Renters may abandon a government that fails to stand up for their rights
The government's efforts to improve standards for private renters do not go far enough and it could cost them in the pollsThe private rented sector is at a crossroads. It has the potential to provide...
View ArticleSix ways to save the bedroom tax
A Joseph Rowntree Foundation report has provided a withering assessment of the bedroom tax, but the organisation's Kathleen Kelly has six suggestions to improve the controversial policyThe bedroom tax...
View ArticleEven renters who work should be worried about housing benefit changes
If you lose your job, benefit changes mean your home is no longer safe. The social safety net is disappearingA series of subtle changes to housing benefit mean the safety net for people renting their...
View ArticleHead-to-head: should private landlords be subject to greater regulation?
As the private rented sector grows, so do calls for regulation. We asked a tenants group and the landlord lobby for their thoughtsA powerful, well-funded landlord lobby has, for the past half century,...
View ArticleHousing professionals have their say on the impact of welfare reforms
The Chartered Institute of Housing asked staff how welfare changes will affect the sector. Here is a recap of their responsesWhat is the welfare system for and what will it look like in 10 years' time?...
View ArticleLabour's rent reforms: will a European model really work in the UK?
Ed Miliband looked to Germany for his rent reforms, but there are huge cultural differences to overcome before they can workWill Generation Rent decide the outcome of the next election? Ed Miliband...
View ArticleThe living wage was a good start but what we really need now is a living rent
Housing costs take up an enormous amount of income for renters and frequent increases risk dismantling communitiesFor the 9 million people who rent homes rather than own them, Ed Miliband's recent...
View ArticleFive ways to improve adult safeguarding
Working at the heart of the community, housing staff can play an important role in helping protect residents from harmMany people with care and support needs live in sheltered, supported or extra-care...
View ArticleWill tenants ever pay their rent by smartphone?
More people are using mobile apps to make digital payments. Landlords need to get savvy nowWith large numbers of social housing tenants without bank accounts and regular internet access, you'd be...
View ArticleFour ways to help tenants appeal against the bedroom tax
By helping tenants in bedroom tax appeals, housing providers can bring more money into communities and minimise arrearsAs the bedroom tax affects housing providers as well as their tenants, many social...
View ArticleIs social housing failing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents?
Many social landlords don't understand the needs of diverse LGBT communities, but there are ways they can helpSignificant progress has been made towards achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay,...
View ArticleFunding shortage to blame for lack of new homes, survey reveals
Housing professionals cite cuts to government funding as main obstacle to boosting housebuilding ratesA lack of public funding is the main obstacle preventing new homes from being built, according to a...
View ArticleSocial housing sector sets out ambition to solve crisis by doubling its...
By building for sale as well as rent, housing associations can house 12 million people across communities, conference is toldThe social housing sector could double its provision as politicians struggle...
View ArticleWhy is only one social landlord signed up to the digital inclusion charter?
Despite being well placed to get people online, few organisations have signed up to be a part of the government's official strategyThe coalition government's digital inclusion strategy to get everyone...
View ArticleThe new campaign for social housing is something to Shout about
The message of the new Shout campaign is loud and clear: put social housing back on the agenda in 2014Social landlords could build 100,000 new homes a yearThis week the official launch of Shout the new...
View ArticleWhy housing providers should enquire about their tenants' sexuality
Questions about sexuality, religion and disability can be seen as invasive, but if organisations use the data to provide better services, can it be worthwhile? Kulbir Shergill thinks soMonitoring...
View ArticleOf course landlords turn away benefit claimants. Let's move the debate on
Many were shocked when a minister said landlords were entitled to turn away benefit claimants, but would you rather politicians simply stuck their heads in the sand?The very thing that can make BBC...
View ArticleFive tips for handling rent arrears
Experts offer their advice on how housing providers can better manage arrears and help residents struggling to pay rentAndy Johnson, Wrekin Housing Trust: "Our housing executives get out there and walk...
View ArticleRestrictions on shared homes keeps the rent high for young people
More people are living in shared homes but supply cant keep pace with demand in many areas where the young want to live, says the British Property FederationsMatthew OConnellLiving with friends or...
View ArticleBritain's housing estates a national embarrassment, says thinktank
Government urged to turn around sink estates within 10 years and demolish tower blocks deemed beyond recovery The state of the UKs social housing estates is a national embarrassment in need of urgent...
View Article
