Eco town plans face legal battle

Charity wins fight to take government to court over benefit reforms

The government will be forced to fight for its controversial housing benefit reforms in court, after a child poverty charity won the right to challenge their legality.

Eviction-threat Traveller court case adjourned

A High Court case to decide whether to evict travellers from the Dale Farm site in Essex has been adjourned until Monday.

Legal bid launched to save homes from rail threat

A group of councils has launched a judicial review of the government’s decision to press ahead with a £33 billion rail project which could destroy hundreds of homes.

Willmott Dixon in line for £38m care contract

Developer Willmott Dixon has been named the preferred bidder for a £38 million contract to deliver care homes across Warwickshire.

Green around the gills

Utopia revisited

As David Cameron seeks to revive the principles of garden cities with a consultation due later this year, Colin Wiles examines how likely it is that his vision will come to fruition

Make plans crystal clear

Landlords face needless court action if they fail to consult tenants properly, says Robert Wassall, head of social housing at Blake Lapthorn

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

Counting the costs

Just because you are successful at trial doesn’t mean you will recover all your legal costs, says Dan Butler

How to...

Social landlords can play a big role in improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes. But they must lobby hard to ensure ministers understand that they will need support to do so, says Martin Wheatley