Landlords seek clarity on LHA payments

Collision course

Exclusive research by Ipsos Mori for Inside Housing reveals that government benefit reforms are stirring strong emotions among members of the public. Caroline Thorpe reveals how a battle is slowly brewing

Missing link

Review of the year

What a year. From the economic doom and gloom to the summer’s riots, social landlords have had their work cut out over the past 12 months. Here, Inside Housing looks back at the highs and lows

Freud 'cynical' over landlords' direct payment plea

The minister in charge of reforming the welfare system has poured cold water on hopes that social tenants could have the choice of paying their housing benefit direct to their landlord.

Campaigners demand choice on direct payment

A group of organisations has called on the work and pensions secretary to allow tenants to have their benefits paid directly to landlords.

Taking control of the media

In the wake of the summer’s riots, landlords are using social media to debunk stereotypes and show the good in their communities. Charlotte Goddard finds out how

Acting with conviction

Squatting could soon be criminalised but awareness of current laws is crucial, says Sarah Lines, social housing lawyer at Cobbetts

Tenants on the move

A group of London housing associations has launched a scheme to help unemployed tenants relocate to get back into work. Alex Turner reports

The legal aid lifeline

Cuts to legal aid and new spending restrictions mean tens of thousands of tenants will no longer be eligible for free housing advice. Jess McCabe visits a law centre to investigate the likely impact of the changes

Stuck in the mud

Despite the Localism Act being passed, the role LEPs can play in housing remains uncertain, says Liz Jenkins, partner, and Laura Coates, trainee, at Clyde & Co