Rocketing rents to send benefit bill sky high

The waiting game

In week two of our campaign to free up land for development, Inside Housing visits Basildon to find out how people on the housing waiting list feel about the lack of affordable homes. Photography and words by Simon Brandon

Welfare reform calendar 2011 – 2013

The Welfare Reform Bill is about to receive royal assent and will radically alter the benefits system. Now the government has beaten the Lords, Carl Brown explains why it is important that landlords prepare for the changes

A home of their own

The number of adults with learning disabilities in need of specialist housing is set to rise by 48,000 over the next 15 years. But as Rhiannon Bury reports, funding constraints and benefit changes could deny them an independent life

Chink of light

Tenants face £26 a week cut for under-occupation

Social tenants on housing benefit who are deemed to be under-occupying their homes stand to lose up to £26.65 a week under government plans.

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

Calling in the movers

The ‘bedroom tax’ is meant to encourage tenants to downsize if they are under-occupying their homes. But, especially in the north of England, social landlords say there are simply not enough smaller houses and flats to move tenants into.

On top of the world

Tower blocks are not typically home to extra care schemes. But Helen Clifton finds out how one arm’s-length management organisation is giving older residents a room with a view

Smoke signals

Identifying fire risks is key to preventing tragedy. Helen Clifton finds out how one housing association is working with the fire service to keep tenants safe

The big freeze

Kicking off our chief executive salaries special, Inside Housing’s annual survey reveals the economic downturn has put most pay on ice. Lydia Stockdale reports