Report warns of poverty risk of benefit changes

We do not live in a broken society

Charity loses court benefit fight against govt

The High Court has rejected a claim brought against the government by a charity which argued that cuts to housing benefit would disproportionately hit minority families and were beyond the power of the secretary of state.

Benefit cuts to widen rich-poor gap

Reforms of the housing benefit system are likely to heighten the gap between Britain’s richest and poorest areas, according to academics.

Overcrowding up 27% in social housing

The number of children living in overcrowded homes in the social rented sector has risen 27 per cent, according to figures from Shelter .

Welfare reforms could lead to extension of child abuse safety net

An information-sharing system set up to protect children from abuse after the death of Victoria Climbié could be extended because of the government’s controversial welfare reforms.

Brazil needs a new approach

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

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

The stamp of approval

Councils are expected to allow development wherever possible

The pursuit of happiness

Ministers are investigating what makes people happy. Worryingly, says Alice Ross , housing doesn’t get a mention.

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