Finance

The year in numbers

After the financial battering the sector took last year, 2010 has proved no less challenging, but as Ben Cook reports, there is a new-found resilience among those whose job it is to balance the books

Tell me about your cash flow

The stresses and strains on finance directors have never been so acute. Using the results of our exclusive survey, Lydia Stockdale reveals just what’s on their minds

Licensed to pay the bills

After years in the shadows, the capital markets have come into their own for housing associations. Shaken into life by the credit crunch, but unstirred by volatile interest rates, Crispin Dowler reveals how the bond struck back - and how landlords can make the most of the resurgence

At the crossroads

All the political parties will be poring over John Healey’s proposals on council housing finance reform because, whoever wins the election, change in housing’s financial model is afoot - and its effects will last for years, writes David Hall

The PFI marathon

Only 10 councils are in contention for the sixth round of housing PFI, but if they want to get their hands on the funds they will have to dig deep and chase down £1 billion of investment themselves. Keith Cooper reports

What’s the bright idea?

We all know we have to reduce carbon emissions from existing homes but how do we meet the massive cost of doing so? Steve Binks thinks he has the answer

Forecast uncertain

Uncertainty looms over the prospects for the economy, over the political complexion of the next government and - above all for the sector’s finance teams - over the way public sector cuts will affect housing. Lydia Stockdale reports

Slow burn strategy

Low rental yields on affordable housing offer little incentive to private investors. But a longer-term return on the capital value of their investment might tempt them into the market, argues Ian Graham