Role play route to getting a roof over your head

Armed for success

The inspirational and innovative work being done by arm’s-length management organisations across the UK was recognised at a special awards ceremony last week. Lydia Stockdale reports

Fashion victims

Cash questions

Airtight promise

The Passivhaus, which is like a vacuum flask, conserving its heat without much need for further energy, has been marketed as the home of the future and is becoming increasingly popular across Europe. Jess McCabe travels to Hannover to meet its creator, Dr Wolfgang Feist

Fighting his corner

New Labour’s former housing supremo talks house building, localism and ‘that egg’. Lydia Stockdale enters the ring …

Taking control of the media

In the wake of the summer’s riots, landlords are using social media to debunk stereotypes and show the good in their communities. Charlotte Goddard finds out how

Utopia revisited

As David Cameron seeks to revive the principles of garden cities with a consultation due later this year, Colin Wiles examines how likely it is that his vision will come to fruition

The stamp of approval

Councils are expected to allow development wherever possible

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

Digital age

In the last of this week’s Focus pieces on digital inclusion we take a look at work helping older people get online