Excess baggage

Freedom at last

Scrapping the housing revenue account will cut through red tape and help councils serve their tenants in the best possible way, says Grant Shapps

The finance frontier

On 28 March local authorities will boldly go where they have never been before as a new era of self-financing dawns. Keith Cooper finds out if they are ready for their journey into the unknown.

Buying can bring freedom

Revamping the right to buy and reducing central oversight of housing allocation will help social tenants get on in life, says Grant Shapps

Housing leapfrog

Controversial new allocations policies which prioritise applicants in work are gaining momentum among councils. Emily Rogers kicks off our residents special issue with a look at why working tenants are being allowed to jump up the housing waiting list.

Food for thought

Money matters

How do council housing heads and arm’s-length management organisation bosses fare in the salary stakes? Lydia Stockdale reveals the results of Inside Housing’s exclusive poll

Support on a shoestring

Budgets are being slashed and demand is up but, as Inside Housing and Capita’s exclusive Supporting People survey reveals, many care and support providers are maintaining services for vulnerable people. Lydia Stockdale finds out how they are doing it and if it can last.

Bank on a big change

Housing revenue account reform means for the first time councils can decide how much to borrow, but they must be on the ball if they are to get the best deal, says Rachel Terry

Default hurdles creep up

Lenders are adding to areas which trigger a loan default, says Louise Leaver, partner, head of finance, at Winckworth Sherwood

A force for good

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