Housing
Social housing tests could heavily impact London
London boroughs are likely to be most heavily impacted by the Government’s proposed UK connection test for social housing.
Delicate decisions
Three myths are holding back Labour’s growth plans, but there are ways to increase investment without wrecking the balance sheet, says Cllr Graham Chapman.
Fresh call for Right to Buy restrictions
Housing experts today called for fresh restrictions on the controversial Right to Buy policy – including a ban on applying it to new builds.
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
High Court challenge against Government energy standards
A legal challenge against Government restrictions on energy efficiency standards is to proceed to the High Court.
Ready or not?
As a new regulatory regime gets underway for social housing, Peter Hubbard and Claire Ward offer five tips to support public and private sector registered providers.
Transforming social housing: The task ahead for council teams
Now that the new social housing regulatory regime is in place, housing teams are embracing the challenge as an opportunity for positive change despite the immense pressure councils face, says Caroline Green.
Betts backs Homes England review
Parliament’s housing committee chair has backed calls to remove some responsibilities from Homes England so the agency can focus on affordable housebuilding and regeneration.
Making strategic spatial planning successful
In Localis’s new essay collection, Catriona Riddell looks at developing agreement on housing supply: aligning community engagement and strategic spatial planning.
Agency will need to work with councils
Homes England chief executive Peter Denton has vowed to refocus efforts on delivering new housing in a market that desperately needs it, says Heather Jameson.
Building consent
As Localis publishes an essay collection looking at how homes and developments may be built in harmony with existing communities, Jonathan Werran considers the history of housing and planning.
Empower places to build more homes
Cities that grow their economies and population, but not their housing stock get into real trouble, says Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig.
Homes England urged to strengthen relations with local government
An independent review of Homes England has urged officials to 'build closer relationships' with councils.
Public health directors call for better regulation of private rented sector
Public health directors have welcomed measures aimed at improving social housing but called for more action to tackle poor conditions in the private sector.
Chief executive rejects MP's 'fraud' claims
Rossendale BC’s chief executive has spoken out to rebuff fraud claims made by the Conservative MP.
Let’s restart the housing debate
Key Cities’ manifesto details nine policy recommendations to help councils address the housing shortage – and the next Government must begin introducing targets on day one, says Lorna Fielker.
Tackling homelessness US-style
Andrew Vaux looks at the success of a project based on an international model that is tackling homelessness in one of the UK’s largest cities.
Support for Zane's Law gathers momentum
Two more councils have backed calls for greater transparency over contaminated land and waters following the death of a seven-year-old boy.
Proposed law could ease housing emergencies
Scottish councils may be required to assess the condition of private rented accommodation under a proposed law.
Crises to continue as we lurch towards a General Election
The MJ's 24-hour Future Forum summit cantered through a collection of catastrophes, says Heather Jameson. 'Perhaps we ought to conclude that watching local government is more like the Anatomy of a Fall. But at least it’s not quite Oppenheimer. Yet.'
