Government rejects direct payment amendment

Taking the tough option

Deadline for direct payment pilot looming

The deadline for social landlords wanting to apply to take part in the Department for Work and Pensions direct payment of benefit pilots is today.

OK computer?

The government has a bad reputation when it comes to implementing new IT systems. So can its plans to deliver the universal credit online work or are critics right to be concerned? Carl Brown investigates

Freud rejects change to calculation of cap

Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has indicated the government is not willing to change the way the proposed £500 a week cap on benefits for workless households is calculated- but has promised measures to ‘ease the transition’ for families.

Fed disappointed over ‘bedroom tax’ result

The chief executive of the National Housing Federation has said it is ‘hugely disappointing’ that the government has succeeded in forcing its plans for a ‘bedroom tax’ through parliament.

Cold cottage rescue

Isolation from mains gas can spell financial hardship. Alex Turner investigates how Cornish landlords are exploring renewable energy solutions to rural fuel poverty

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

Now it’s time to take notice

Landlords must ensure they are not caught out by changes to building contract payments, says Kim Teichmann, associate at Thomas Eggar

Off the debt hook

Arrears are irrelevant to possession proceedings if they form part of a bankruptcy order, explains Helen Tucker, partner at Anthony Collins Solictiors

Uncertain times for tenants

Co-operatives need clarification over tenure regime for members, says Brynmor Adams, barrister at Five Paper