Major housing crisis 'heading for Midlands'

Stat attack

Spending cuts blamed for rising benefit bill

Housing bodies have blamed swingeing government spending cuts for adding nearly £2 billion to the cost of housing benefit over the next five years.

Dromey fears strategy will hurt housing sector

The government’s plans to rejuvenate the housing sector have been attacked by a shadow minister who said they were modest measures which would cause more hurt than help.

Sector leaders warn of house building crisis

Figures on affordable housing starts published this week have been described as a ‘disaster’ and ‘alarmingly low’ by social landlords.

Rent control

The government must reduce the emphasis on homeownership and make renting a more attractive option, says Jon Cruddas

Brazil needs a new approach

Brazil needs a shift in attitude if it is to successfully tackle its growing housing crisis, says Ruban Selvanayagam

Along for the ride

Contractor Kier offers customers the chance to shadow a maintenance worker for a day. Here, Sheffield Homes tenant Yvonne Collins, 71, explains how the scheme is improving tenants’ understanding of repairs and their satisfaction with the service

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

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

Bright ideas

Elderly and disabled people don’t have to live with ugly adaptations to their homes. Katie Puckett finds out about a contest shining a light on good design