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Other Documents
General news items and policy pieces of interest to landlords
Trussell Trust wants hunger to be an election issue
13 November, 2019
Charity urges parties to pledge hunger protection, with more than 820,000 emergency food parcels given out over past six months
Severe housing shortage in England's most deprived area
12 November, 2019
Jaywick has become a byword for deprivation, suffering the stigma of topping the government's list of the most deprived areas in the country three times now
Shared ownership cheaper than renting in London
12 November, 2019
People who are renting in London could save more than £40,000 in two years by purchasing a property using shared ownership
RBS to launch UK's first 'social bond' to address regional inequality
11 November, 2019
Royal Bank of Scotland has announced plans to launch the UK's first "social bond" to address regional inequality and boost economic growth
Welsh Government responds to default fees and holding deposits consultation
08 November, 2019
The Welsh Government has responded to the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 consultation
Thousands of vulnerable people could be living in 'unregulated' housing
07 November, 2019
Report exposes "accountability deficit" in use of non-commissioned exempt accommodation
Agent who conned landlords out of thousands in repairs scam ordered to repay just £850
06 November, 2019
An agent who conned landlords out of thousands of pounds by inventing unnecessary maintenance work has been ordered to pay back just £850
Landlords hit back at national renter manifesto
06 November, 2019
Campaigners from across England have warned that political parties would be "foolish" to ignore the renter vote
General election: Corbyn pledges to eradicate food bank use and rough sleeping within five years
06 November, 2019
Labour leader's remarks come as Boris Johnson formally launches general election after meeting with Queen
UK households at food banks living on £50 a week
05 November, 2019
The State of Hunger report found that 94% of people at food banks are destitute, with one in five having no money coming in
Fury after Jacob Rees-Mogg suggests Grenfell Tower residents who followed fire brigade's 'stay put' instructions lacked 'common sense'
05 November, 2019
He was on LBC discussing findings of Grenfell inquiry report with Nick Ferrari
'We'll only do this as a last resort...' - Cash-strapped council to write off £5.8 million of 'irrecoverable' debt
05 November, 2019
The debt includes unpaid council tax and business rates, rent arrears and overpaid housing benefit
Renters target Tory seats with national manifesto
04 November, 2019
Political parties warned they would be "foolish" to ignore the renter vote
Government to implement Grenfell Inquiry recommendations 'in full' and provide funding
31 October, 2019
Ministers will implement recommendations put forward in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's first report "in full" and "without delay"
Councillors clash over conditions in Barnet housing block
31 October, 2019
Councillors have clashed over the state of a housing block that residents say has been plagued by pest infestations, flooding and crime
Homeowners who refuse to install a smart meter will face a huge hike in energy bills
31 October, 2019
Officials want 85 per cent of all homes to be fitted with a smart meter by 2024
600,000 people still trapped in 'unsafe' tower blocks
31 October, 2019
Following first phase of the Grenfell Inquiry, new analysis reveals increased levels of uncertainty over other potentially dangerous cladding materials
Baroness Gardner: Local authorities must be given the funding and authority to regain control over short lets
30 October, 2019
Local councils need powers over short lets to re-introduce a registration system, a licencing scheme and inspection rights to ensure home owners and neighbours are treated fairly and equally
Grenfell report reveals 'compelling evidence' tower was too dangerous to live in
30 October, 2019
Report on Phase 1 of the Grenfell Inquiry raises stakes for Phase 2
Four more acquisitions announced as franchise chain sets out to negate tenancy fees ban
29 October, 2019
Franchise organisation Northwood, part of Belvoir, has announced four acquisitions made by its business owners
Council moves to safeguard future of half-built £50m Blackpool housing estate
28 October, 2019
Blackpool Council says it is in talks to safeguard the future of a £50m flagship housing project in the town
Two-year wait ends as Leyland test track approved
25 October, 2019
South Ribble Council has finally given the green light to the redevelopment of Leyland test track with 950 homes and more than 300,000 sq ft of employment space now set to be built on the brownfield site
Woman, 87, told she would have to go without hot water or heating as she didn't fit the criteria for emergency boiler repair
23 October, 2019
Northwards Housing has since apologised for the 'misunderstanding'
Housing associations and councils working together to end homelessness
22 October, 2019
In November and December 2018, the LGA and the NHF hosted five roadshow events across England, under the theme: 'Working Together to tackle Homelessness'
Primary schools give free food to hungry families
21 October, 2019
The biggest primary school academy trust in England is to give food to parents to prevent "family hunger"
Calls for council to challenge government housing targets
21 October, 2019
Dorset Council's Tory majority will continue to accept the Government's housing need figures for the county
Westminster rough sleepers evicted after complaint by Commons chaplain
18 October, 2019
Group 'driven from closest thing we had to a home' after Rose Hudson-Wilkin's objection
Bristol council 'on track' to build 2000 homes a year
18 October, 2019
In his final address before the mayoral elections, Marvin Rees outlined his achievements of his first term in office
Women forced to choose between abuse and homelessness
17 October, 2019
Report reveals that the main barrier to leaving an abuser is fear of losing a tenancy
The UK cities where rent is rising the fastest
16 October, 2019
The cost of renting a home rose fastest in Nottingham, Leeds and Bristol in the past year, research indicates, while Aberdeen recorded the biggest fall
Huge increase in Brighton & Hove residents relying on the city's food banks
16 October, 2019
