Replacements sought for regional bodies

A joint enterprise

Local enterprise partnerships are setting the agenda on economic priorities, so why do they have so few housing representatives? Rhiannon Bury visits an LEP in the north east to investigate the vital role landlords can play.

True blues

Clegg backs moves to cut benefits for rioters

The deputy prime minister has backed moves to withdraw benefits from rioters despite concern from his Liberal Democrat colleagues.

Vince Cable called on PM to invest in housing

Business secretary Vince Cable sent a private letter to the prime minister calling for increased support for housing, it has emerged.

Peer pressure

The government’s welfare reforms faced a fierce opponent in Lord Richard Best as he battled to protect society’s poorest people. Carl Brown meets the staunch housing advocate to find out what drives him and what’s next on his agenda

Stuck in the mud

Despite the Localism Act being passed, the role LEPs can play in housing remains uncertain, says Liz Jenkins, partner, and Laura Coates, trainee, at Clyde & Co

What’s in the post?

Landlords’ administrative errors can lead to time-consuming court cases, says Jane Plant, associate at Weightmans

Play your cards right

A new card game is helping older tenants rate their service

Shout it from the rooftops

Further planning rules under the Localism Act could increase the need to consult residents, says Ben Halsey, senior associate at Lewis Silkin

The stamp of approval

Councils are expected to allow development wherever possible