More funding needed to complete Decent Homes

Mortgage rescue scheme overspent and missed goals

A scheme launched in January 2009 to help households avoid repossession has supported less than half the people expected and gone £35 million over budget.

Auditor slams work programme

The government has so far spent £63 million winding up welfare to work contracts, including settlements with 10 providers that went on to win contracts on the work programme.

The borrowing bombshell

The era of self-financing has arrived but council celebrations could be cut short by an ominous threat to their borrowing limits. Should they take cover? Carl Brown investigates

Crying wolf in the countryside

The great divide

Making the sub-letting of social homes a criminal offence unfairly singles out the sector, says Andrew Heywood

Another law bites the dust

EU rules are forcing a rethink on asbestos regulations, says Claire Gregory, associate at Brabners Chaffe Street

A force for good

Council housing self financing has begun, but what will the new era bring? Steve Partridge examines the possibilities

Green guru

Social landlords must ask themselves now how they will access green deal cash and whether energy company obligation funding can help, says Sally Hancox

Cheaper by the Durkan

The contractor charged with giving an east London estate a facelift also threw in comprehensive energy retrofitting - at no extra cost. Jess McCabe finds out more

The pursuit of happiness

Ministers are investigating what makes people happy. Worryingly, says Alice Ross , housing doesn’t get a mention.