A record number of 21 food banks and emergency food providers in the city are distributing more than 20,000 parcels a year
Corbyn urges Johnson to set 'hard deadline' for private sector cladding removal
15 October, 2019
Jeremy Corbyn has called on the government to set a "hard deadline" for private building owners to fix blocks with Grenfell-style cladding
Rent Smart Wales training scheme given highest seal of approval
08 October, 2019
Safeagent's training for the Rent Smart Wales has been given the highest rating possible
Asbestos, live electric wires, fire hazards and a hole in the floor - safety review reveals serious risks to Hamilton House protesters
08 October, 2019
Squatters who have taken over an empty Chester office block have been warned there is likely to be deadly asbestos in the building
London council halts 'out of borough' homeless placements
07 October, 2019
Enfield Council has set out plans to stop moving homeless people outside the borough, as part of a wider effort to end its "extensive use" of temporary accommodation
Locked Out: How Britain keeps people homeless
04 October, 2019
94% of rented homes are too expensive for families on housing benefit
Manchester rent controls would 'damage supply of housing'
04 October, 2019
A recent report called for a new devolution deal for Greater Manchester, with measures including "rent pressure zones"
A quarter of all fire service prosecutions under safety order are to do with HMOs
03 October, 2019
A new study has reviewed 200 cases brought by fire services under the Fire Safety Order since it came into force 13 years ago
Northern Ireland Social housing sector ready to build on £1bn impact
03 October, 2019
NIFHA launches Benefits to Society NI report highlighting impact of social housing sector
Government holds no official record of UK food banks
02 October, 2019
House of Lords has confirmation in answer to question on food banks being set up in schools
Why post-Grenfell recommendations cannot be ignored
02 October, 2019
Landlords need to take back control of fire safety compliance to ensure transparency, oversight and accountability
London Assembly warned of rent control 'consequences'
01 October, 2019
To see him into a second term as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan set out a blueprint for the overhaul of the rental sector
Conservative Party Conference: Where is the government's offer for struggling renters?
01 October, 2019
In its mission to use the Conservative Party Conference to promote homeownership
Government's housing policies 'risk undermining Northern powerhouse efforts'
27 September, 2019
Covert housing targets will go against the north
Blackpool high school to be redeveloped for housing
27 September, 2019
The council is set to sign off plans to build up to 176 homes on the former Bispham High School at a meeting next week
Thousands of pounds in homes grant returned unclaimed
26 September, 2019
Thousands of pounds of grants meant to help low-income Barrow residents with their housing costs has been sent back to the Government
Fury at 'Hunger Games-style' application process for Grenfell funds sees council chief abandon Twitter
25 September, 2019
'It's vile and disrespectful. To exploit people's grief and turn it into an episode of Dragon's Den is unconscionable'
London borough tenants pay three times more in service charges than neighbours
25 September, 2019
London Tenants Federation uncovers wide borough-by-borough variations in service charges
People moving into temporary homes should be provided with basic kitchen equipment and bedding
23 September, 2019
People moving into temporary homes should be provided with basic kitchen equipment and bedding
England: Landlords vote for merger of representative bodies
18 September, 2019
After a meeting held yesterday, members of the NLA and the RLA voted for the two organisations to merge to form the National Residential Landlords Association
New housing minister defends Right to Buy but says escalating house prices 'cannot be right'
17 September, 2019
New housing minister Esther McVey has said that although there have been nine housing ministers in nine years, all have been united to deliver the homes that she claims Britain needs
Khan: government's cladding deadline 'unrealistic and irresponsible'
17 September, 2019
Sadiq Khan has branded the government's June deadline to complete the replacement of dangerous Grenfell-style cladding on high rises "unrealistic and irresponsible"
Tenants face paying 31% more to trade up from a room rental to a whole home
16 September, 2019
New research has revealed the high costs for young tenants moving from renting a room in a shared property to a whole house
Cut bailiff use for non-payment of council tax
11 September, 2019
Councils are asked to consider vulnerable people as referrals increase in half of all English and Welsh local authorities
'I had to live in one room with my daughter for 11 years'
11 September, 2019
i speaks to homeless families who are being housed in hostels in London 'temporarily' - only to be left there for years
Protesters including local councillor force sale of rental property to be abandoned
10 September, 2019
Demonstrators disrupted a property auction to protest against the sale of rental properties occupied by families with children
Amber Rudd's departure from DWP is bound to be deeply destabilising
09 September, 2019
Resignation comes at time department faces myriad problems of policies
Family of SEVEN are forced to live in single hotel room 11 miles from their old £115-a-week two-bed flat after judge deemed it 'above their means'
09 September, 2019
Jon Mitchell and his partner forced to live in one hotel room with their five kids
No-deal Brexit will bring food shortages despite assurances
05 September, 2019
October worst time to stockpile as warehouses full of Christmas goods
Spending Round: government injects £40m into DHPs but is silent on LHA rates
05 September, 2019
An extra £40m in housing cost top-ups for private renters has been unveiled as part of today's Spending Round, but no announcement has been made on future benefit levels
West Midlands Mayor calls for housing allowance 'supercharge'
04 September, 2019
Andy Street said there was "no doubt" the government's decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance led to a rise in homelessness
Food banks increasing in schools for pupils' families
03 September, 2019
More schools in England are setting up food banks to help feed their pupils' families
Surge in schools setting up food banks to help feed families
