Councils to phase out use of benefit cheques

Money on the move

The introduction of a universal credit has left landlords wondering if benefits will bypass them and leave rent unpaid, says Jules Birch

Peers want universal credit IT reassurance

Peers have asked for reassurances that a new IT system which will underpin the implementation of the new universal credit will be monitored to prevent it failing.

Carving a new future

Landlords in Wales have successfully helped unemployed people into new jobs. Could the government’s new work programme now thwart their efforts?

Migrating to Margate

Fond memories

A pioneering scheme which furnishes dementia sufferers’ homes with familiar objects from their past is being trialled in north west England. Simon Brandon finds out how the project could assist independent living and cut care costs.

Going spare

The government’s contentious ‘bedroom tax’ on under-occupying tenants is set to become law this month. Alex Turner looks at the disproportionate effect it’s likely to have in the north

Open-door policy

Allowing private landlords to validate local housing allowance claims can help councils simplify their procedures and cut their housing waiting lists. Neil Merrick heads to Derbyshire to find out how

Battening down the hatches

Inside Housing’s exclusive salary survey shows it’s been a difficult 12 months for most housing employees. Simon Brandon reports on the regime of pay freezes and increased workloads introduced by organisations as they battle the economic gloom

From riches to rags and back

A Welsh landlord took on an ambitious project to refurbish a derelict Grade II listed mansion. Katie Puckett finds out how they managed to bring it back into use

The shortlist

Emily Rogers visits the council that is replacing allocation forms with face-to-face meetings to vet prospective tenants