Spelman takes over as communities shadow

Planning first target for new housing minister

The new shadow housing minister has slammed the government’s handling of planning reform in his first week in the job.

Labour announce shadow cabinet reshuffle

Labour leader Ed Miliband has appointed Hilary Benn as the new secretary for communities and local government as part of the shadow cabinet reshuffle.

Liverpool mayor promises to address housing need

The newly elected mayor of Liverpool has promised to deliver housing for the city.

Coalition ministers split over green initiative

A rift has opened up between ministers at the helm of the Communities and Local Government department over plans to require households to carry out energy-efficiency work if they extend their home.

Mark their words

The other side of the story

Dale Farm has dominated the headlines in recent months. But as Alex Turner finds, there are plenty of examples of landlords and Travellers working together successfully

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

No trouble

The government is drawing up new measures to streamline approaches to anti-social behaviour. ASB advisor Chris Grose answers your questions about how they might work

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

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