03 September, 2019
There is an increasing demand on schools to take responsibility for more areas of children's lives than simply their education
LSE academic develops 'social value' housing framework
02 September, 2019
Catalyst for team led by professor Anne Power was Home Group's Rayners Lane estate regeneration
UK food banks run low as demand surges in school holidays
30 August, 2019
Organisers say donations falling during the summer, just as more families seek help
Repairs and maintenance levels across England hit 20-year low
29 August, 2019
Reports show construction output per property is decreasing in real terms by £192 a year
'Down to the last few tins': summer crisis at Preston food bank
29 August, 2019
The Salvation Army centre is seeing more working families, while donations have fallen
Single Grenfell family still in hotel
28 August, 2019
As of June, 194 Grenfell affected households said to have accepted a permanent home, with 185 households already moved in
'I was housed in a shipping container for two years - they aren't fit for purpose'
23 August, 2019
'It would make me feel crazy because it was a box. Four walls, not much space' one woman tells Vicky Spratt
Budget uncertainty forcing councils into further cuts
22 August, 2019
Committee calls for £4bn boost to restore council funding to 2001 levels
Agent is jailed for 25 months after committing 'sophisticated' tenancy deposit fraud
21 August, 2019
An estate agent has been jailed for 25 months and banned from being a director for five years after stealing deposits as he tried to prop up his failing business
Students paying lower rents than 20 years ago in almost half of the UK's university towns and cities
21 August, 2019
Landlords are finding it harder to increase rents for student housing because of a competitive market
MPs call for huge council tax hikes for southern England to reflect property values compared to the north
21 August, 2019
MPs say councils need billions more every year than they're given by Treasury
Glasgow City Council threatened with court action over homelessness failures
20 August, 2019
Shelter Scotland has threatened to take Glasgow City Council to court unless over what the charity describes as 'gatekeeping' and systemic failures within the city's homelessness services
If it is broke, it needs fixing
20 August, 2019
Today sees the publication of the Children's Commissioners' report, Bleak House
Pressure on affordability as landlords raise rents above inflation
20 August, 2019
A national tenant panel finds over a third of members have experienced difficulties in affording rent
No-deal papers reveal council fears over food supply
19 August, 2019
Legal school meal nutrition standards may need to be amended, or discarded, in the event of a no-deal Brexit
Reducing homelessness, one household at a time
19 August, 2019
Over 500 homeless households rehoused through national housing mobility scheme
Tenant champion dies after illness
19 August, 2019
Tenant champion Gill Lawson has died at the age of 57 after a long illness
DWP rejected chance to take 200,000 people out of poverty
16 August, 2019
Commons report confirms DWP refused a request to ease the benefits freeze earlier this year - despite overachieving on related savings
Domestic violence victim 'appalled' at state of £800 emergency housing
14 August, 2019
The woman who has just had a baby has been quickly housed in temporary accommodation
Goodlord goes against the grain with claims that rents are declining in some regions
14 August, 2019
New tenancies processed through lettings platform Goodlord may be bucking the trend as the firm's data suggests rents fell in five out of eight regions in England and Wales last month
Average adult will spend more than £60,000 in rent before reaching housing ladder
14 August, 2019
Being a home owner is distant dream for many
Landlord vs tenant: Mental health
14 August, 2019
At PA Housing, we view any eviction as a failure, because we will have always done whatever we can to avoid a tenancy ending in this way
Ankor fined for breaching 36 housing rules at Colchester homes
12 August, 2019
A folded property firm has been fined after breaching 36 housing regulations which left tenants in two homes in Colchester living in dangerous conditions
Fraudulent 'agent' jailed after conning six victims into parting with over £12,000 in deposits
08 August, 2019
A fraudster who conned six victims into paying a total of £12,318 for deposits on rental properties has been jailed
Council submits application to develop 2,300 homes in London
08 August, 2019
A minimum 40% of the new homes will be affordable
Birmingham's temporary accommodation tower
08 August, 2019
Birmingham City Council has turned an unloved high-rise block into temporary housing for homeless people
First the fees ban - and now tenants throw down successful challenge to renewal fee
06 August, 2019
Two tenants who refused to pay a renewal fee have been let off the payment - even though the agency was entitled to it
Council tenant dies in hospital after Wandsworth explosion
06 August, 2019
A council tenant taken to hospital after an explosion on an estate in Wandsworth has died
Low-income Britons 'more vulnerable to recession than in 2008'
05 August, 2019
Weak wage growth and years of austerity mean Brexit downturn will be harder for poor
Boris Johnson and the housing crisis
02 August, 2019
The new PM acknowledges the challenge but housing appears far down the list of priorities
Councils 'could seek criminal action' against contractor following gas safety issues
30 July, 2019
Four Kent councils could seek "criminal or legal action" against a contractor that managed gas services for their under-fire ALMO
Milton Keynes Council to form its OWN COMPANY to build 2,000 'affordable' homes
30 July, 2019
MK Council is planning to set up its own housing company to build 2,000 "truly affordable" homes for people to rent or buy
London tenants demand an end to 'stay put' advice during fires
29 July, 2019
A group of London tenants are calling for an end to the 'stay put' policy as a default when there is a fire in a high-rise block
Number of complaints to Housing Ombudsman rises by 12%
29 July, 2019
The total number of complaints received by the Housing Ombudsman this year has risen by more than 10%
Highest homelessness figures recorded in Wales under new legislation
26 July, 2019
The number of households threatened with homelessness increased by 18% in 2018-19
