Government rethinks broad market rental areas

Doubts by the dozen

MPs’ pledges

A year is a long time in politics. Twelve months ago this group of MPs pledged to do their bit for the housing sector, but have they delivered? Lucinda Dunseath finds out

Give the regions a chance

Central government is distancing itself from regional policy, which is why Liverpool’s first elected mayor will have a vital role to play, says Ann O’Byrne

At crisis point

As waiting lists get longer, councils are increasingly dependent on emergency accommodation to house people. But as one tenant tells Carl Brown, life can be hell for the residents.

Campaigners tackle government over Energy Bill loopholes

The government is facing a backlash from a newly formed coalition of charities and sustainability campaigners over its plans to improve the energy efficiency of private rented homes.

Colour charts

As voters across England, Scotland and Wales prepare to go to the polls, we assess the key battlegrounds for housing

Uncertain times for tenants

Co-operatives need clarification over tenure regime for members, says Brynmor Adams, barrister at Five Paper

Beware broken promises

The Defective Premises Act may not apply to negligent building work in existing homes. Emma Wiltshire, senior associate at Clarke Willmott, explains

Casting the net for a home

A website aimed solely at local housing allowance claimants is helping people find homes. Lydia Stockdale logs on

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