Mortgage rescue scheme overspent and missed goals

Rescue call

Auditor slams work programme

The government has so far spent £63 million winding up welfare to work contracts, including settlements with 10 providers that went on to win contracts on the work programme.

What's missing?

Prefabulous

Prefab homes have suffered from a negative image but the latest designs are energy efficient and affordable, making them a much more attractive option. Nick Duxbury reports

Energy efficiency arguments are ‘misguided’

Attempting to convince households to improve energy efficiency on the basis of fuel savings alone is misguided, a government-backed pilot scheme has concluded.

Lending laws

Follow these simple rules to ensure negotiations with lenders go smoothly, says Nnenna Morah

Guarding empty homes

Landlords should seek legal advice before hiring ‘guardian’ services to protect their property, says Ben Halsey, senior associate at Lewis Silkin

Default hurdles creep up

Lenders are adding to areas which trigger a loan default, says Louise Leaver, partner, head of finance, at Winckworth Sherwood

Up to scratch

Duties around property maintenance have now been enshrined in Scottish law, says Ruth McNaught

Bank on a big change

Housing revenue account reform means for the first time councils can decide how much to borrow, but they must be on the ball if they are to get the best deal, says Rachel Terry