Housing sector calls on Johnson to step up development investment and fix Universal Credit
24 July, 2019
Housing bodies and sector figures have reacted to the imminent appointment of Boris Johnson as the new prime minister
Developing proposals for London rent control
19 July, 2019
The Mayor of London's review of rent control has concluded with a call for new powers to cut rents in the capital
Ban on new home short-term or sub-lets trialled in Manchester
18 July, 2019
A scheme to stop new home owners sub-letting or offering short-term lets is being trialled in Manchester
New affordable housing definition could halve rural rents
18 July, 2019
CPRE analysis suggests huge savings for rural communities if affordable rents are based on income
Young key workers in London spend more than half of pay on rent
16 July, 2019
Harder for teachers, nurses and police to keep pace with England's housing costs
Foodbanks need stock to face 'busiest ever summer'
16 July, 2019
Many foodbanks ready to extended their offer to "holiday clubs" where parents can't cover childcare costs
Two million workers could become eligible for statutory sick pay
15 July, 2019
Two million low-paid workers could receive statutory sick pay for the first time
LGA: HHSRS update doesn't account for 'statistical evidence'
15 July, 2019
Government review recommends an option assessing whether some hazard profiles can be removed or combined and to improve the guidance given to landlords and tenants
Cowboy landlords and slum housing a problem on Isle of Wight - council meeting hears
12 July, 2019
Cowboy landlords and slum housing are part of a systemic housing problem on the Isle of Wight
Bridging the digital divide
10 July, 2019
11.3 million adults in the UK are digitally excluded, 37% of whom live in social housing
Foxtons agent 'threatened with acid attack' after helping to investigate gang of fraud tenants
08 July, 2019
An estate agent at Foxtons who started warning landlords about a gang specialising in sub-letting scams received anonymous late-night threats on her mobile phone
Fraudulent tenant applications on the increase
05 July, 2019
London agent Benham and Reeves has warned of an increasing level of fraudulent rental applications
Local authorities 'should prosecute more letting agents'
04 July, 2019
Local authorities should prosecute more letting agents
New national strategy needed on supported and specialist housing
04 July, 2019
Cross-party parliamentary report pushes case for closer integration of housing, health, and care
The fight for fair housing is finally shifting power from landlords to residents
04 July, 2019
In the UK and beyond, movements targeting housing injustice are gathering momentum
When builders become landlords
02 July, 2019
More and more private developers are setting up registered providers of affordable and social housing
Would-be housing ombudsman quizzed on 'derogatory' view of tenants
02 July, 2019
Past comments come back to haunt Richard Blakeway as Commons select committee tests his suitability for the role
Met police flag up 700 welfare and abuse cases a day over five years
01 July, 2019
FoI request reveals litany of alleged crimes including child exploitation
Tenancy passport firm raises over £3m to accelerate partnerships with agents
27 June, 2019
A firm which supplies tenancy deposit replacement products and rent passports has raised £3.1m in the first few weeks of a new funding campaign
Manchester tower block residents to sue in fire safety row
26 June, 2019
Exclusive: residents say it is unfair there is money to fix cladding but not other issues
Malthouse accused of 'misleading' MPs over fire tests
25 June, 2019
Labour leaps on Commons response to cladding question saying minister has "serious questions to answer"
Government pitches higher accessibility standards for new homes
24 June, 2019
Up to 300,000 new accessible homes could be delivered each year through new policy drive
Row over plan to move tenants into homes next to toxic waste site
21 June, 2019
A waste management firm has said it is "extremely concerned" at a Staffordshire council's decision to move tenants into housing association homes at a development next to one of its hazardous sites
Crisis and Newcastle City Council join forces to end homelessness across the city within 10 years
21 June, 2019
We're incredibly proud to announce that Crisis and Newcastle City Council will be forming a new partnership that will seek to make Newcastle the first city to end homelessness within the next 10 years
Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2019
20 June, 2019
This report examines how living standards - most commonly measured by households' incomes - have changed for different groups in the UK
Inequality and deprivation 'strongly linked' to tenure
19 June, 2019
Research finds that the average outright home owner has more than 40 times the wealth of the average social tenant
Homeless crisis as people waiting 35 years for Brum council house - and B&B; spending hits record £29m
14 June, 2019
Birmingham City Council spent staggering £28.9 million on temporary accommodation in 2018
'No place to call home' - Massive rise in homelessness applications leaves councils reliant on B&Bs;
13 June, 2019
A huge rise in homelessness applications has seen councils spend six-figure sums placing people in emergency B&Bs;
British children in poverty denied basic benefits by Home Office
13 June, 2019
Policy of no recourse to public funds for some immigrants makes their children second-class citizens
Ground rent costing homeowners £447m a year
13 June, 2019
Homeowners under a leasehold are paying a total of £447m a year in ground rent
Councils budget for 21% increase in spending on housing
13 June, 2019
Housing will this year displace highways and transport as the largest area of council capital spending
Anger at Newham Council as people in temporary housing say they live in state of disrepair
12 June, 2019
Demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest against Newham Council's housing system as people in temporary accommodation say they face living in a state of disrepair
Enderby caravan families face eviction as 'not travellers'
12 June, 2019
Residents who live on licensed travellers' sites are facing eviction because they are not travellers
Grenfell victims' families warned there's 'no guarantee' criminal charges will be brought despite 'fearless' police probe
11 June, 2019
There is no guarantee criminal charges will be brought over the Grenfell Tower fire
