Local people back new homes

William Barnes: a radical vision

Future vision

Strong political leadership and innovative policies are needed to solve our housing challenges, argues James Gregory

Right out of left Field

Frank Field is a Labour MP with right-wing views. He’s also the coalition’s poverty czar. Here Lydia Stockdale finds out what he thinks of its housing benefit reforms

The Onward March of the NIMBYs

Bermondsey Spa Phase 2

Site E West comprisesa medium rise, high-density, mixed-use development extending to nine stories at its highest point. The development will provide 114 homes. A medical centre, communal facilities, a bike store and other amenities will be provided at ground floor level. 62 of the homes will be housing for sale, 40 shared ownership and 12 keyworker units.

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

Not a sticking plaster

Efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour can seem like fire fighting. It’s expensive to take a more comprehensive and long-term approach by working with a single family to get to the root of their problems. But, as Tony Powell, executive director of neighbourhoods at New Charter Housing Trust, explains, the effect can be transformative.

The shortlist

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

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

Avoid the levy

Social landlords should be exempt from paying the community infrastructure levy, but they must be vigilant, says Karen Howe