit proposals 'will hit families with children hardest'
09 October, 2012
Charities say impact of cutting housing benefit for under-25s would be to discourage mobility and increase homelessness
Cutting under-25's housing benefit will increase youth homelessness
09 October, 2012
History tells us that George Osborne's plan to remove housing benefit based on age instead of need will have a severe impact on young people
Top tips: managing the latest round of right-to-buy
09 October, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on how to handle the new right-to-buy
Why aren't councils claiming millions in DHP funds to help homeless tenants?
09 October, 2012
Freedom of Information request obtained by Landlord Information Network which shows that hundreds of councils have underspent on their DHP pot
Tory MP outlines exemptions to under-25s benefit cut
09 October, 2012
Plans to stop under-25s claiming housing benefit would not affect anyone coming out of care or fleeing domestic violence, a parliamentary aide has clarified
Benefit pilot avoids arrears
08 October, 2012
A Scottish housing association claims to have so far avoided arrears in its universal credit direct payment pilot by not insisting on direct debits
Planning minister to raise direct payment concerns
08 October, 2012
An influential government minister has pledged to raise the issue of stopping paying HB direct to landlords with the DWP after concern with the impact of the policy on investment in new homes
Benefit data held back by councils
05 October, 2012
Councils are delaying sharing vital benefit information with housing associations because of IT limitations and fears of breaching data protection rules
Warning over Tory council's £40,200 income cap for social housing
04 October, 2012
Shelter fears that a London borough's plans to ban households earning over £40k from its waiting list will see a "huge swathe of the population locked out of a decent place to live"
Landlord complaints increasing, says charity Shelter
04 October, 2012
Complaints about landlords in England have risen by more than a quarter in recent years, the charity Shelter says
3 landlords sign up to council's lettings scheme
04 October, 2012
A council has already seen three landlords sign up to its new service for helping families into accommodation
Housing association steps up interventions on direct payment project
03 October, 2012
One of the HA's involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects says more interventions are being taken to collect unpaid rent
Housing associations call on DWP to answer 'big questions' on supported housing
03 October, 2012
The National Housing Federation is calling on the Government to answer the "big questions" on the future of housing benefit for supported housing
Hammersmith and Fulham to fix social housing tenancy term
03 October, 2012
A London council plans to bring in fixed term tenancies for people who apply for social housing from 2013