Tories would force HCA to prove its worth

Getting it down Pat

She has one of the biggest jobs in housing, at one of the toughest times. Can Homes and Communities Agency boss Pat Ritchie deliver, wonders Caroline Thorpe.

History lessons

Harrogate memories

For nearly 30 years housing’s great and good have gathered in North Yorkshire every summer. As the Chartered Institute of Housing’s conference and exhibition prepares to move to Manchester, Lydia Stockdale finds out what the delegates will remember most fondly

Rising Stars: the untold story

Alive and kicking

The shortlist

Emily Rogers visits the council that is replacing allocation forms with face-to-face meetings to vet prospective tenants

Support on a shoestring

Budgets are being slashed and demand is up but, as Inside Housing and Capita’s exclusive Supporting People survey reveals, many care and support providers are maintaining services for vulnerable people. Lydia Stockdale finds out how they are doing it and if it can last.

Giving good guidance

How housing association staff are mentoring troubled teenage tenants. Emily Rogers reports

Scrapheap challenge

The price of metal has risen sky high making pipes, railings and even boilers an irresistible target to thieves. Chloë Stothart finds out how one housing association is tackling the growing problem of metal theft

Root of all evil

Is there evidence that board members perform better if they are paid? Steve Gough, board member at Magma Housing Association and Magna Group, and housing lecturer, is still to be convinced.