£3.2 billion needed to make all homes decent

Power shift

In May 10 cities will vote on whether they want an elected mayor. Here Rhiannon Bury finds out what’s at stake for housing

London mayor: 1

Getting it down Pat

She has one of the biggest jobs in housing, at one of the toughest times. Can Homes and Communities Agency boss Pat Ritchie deliver, wonders Caroline Thorpe.

Coalition nimbys in NPPF plea to Cameron

A group of Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs has written to David Cameron urging him to ensure that the controversial national planning policy framework protects rural areas.

Social tenants offered free energy advice

Social housing tenants in parts of London are to be offered free advice on improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

A force for good

Council housing self financing has begun, but what will the new era bring? Steve Partridge examines the possibilities

Foreign intervention

The threat of climate change may not be a big enough priority in most countries, but going green can help to tackle other, more pressing, socio-economic problems, as demonstrated by a retrofit project in South Africa, says Jane Henley

Unlocking funds to build

Associations must work carefully to secure their development grant, says Gillian Bastow, partner at Lewis Silkin

Get your Act together

With a host of legal acts coming into effect this year and next, Caroline Thorpe helps you to learn your lines so you can take to the housing stage with confidence

Hit for six

A 91-home Yorkshire development might mark the peak of sustainable house building. Martin Hilditch finds out why