Benefit to go direct to tenants

OK computer?

The government has a bad reputation when it comes to implementing new IT systems. So can its plans to deliver the universal credit online work or are critics right to be concerned? Carl Brown investigates

Government names universal credit pathfinder

Welfare reforms that will see a range of benefits lumped together into a single payment are to be introduced in Greater Manchester and Cheshire six months ahead of national roll out.

Speaking out of turn

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.

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

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

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

Missing contractual targets

Housing benefit caps could put landlords providing rent collection services at financial risk says, David Isaacson, director at Cobbetts

Open-door policy

Allowing private landlords to validate local housing allowance claims can help councils simplify their procedures and cut their housing waiting lists. Neil Merrick heads to Derbyshire to find out how

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