Struggling homeowners still need support

Rescue call

Cuts fail to halt £2bn rise in housing benefit costs

Housing benefit costs will rise by nearly £2 billion by 2016 despite government efforts to cut the bill.

Repossessions at lowest level since 2007

Home repossessions are at their lowest level since 2007, according to data published today.

Majority of new housing benefit claimants in work

More than 90 per cent of new housing benefit claims over the past two years have been made by employed people, as squeezed workers seek help with their living costs.

Analysts improve UK growth forecast

Chancellor George Osborne today revealed that the UK economy is set to grow more quickly than expected this year.

Construct a greener future

Building regulations are being tightened in a bid to protect the environment, says Catherine Parker, solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins

Weather any storms

New guidelines will help landlords comply with the Human Rights Act, says Nnenna Morah, senior associate in the social housing team at Lewis Silkin

Mapping the full footprint

How easily could your organisation calculate its complete carbon footprint? If the answer is ‘not very’, then a new worldwide standard could be just what you need. Elisabeth Jeffries looks at how it works

A friend in need

Edinburgh’s Homelessness Prevention Service is making a big difference to vulnerable residents in the city. Sam Thorp finds out how the council-commissioned service works

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