Government revises benefit cuts for unemployed

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

Dunce’s cap

Government to push through welfare reforms

The government has vowed to fight on with its controversial plans to cap benefits after losing another House of Lords vote on the Welfare Reform Bill last night.

Lib Dem peers call for increased benefit caps

Rebellious Liberal Democrat peers are demanding that benefit caps are increased by more than £5,000 a year.

Lords defeated over amendments to squatting ban

Government plans to criminalise squatting are set to go ahead after last minute amendments to legislation were either withdrawn or voted down.

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

Uncertain times for tenants

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

The repairs rule book

Contractor Forrest launched a code of conduct for its repairs and maintenance workers last summer, improving customer satisfaction as a result. Here Sally-Ann Smith explains how it works

From conviction to eviction

Proposed changes to possession grounds would be of no practical use, says Jane Plant, associate at Weightmans LLP

The legal aid lifeline

Cuts to legal aid and new spending restrictions mean tens of thousands of tenants will no longer be eligible for free housing advice. Jess McCabe visits a law centre to investigate the likely impact of the changes