Ministers to set out affordable rent plans

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

Landlords fear delays over affordable rents

Social landlords fear the government’s £1.8 billion affordable rent programme will be delayed because contracts have not yet been issued.

G15 to sign HCA contracts

Stand-offs over affordable homes programme rent levels appear to be at an end after London’s largest landlords pledged to sign development contracts in the next week.

Landlord gives HCA affordable homes ultimatum

One of England’s largest housing associations will refuse to sign its affordable homes contract unless the Homes and Communities Agency allows it to opt out of schemes in the event of council veto.

Delayed reactions

Unlocking funds to build

Associations must work carefully to secure their development grant, says Gillian Bastow, partner at Lewis Silkin

Going spare

The government’s contentious ‘bedroom tax’ on under-occupying tenants is set to become law this month. Alex Turner looks at the disproportionate effect it’s likely to have in the north

Some food for thought

Landlords should assess their level of risk as the Bribery Act comes into force, says Kirsty Thompson, solicitor at Devonshires

Time to focus

Associations should prepare for freedom of information requests and greater transparency

Buyer’s market

New procurement legislation aims to make it easier for small housing organisations to compete for contracts