Councils calls for debt relief to aid building work

William Barnes: a radical vision

Scotland the brave

Nine years ago Scotland made a bold commitment to end homelessness by 2012. As its deadline approaches, Emily Rogers reports on the progress so far

Slow progress

Seventy-five years ago George Orwell exposed terrible living conditions in the north. Today the same areas still face huge problems

Victorian values?

Burying the hatchet

‘We didn’t have a positive relationship at all - and this year has completely changed that,’ says David Cressey, head of housing at Scottish Borders Council.

Acting with conviction

Squatting could soon be criminalised but awareness of current laws is crucial, says Sarah Lines, social housing lawyer at Cobbetts

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

Doing it themselves

Help is at hand for low-income tenants keen to follow the Highland tradition of self-building. Clare Harris reports

Sentenced to life without a home

Imprisonment and homelessness are among the more traumatic experiences that can befall an individual. All too often, the two are inextricably linked.

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