Labour urges end-of-year deadline for cladding removal
10 June, 2019
John Healey calls for council confiscation of private blocks if work is not done
Breakthrough claimed in same day referencing based on tenant's full credit file
10 June, 2019
Same day referencing based on a tenant applicant's full credit file is being made available - in what is described as an industry first
High rents in English cities forcing young to stay in small towns
06 June, 2019
Young people can no longer afford to move to cities where wages are higher
Revealed: hundreds still face huge cladding bills despite government fund
06 June, 2019
Hundreds of leaseholders living in blocks with dangerous cladding are still facing bills of tens of thousands of pounds despite the government putting £200m towards the removal of ACM cladding last month
Rising rents leave millennials 'stuck where they grew up'
06 June, 2019
Resolution Foundation report exposes extent of mobility decline
JETS powers tenants into jobs
06 June, 2019
Provider employment programme takes off to see 35 tenants land roles
Homeless pregnant woman shocked by request to leave hotel to make way for D-Day guests in Portsmouth
05 June, 2019
A pregnant woman has spoken of her 'shock' after being told to leave her temporary hotel accommodation that day due to high demand for rooms during D-Day week
Council receive £700,000 homelessness prevention boost
04 June, 2019
The City of Wolverhampton has seen a 22% in the number of households in temporary accommodation
Family of five stuck in one-bed flat
30 May, 2019
A family of five, squeezed into a one-bed flat, has been told nowhere larger is available, in another example of Reading's housing shortage
Edinburgh food bank users 'on brink of starvation as supplies run low amid soaring demand'
28 May, 2019
Benefit payment delays one of most common reasons why food banks are only choice
'Mummy, are we poor?': the destitute children denied help by councils
28 May, 2019
Chantel had to fight for support her council is legally required to give due to her immigration status
Temporary accommodation tenants in Custom House hold protest against Newham Council
24 May, 2019
Frustrated tenants living in temporary accommodation in Custom House have held a protest against the council
Mayor urged to ban ads that 'encourage' breach of short-term lets
22 May, 2019
Tom Copley AM says allowing "unscrupulous" property companies to advertise on the tube "sends the wrong message"
Council says its own lettings agency 'saves hundreds of thousands'
20 May, 2019
A council claims that its decision to set up its own lettings agency has prevented homelessness for almost 50 families and avoided £275,000 expenditure on emergency housing
Government has 'fingerprints all over' soaring UK food poverty
20 May, 2019
Human rights report into UK hunger released after a week when Tory backbenchers jeered a Commons reference to a food bank for government staff
Regulator: prospective supported housing providers not budgeting for enough support
17 May, 2019
Prospective providers of specialised supported housing are not budgeting for the support they claim they will provide
Home Office releases Brexit guidance on Right to Rent
17 May, 2019
The Home Office has confirmed that landlords and agents should continue to undertake Right to Rent checks for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens as they do now
Council lettings initiative saves thousands on finding homes
17 May, 2019
In under a year, the scheme has seen 47 households faced with eviction moved into more affordable rented properties
Residents must move out over fire safety - but must still pay L&Q; full rent while cladding is removed
16 May, 2019
Where tenants will be moved to is still unclear
Payday loan complaints reach five-year high
15 May, 2019
Complaints against payday lenders have soared to a five-year high
Exclusion of poor tenants highlights fatal flaw in housing policy
15 May, 2019
The government's pledge to tackle rough sleeping is utterly thwarted by its welfare reforms and spending cuts
Digitisation still a challenge for housing associations
15 May, 2019
A new survey of housing association senior managers has found that they're slow to catch up to customer's expectations around digital services and start benefiting from the efficiency gains of digital
Inflexible, insecure, and losing them money: what the "tenancy trap" means for Britain's renters
15 May, 2019
All across the UK, renting is the new normal
Dozens of residents forced to leave their homes as flat evacuation deadline looms
14 May, 2019
It is understood residents have until end of play today to leave
Sub-letting, the secret recording of rent payments and eviction resistance - one shocking story from Bristol's housing crisis
14 May, 2019
It was either naive or gross misconduct
Pan-London solutions needed for temporary accommodation crisis
13 May, 2019
New report calls for a specific Mayoral-led project that could press MHCLG and DWP on collaboration to improve housing security undermined by welfare reform
RLA: Courts are 'failing' landlords and tenants
10 May, 2019
Average time taken for a property to be repossessed from the initial claim is over 17 weeks
England and Wales Rental Tracker
09 May, 2019
Rental market shows stability in March as landlords look north
Catalyst tenants forced to move out over fire safety issues in London block
09 May, 2019
Tenants at a Catalyst-owned block in London will be moved out of their homes after the housing association found a series of fire safety issues with the building
Leaseholders in London block pay nearly £3.5m for Grenfell-style cladding removal
02 May, 2019
Leaseholders living at a major development in central London have been forced to pay out millions of pounds to remove dangerous Grenfell-style cladding despite no work starting on the block
Airbnb introduces Donations to help with temporary housing
02 May, 2019
Hosts can give money to nonprofits that help displaced people find a place to stay
Likelihood of poorer adults struggling to buy food is rising
01 May, 2019
Food insecurity affected one in five adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2016
Propertymark Housing Report - March 2019
01 May, 2019
Supply of available properties hit the lowest level on record for the month of March
MPs ramp up pressure on government to fund private cladding removal
30 April, 2019
MPs have increased the pressure on government to fund the removal of Grenfell-style cladding from private residential blocks
