Conservatives claim allocation plans are illegal

DWP defends benefit reforms in court

The Department for Work and Pensions has vigorously defended its housing benefit reforms at the High Court.

Hearts and minds

Right out of left Field

Frank Field is a Labour MP with right-wing views. He’s also the coalition’s poverty czar. Here Lydia Stockdale finds out what he thinks of its housing benefit reforms

Crisis looms for elderly and vulnerable care, union warns

A crisis in care for elderly and vulnerable people could be around the corner as evidence shows the problems facing Southern Cross may not be a one-off, a union has warned.

MPs warn legal aid cuts will hit vulnerable

Legislation that would slash the number of housing cases eligible for legal aid has received its second reading in the House of Commons, despite widespread opposition.

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

A compassionate ruling

The High Court relied on human rights legislation to overturn a decision on end-of-life care. David Renton, barrister at Garden Court Chambers, explains

Cheaper by the Durkan

The contractor charged with giving an east London estate a facelift also threw in comprehensive energy retrofitting - at no extra cost. Jess McCabe finds out more

Pause for thought

Consider the drawbacks before becoming a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, warns Anne Swarbrick, head of charities at Anderson Strathern Solicitors

Beware broken promises

The Defective Premises Act may not apply to negligent building work in existing homes. Emma Wiltshire, senior associate at Clarke Willmott, explains