Housing
Blueprint for recovery
Norwich City Council has approved a framework to steer recovery. CEO Stephen Evans outlines how the authority will recast its transformation programme to learn lessons from COVID-19.
Research suggests fall in house building due to COVID
More than 80,000 new homes will not be delivered this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, research has revealed today.
We need a bold move to a flexible zoning system
Analyst at Centre for Cities Anthony Breach makes the case for a flexible zoning system. It would give the public a greater say, with the drafting of a local plan becoming ‘even more important’, he argues.
UN expresses 'serious concern' over cladding
The United Nations’ special rapporteur on adequate housing has expressed ‘serious concern’ that 600,000 people in England continue to live in blocks with dangerous cladding.
Kick-starting the drive for homes
Cllr Paul Carter sets out themes and critical actions identified in a new essay collection for a housing-led recovery, commissioned by Localis.
Keep the faith: The importance of courage post coronavirus
COVID-19 has merely accelerated the changes that were already happening in our conurbations, says Matt Crompton. We will continue to create special places if we remain courageous, he adds.
Building better after COVID
Councils’ finances and their ability to carry on building homes is being hampered by the pandemic, says John Perry, but the picture is not overwhelmingly gloomy.
Putting right our housing wrongs
COVID-19 has ‘brought the myriad housing disadvantages and social inequalities into stark relief’ – and it’s time to move on to a strategic approach to building our future homes, says Professor Jo Richardson.
Councils back evictions ban in face of landlord criticism
Councils have insisted police powers can still be used to evict perpetrators of domestic violence amid the evictions ban.
Councils win Right to Buy receipts extension
Councils have won a six-month extension in which to spend receipts from Right to Buy (RtB) sales amid the coronavirus pandemic.
We need to break the deadlock
This weekend marks the three-year anniversary of the tragic fire at Grenfell. While welcoming the announcement in March of the £1bn Building Safety Fund, Sir Bob Neill says bureaucracy must not get in the way of delivery.
Manchester poised to bring housing management in-house
A review of the city council’s housing company has proposed to insource the management of its stock
Call for investigation into ‘unlawful’ development approval
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick is facing demands for an investigation after his decision to grant planning permission to a major housing development was declared unlawful.
Covid-19’s disproportionate impact must prompt action on inequalities
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minorities must lead to renewed action on tackling inequalities at a bigger, longer-term scale, says London Councils' executive member Cllr Muhammed Butt.
Council-owned housing company set for approval
Manchester City Council is set to approve plans for a new housing development company to deliver at least 500 new homes every year.
We've only just begun
After working with councils to get thousands of rough sleepers off the streets, Dame Louise Casey tells Heather Jameson about the next task - ending rough sleeping for good.
Councils locked out of plans to lift lockdown
Plans to lift the lockdown for people who have been shielded were not revealed to local government before they were announced at the weekend.
Plan to build 6,000 new homes to 'end rough sleeping'
The Government has pledged to provide long-term homes for those people taken off the streets during the pandemic.
‘Golden opportunity’ to end rough sleeping
The Government has been urged to commit £100m to councils in a bid to end rough sleeping in England.
It’s time for all councils to be bold on housing regeneration
Sustainable regeneration and development can drive economic recovery post COVID-19 says Cllr Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth LBC.
