Empty homes a private problem as social demand remains strong

Unlocking ambitions

A year after becoming a housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham is counting its blessings, as Nick Duxbury discovers

Empty homes campaigner attacks squatting plans

The presenter of a Channel 4 programme highlighting the ‘scandal’ of empty homes has slammed government plans to criminalise squatting.

Broken faith

Halfway through their mission to revive the housing market in depressed areas, pathfinders have had their funding axed. In the first of a two-part series on the demise of the landmark programme, Inside Housing reports from the communities where hope of a new start is fading fast

Housing body appoints new chair

The National Federation of ALMOs has appointed a new chair.

Broken bandwagon

The big freeze

Kicking off our chief executive salaries special, Inside Housing’s annual survey reveals the economic downturn has put most pay on ice. Lydia Stockdale reports

A friend in need

Edinburgh’s Homelessness Prevention Service is making a big difference to vulnerable residents in the city. Sam Thorp finds out how the council-commissioned service works

Dealing with disputes

The standard process for resolving construction disagreements isn’t always the most appropriate, explains Tom Wrzesien, a dispute resolution specialist at law firm TLT

Exit strategy

Tenants are wholly responsible for exercising break clauses, says Matthew Lake

Dangerous type

The demotion of a housing employee over comments he made on Facebook highlights the grey area between employees’ public and private lives. Here, Lydia Stockdale finds out how others can avoid getting themselves into trouble