Housing sector calls for £9.5bn investment

HCA drops £200m single agent plan

The Homes and Communities Agency has ditched plans to raise £200 million for affordable homes by creating a single agent to manage shared ownership products next year.

Housing leapfrog

Controversial new allocations policies which prioritise applicants in work are gaining momentum among councils. Emily Rogers kicks off our residents special issue with a look at why working tenants are being allowed to jump up the housing waiting list.

Charities have to turn away women seeking refuge

Women’s Aid turned away 230 women seeking refuge from domestic violence on a typical day last year due to lack of space, a report on the impact of welfare reform has found.

Positive thinking

New VAT rule could cost sector £183m

Housing providers could be saddled with a tax bill of up to £183 million under VAT changes being drafted by HM Revenue and Customs.

Uncertain times for tenants

Co-operatives need clarification over tenure regime for members, says Brynmor Adams, barrister at Five Paper

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

Construct a greener future

Building regulations are being tightened in a bid to protect the environment, says Catherine Parker, solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins

Time to focus

Associations should prepare for freedom of information requests and greater transparency

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