Three systems we can redesign to end food poverty
26 April, 2019
To unlock children and families from poverty, we must redesign our housing and labour markets and our social security system
Children Going Hungry As Figures Show One Third Of Foodbank Packages Going To Youngsters
25 April, 2019
Record number of foodbank parcels handed out in the past year, with a huge number going to struggling families
Man with mental health problems evicted in his slippers - and he can't get back in to retrieve his belongings
25 April, 2019
Paul Bradley, 64, was evicted from his Cromwell Road flat on Tuesday by Lincolnshire Housing Partnership with just the clothes on his back and slippers
FOI requests detail impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act
23 April, 2019
The Big Issue contacted 354 local authorities to get a clear picture of the new legislation's progress
New regulatory body will oversee both letting and sales agents
18 April, 2019
A new regulatory body has been set up ahead of the tenant fees ban on June 1
Rightmove House Price Index - April 2019
16 April, 2019
The largest monthly sample of residential property prices
LSA: Landlord-tenant firm criticised by housing charity
15 April, 2019
A firm which acts as an intermediary between landlords and tenants has been criticised for charging some customers £25 for a phone call or £15 for emails
Average UK rent down again in Q1 2019
12 April, 2019
Imminent tenancy fees ban may be slowing house moves
Two-thirds of councils say they can't afford to comply with homelessness law
10 April, 2019
A year on from the Homelessness Reduction Act, councils fear lack of funds will hamper efforts to keep people housed and off the streets
Average rent for UK property now £1,217
09 April, 2019
Annual growth hotspots include Edinburgh City (5.97%), Nottingham (4.28%), and Blaenau Gwent (3.76%)
Harlow MP describes office block re-housing as 'social cleansing'
09 April, 2019
The government is reviewing its policy of allowing the conversion of offices into homes without planning permission
Property guardians live in legal limbo - despite new law to protect tenants from exploitation
09 April, 2019
In the midst of England's housing crisis, when many young people face rising rents in major cities, alternative forms of accommodation have emerged
"Poorly finished" new block of flats might have to be be evacuated over fire safety fears
08 April, 2019
Developer vows to work with council to fix problems found in investigations following Grenfell Tower tragedy
New HMO Licensing Scheme in Northern Ireland from 1 April
01 April, 2019
On 1 April 2019, the Housing in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 comes into force and landlords must have a valid licence for each HMO they own
DWP could face imposition of regulator and standards
28 March, 2019
Minister tells Work and Pensions Committee the idea of a DWP regulator and standards is "worth exploring" as applied to other government departments
Half of babies born to families renting
28 March, 2019
Almost half of the babies born in the UK are starting their lives in rented accommodation
Agent who stole £350,000 in rent and deposits ordered to pay back £1
27 March, 2019
An agent who stole over £350,000 in rent and deposits to fund his 'lavish lifestyle' has been told to pay back £1
Homelessness Reduction Act increasing temporary accommodation numbers
27 March, 2019
More people are being placed in emergency and temporary accommodation as a result of the new Homelessness Reduction Act
Fergus Wilson hopes to sell Kent property empire to Golding Homes in £90m deal
26 March, 2019
Controversial landlord Fergus Wilson is aiming to sell off the last of his property empire to a housing association in Kent in a deal thought to be worth about £90 million
Warning over EU tenant rights after Brexit
26 March, 2019
One provider already plans special session to inform EU tenants of their rights
Evicted for complaining about a gas leak
26 March, 2019
Tom did his best to cooperate with his landlord's 'put up and shut up' policy
My disabled daughter has had 14 different homes
26 March, 2019
I'm a single parent with three children. My 15 year old daughter Sasha is severely disabled. For the last 15 years I've been trying to secure her suitable accommodation
Agent appears at Crown Court in tenancy deposits fraud case
25 March, 2019
An agent has appeared in court in a fraud case
London councils pay landlords £14m 'incentives' to house homeless people
25 March, 2019
Almost 6,000 payments made in 2018 to secure housing for vulnerable people
Rogue landlords must stop exploiting students
25 March, 2019
Rogue landlords who provide poor living conditions to students will be censured by the universities minister today as part of a crackdown on 'squalid' student housing
Tenants who pay on time to have rent payment history matched with mortgage criteria in UK first
21 March, 2019
Tenants who are prompt payers and use a rent reporting service could find themselves ahead in the mortgage stakes
Mum 'wedges son's crutch to keep door shut at night' - the reality of living in Bristol's temporary housing
20 March, 2019
"I just want to feel safe. I want my kids to be safe"
Revenge evictions: 'We were evicted for complaining about a roof leak'
19 March, 2019
Alicia Powell, 24, was renting a flat in north London with her boyfriend when she noticed a wet patch on the ceiling
Agent jailed after taking £220,000 from landlords and tenants
18 March, 2019
A letting agent was sentenced to three and a half years in jail after she took £220,000 from tenants and landlords to fund a lavish lifestyle of expensive cars and foreign holidays, and to set up a tanning salon business
Dispute rate looks similar to traditional schemes, says tenancy deposit replacement firm
18 March, 2019
A fifth of check-outs by one of the deposit replacement schemes, Reposit, have ended in some form of charge being submitted to the tenant
Independent agents flock to deposit replacement scheme months after it was opened to small firms
13 March, 2019
Several new firms have signed up to the Zero Deposit team after it was opened up to independent agents in January
Rental investment trust warns of development delays ahead
12 March, 2019
The PRS REIT, a specialist listed company building and managing homes for rent, posted a large rise in first-half profits having boosted its rental income, although it warned of potential planning delays ahead
Consumer power hits the rental market?
