Put cash into empty homes, say BPF

Government appoints empty homes champion

TV presenter George Clarke has been appointed as independent adviser to the government on bringing empty homes back into use.

No more excuses

Government warned green deal is at risk of failure

Housing and building groups have warned the government the green deal is in danger of not succeeding unless a series of obstacles are dealt with.

Leap of faith

Kerslake says government will push on with NPPF

The head of the civil service has confirmed that the presumption in favour of sustainable development will be kept in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Empty homes requests

A new ruling and proposed changes to the Freedom of Information Act could open the floodgates to squatters, says Emma Duke, associate solicitor atAnthony Collins Solicitors

Scrapheap challenge

The price of metal has risen sky high making pipes, railings and even boilers an irresistible target to thieves. Chloë Stothart finds out how one housing association is tackling the growing problem of metal theft

Tips from the top

A mentoring scheme is helping talented housing professionals break through the glass ceiling. Lydia Stockdale finds out who is benefiting from this process

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

Cheaper by the Durkan

The contractor charged with giving an east London estate a facelift also threw in comprehensive energy retrofitting - at no extra cost. Jess McCabe finds out more