Failing benefit system faces upheaval

Welfare reform calendar 2011 – 2013

The Welfare Reform Bill is about to receive royal assent and will radically alter the benefits system. Now the government has beaten the Lords, Carl Brown explains why it is important that landlords prepare for the changes

The colour code

The housing sector has appraised the government’s performance to date. Rhiannon Bury investigates the key findings

At crisis point

As waiting lists get longer, councils are increasingly dependent on emergency accommodation to house people. But as one tenant tells Carl Brown, life can be hell for the residents.

Migrating to Margate

Homeless could live in boats and caravans

English councils will be allowed to house homeless people in caravans and houseboats from next year, the Communities and Local Government department has said.

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

Green guru

The delivery of sustainable homes is a global problem and providers in the UK can learn a lot from their counterparts around the world, says Neil Jefferson

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

Green guru

Social landlords must ask themselves now how they will access green deal cash and whether energy company obligation funding can help, says Sally Hancox

Cheated out of their savings

Abusive financial practices targeting the elderly are on the rise, but so are measures to protect vulnerable housing association residents. Alex Turner reports