12 March, 2019
To an extent, renting in the UK has been seen as a poor relation
Agent in firing line from local council over Section 21 notice
11 March, 2019
Questions have been raised about a council's approach to Section 21 notices
Rudd admits disabled people feel 'put on trial for seeking support'
06 March, 2019
Minister says she wants to leave language of 'scroungers and shirkers' in the past
Crackdown on letting adverts banning 'tenants on benefits'
04 March, 2019
Rental adverts which ban tenants on benefits must end
Criminal landlord enforcement cut by a quarter
28 February, 2019
RLA calls on government to commit multi-year funding in support of enforcement action
Increase of foodbank referrals causes concern in South Tyneside
27 February, 2019
Councillors concerns over borough 'poverty' as South Tyneside Homes refers nearly 2,000 residents to foodbanks in just one year
English councils accused of hiding scale of homelessness crisis
25 February, 2019
Critics point out change of compiling method led to decrease in total count of rough sleepers
Tackling homelessness together
25 February, 2019
A consultation on structures that support partnership working and accountability in homelessness
Scottish regulator underlines need for RSLs to plan for Brexit
22 February, 2019
The letter highlights Regulatory Standard 3 which requires each RSL to manage its resources to ensure financial wellbeing
Landlords to pay £26,300 to reach energy efficiency targets
22 February, 2019
The CCC has suggested that the average landlord will have to pay £26,300 over the next 30 years to bring their properties up to carbon neutral status
Baroness Grender: Give older people who rent greater security
19 February, 2019
If the Tories fail to prepare for this growing phenomenon, it will be a failure to care for our future, older, generation
Maintain EU electrical safety standards after Brexit
18 February, 2019
Campaign group fears UK becoming magnet for dangerous or counterfeit goods
Error sees 700% council tax hike for residents at King's Lynn sheltered housing complex
18 February, 2019
An error in council tax banding at a 'Housing with Care' complex in Lynn has seen residents' payments increase by more than 700 per cent
People in poverty must not pay the price for Brexit
15 February, 2019
Coalition demand Government action to protect struggling families
Most English local authorities 'plan to raise council tax'
14 February, 2019
Almost all councils in England plan to increase council tax and many will be cutting services
Universal credit rollout linked to rising food bank use
12 February, 2019
Work and pensions secretary says benefit payment delays could have led to increase
Windrush win as provider proves tenant 'exists'
12 February, 2019
Elderly tenant facing a near £100,000 told to prove he officially existed, despite his right to live in the UK
Landlords and housing groups lock horns amid claims that high rents are pushing tenants into poverty
11 February, 2019
High rents are being blamed for pushing families into poverty
Student who handed £400,000 in 'advance rent' to agent is ordered to relinquish money
08 February, 2019
A 'kid' who arrived in Britain paid almost £400,000 in rent upfront through an agency
Second acquisition within months for agent as letting fees ban approaches
08 February, 2019
An independent has acquired its second small business in less than a year as part of its 'strength in numbers' strategy to overcome the effects of the tenants' fees ban
Who's who: Islington's rough sleeping chief slams short-term tenancies
07 February, 2019
Islington' Council's new permanent street sleeping chief Sarah Turley speaks to Lucas Cumiskey about austerity, Universal Credit and short term tenancies and the impact they are having
Transfer of homes to 'protect tenants' finalised
06 February, 2019
The Scottish Regulator directed the transfer in November after 70% of Kincardine's tenants said they were in favour of the move
Renters are more likely to have poor health than those who own
04 February, 2019
There are links between housing and health, and research shows that those who rent privately have worse health than those who own properties
The lonely and destitute who will walk miles for a free meal in Birmingham
04 February, 2019
Welfare cuts and loneliness are driving people onto the streets of Birmingham in search of food
Disabled people are going hungry. Tears are not enough
30 January, 2019
Not since Margaret Thatcher have we seen such an all-out assault on our social fabric, nor one that has caused such harm
Association donates over £1,000 of food and household products to foodbanks
30 January, 2019
"It was great to be able to drop off such a fantastic amount of provisions to help those in need"
UK council tax benefit cuts resulted in surge of unpaid bills
29 January, 2019
The rate of non-collection of tax is around 10 times higher than the 2.5 per cent under the old system
Renters to spend almost £154m on agency fees before ban comes in
28 January, 2019
Three Countrywide brands, two Connells Group brands and haart have been named as being among the most expensive 20 biggest firms for charging tenants' fees
Renting 'more affordable' in 2018
24 January, 2019
Stats show that 2018 was the first year since 2008 that rents decreased in the UK, with wages spent on rents dropping 0.5% to 31%
UK rents fall for first time in a decade
23 January, 2019
Yorkshire records biggest percentage decline but signs emerge rents are rising again
'Councils in race for temporary accommodation forcing rents upwards'
23 January, 2019
Councils are in a race for temporary accommodation, and landlords know this and are pushing rents up
Councils need more tools to cut off rogue landlords' profits
23 January, 2019
Brent councillor Eleanor Southwood says the London borough is leading the way in cracking down on those who make tenants' lives a misery
Agent warns of 'possible breach to fees ban law' if tenants use deposit replacement scheme in order to rent
22 January, 2019
Concerns have been raised that agents who let to tenants who can only proceed by using a deposit replacement product could be in breach of the fees ban
Pressure mounts on ministers to scrap Right to Buy after councils spend millions renting back homes they used to own
22 January, 2019
Pressure is growing on the Government to scrap Right to Buy, after it emerged that councils in London are spending over £22m a year renting back homes that they once owned, to house homeless families
This is how many people are on the Sunderland social housing waiting lists
22 January, 2019
Thousands of people are stuck on waiting lists for social housing in Sunderland as bosses struggle to balance supply and demand
Housing is a women's rights issue
21 January, 2019
What does housing have to do with gender inequality?
