Government reviews eco-town programme

The green building dream

Back in 2007 David Cameron had just started his march to power, Lady Gaga was finishing off her breakthrough album and, in the housing world, eco-towns were the next big thing.

Told you so

The prime minister should listen to the advice of his own housing department because there is no more room in the private rented sector, says Jon Cruddas

Council approves plans for eco-town

Detailed planning permission has been granted for the first phase of one of the eco-town developments.

Night riders

London’s bendy buses have become a haven for homeless people seeking a safe place to sleep. Here Martin Hilditch recounts his night with the outreach team attempting to find them more suitable accommodation

The year of reckoning

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

New criteria

A Court of Appeal ruling has defined what constitutes sheltered accommodation, says Robert Wassall

Tips from the top

A mentoring scheme is helping talented housing professionals break through the glass ceiling. Lydia Stockdale finds out who is benefiting from this process

The shortlist

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

The repairs rule book

Contractor Forrest launched a code of conduct for its repairs and maintenance workers last summer, improving customer satisfaction as a result. Here Sally-Ann Smith explains how it works