Deputy PM challenges Shapps over budget cuts

Local problem

Tory councils making biggest cuts to SP services

More than half of the councils making the biggest cuts to services for vulnerable people are Conservative-run, despite the government urging local authorities to maintain budgets.

IDS called on CLG to solve dog track row

The secretary of state for work and pensions called on Eric Pickles to launch an investigation into London & Quadrant’s plans to build on an iconic former dog track, Inside Housing can reveal.

Services cut for 46,000 vulnerable people

More than 46,000 of England’s most vulnerable people have had vital care services scrapped or scaled back after council budget cuts forced the termination of hundreds of support contracts.

Supporting People funds aligned to performance

Supported housing providers could be forced to cut services because of plans to withhold contractual payments until they can prove how good they are.

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.

Cheated out of their savings

Abusive financial practices targeting the elderly are on the rise, but so are measures to protect vulnerable housing association residents. Alex Turner reports

The order of importance

The Localism Act allows councils to decide who they allocate homes to, but beware of discrimination, warns Samantha Hall, senior associate at Trowers & Hamlins

Reasons for rejection

Housing associations can face legal challenges if they don’t give clear reasons for rejecting tender bids. Public procurement specialist Bill Hull explains

Keeping tenants in mind

A recent ruling means landlords of supported living schemes could be denied benefit cash, says John Wearing, partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors