Housing
Council grants oversight ‘not fit for purpose’
The governance of grants worth millions to registered housing providers by Bristol City Council has been heavily criticised by internal auditors.
Tacking the rising ASB scourge
Councils are at the heart of partnership working in the fight against Anti-Social Behaviour, says Rebecca Bryant OBE.
Is Boris in a jam on devo?
Boris Johnson’s levelling up speech was designed to kick-start devolution, quash the critics and calm the blue wall. Heather Jameson asks, did it succeed?
Good design alone cannot address the Nimby challenge
In principle, focusing on housing design quality is a good idea, says Michael Burton. 'But councillors know the cost of ignoring their residents’ views on unpopular new housing estates, whatever ministers insist: they lose their seats.'
New housing to be in keeping with local tradition, Jenrick says
New homes should be built using an architectural style in keeping with the history of their area and located on streets lined with trees, the Government has announced.
Councils ‘resistant’ to repurposing empty commercial space
A think-tank has accused local authorities of being ‘resistant’ to measures that could see empty retail spaces repurposed for housing.
Scottish councils receive £3bn housing grant
Local authorities in Scotland are to share more than £3bn of funding in a bid to increase the delivery of affordable homes.
Salford to establish housing association
The city council is bidding to create its own housing association.
Right to Buy-back fund launched
London boroughs are to receive funding to purchase former council homes on the private market.
Thurrock targets 30 properties for asset sale
Officers have recommended the assets be declared surplus to requirements and released for sale or developed as housing.
Social housing shortage blamed for rising bed and breakfast use
Rising numbers of people who are homeless are being placed in bed and breakfasts due to a severe shortage of social housing, council leaders have warned.
Beautiful, popular, healthy and sustainable new places are what we all want
The public does not feel politicians are doing enough to tackle the housing crisis, says Ben Page. He looks at what councils will have to do to win through on their plans.
Welsh council to end property joint venture
Powys CC has decided to end its joint venture with Kier, and bring housing and building maintenance services back in-house.
Councils must lead the way in raising standards across social housing
The Social Housing White Paper should be welcomed as a chance to renew council housing’s purpose of providing people with the highest possible standard of living, say Jamie Carswell and Joanne Drew.
Scottish council told to improve housing and education services
Aberdeen City Council has been warned to improve its housing and education services by the public spending watchdog.
Call for council powers on short-term lets
Oxford City Council has pressed the Government for new laws around Airbnb-style short-term lets.
Capacity support for councils’ housing delivery teams
To help meet the Government’s ambition of creating 300,000 homes a year by 2024, Local Partnerships is encouraging authorities to take advantage of Homes England’s Local Government Capacity Centre (LGCC), says Judith Atkinson.
Temporary housing that feels like home
Local authority-owned temporary accommodation at Anansi House in Brent raises standards and will save millions that can be invested into the programme for new council homes, as Hakeem Osinaike explains.
Districts squeezed out of new burdens cash
District councils have been squeezed out of new burdens funding for housing victims of domestic abuse due to a £8,000 cut off point.
Planning reforms would 'silence communities'
MPs have launched a scathing attack on the Government’s planning White Paper.