Three agents likely to serve 14 months each in prison after £105,000 fraud involving deposits and rents
21 January, 2019
Three agents who scammed the public out of over £100,000 in rent and deposits in a prolonged fraud have each been jailed for two years and four months
Deposit scheme backs specialist Housing Court to settle tenant and landlord disputes
21 January, 2019
The UK Government is being urged to follow Scotland's lead as it considers introducing a specialist Housing Court to deal with tenant and landlord disputes
Scotland's largest social landlord generates £2bn for economy
18 January, 2019
Around £150m of GDP to the Scottish economy, equivalent to around 2,575 jobs - that is a substantial contribution
Has the Brexit vote saved London tenants £1,800 pa in rent?
17 January, 2019
Rent rises 3% lower than forecast partly due to fewer EU migrants and price-out Londoners moving out
Rent must be pinned to local incomes, housing associations tell Burnham
16 January, 2019
Affordable rent levels must be pinned to local incomes in different parts of Greater Manchester
£70m Homes England funding to bring 8,500 new homes
15 January, 2019
The schemes have a projected lifetime value of £2.5bn
Housing associations buy up discounted homes from builders amid Brexit uncertainty
11 January, 2019
Housing associations are buying up new build homes from private builders at discounted rates, as they look to offload stock amid Brexit uncertainty in the housing market
Appoint minister for hunger to tackle UK food insecurity
10 January, 2019
Nearly 2 million Britons may be undernourished and one in five children are in food insecurity
No-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for food supply
10 January, 2019
MPs told of triple threat of disruption to stocks, higher prices and farmers going bust
Oldham food bank launches fundraiser after burglary
08 January, 2019
Cash donations, iPads and food stolen in raid at Trussell Trust-run premises
Rents remain below rate of inflation despite increases in most regions
07 January, 2019
Rents continued to rise below the level of inflation in most UK regions in November
Thousands of fire doors that failed at Grenfell still used across the country
07 January, 2019
Data obtained by HuffPost UK reveals at least 25,000 faulty fire doors have been installed in public housing
Deposit replacement schemes boost offerings to gear up for tenant fees ban
04 January, 2019
Deposit replacement schemes have begun bolstering their propositions in a bid to add more value for letting agents and landlords with the tenant fee ban due at some point this year
Landlords' body sells stake in tenancy deposit scheme mydeposits to insurance firm
04 January, 2019
The National Landlords Association has sold its stake in Tenancy Deposit Solutions, which trades as mydeposits, to insurance business Hamilton Fraser
Housing association CEO calls for 'Brexit compromise'
27 December, 2018
Decisions politicians make in the coming weeks will impact on tenants' lives for years to come
EU citizens in the UK: benefits and pensions in a 'no deal' scenario
27 December, 2018
This guidance explains the rights of EU citizens in the UK to benefits and pensions if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement
Disabled woman evicted before Christmas... for highlighting the damp
20 December, 2018
Plight of Surrey resident who never missed a rent payment in 12 years puts focus on lack of tenant security
The truth behind the shocking state of rented homes in Bristol
19 December, 2018
In just a few streets in one small area of Bristol, inspectors found almost three-quarters of homes were sub-standard
Croydon council joins temporary housing scheme
18 December, 2018
Croydon Council is the latest to join a London-wide initiative in a bid to find better deals for temporary housing
Workers get new rights in overhaul but zero-hours contracts remain
17 December, 2018
Measures include protections for agency workers and heavier fines for malicious employers
London's millennial departure fuels UK rent growth
17 December, 2018
Rent in UK's regional hubs is growing faster than both London and UK average amid rising rental costs
Black Country leads the way to provide free housing for rough sleepers
17 December, 2018
The Black Country has become the UK's first region to provide free housing for rough sleepers as part of a Government crackdown on homelessness
To heat or eat: Why NI food banks are busier than ever
17 December, 2018
A house with straw on the floor for warmth and a man whose only cooking appliance is a kettle - this is Christmas in two of Northern Ireland's most affluent areas
'We've seen whole families forced to share a bed': the housing emergency on your doorstep
17 December, 2018
High rents and dwindling benefits leave many families unable to heat their homes or eat
Housing providers "nervous" about taking tenants with learning
13 December, 2018
Finding suitable homes for people with learning disabilities or autism is one of the biggest challenges in making sure that they are not left to live their lives in hospital
Thousands to be left without a home as Southend Council set to come up 7,700 houses short
12 December, 2018
Thousands of people could be left without a home if Southend Council does not close its housing gap
Vulnerable groups 'frozen out of initiatives' to keep people warm
11 December, 2018
Many disabled people and families with children on low incomes are frozen out of schemes to support fuel poor households
Rats and anti-social neighbours: Supported living residents claim they are suffering 'unbearable' conditions
10 December, 2018
Why move me into supported living for mental health if you aren't even making it liveable for me?
How would the sector cope with a 'no deal' Brexit?
07 December, 2018
As uncertainty around Brexit mounts and a no-deal looms, Inside Housing asks what it could mean for the housing sector
Stroud council's temporary housing budget for homeless goes through the roof
06 December, 2018
Council may buy house for homeless after temporary accommodation budget rises by 240 per cent
Food prices could rise 10%
05 December, 2018
Food prices could rise between 5% and 10% if there is a disorderly Brexit
RLA responds to government U-turn on tenant deposit cap
05 December, 2018
"Landlords will feel badly let down" by government
Cross-party calls for rogue landlords to lose properties
29 November, 2018
During debate, MPs from all sides urge housing minister to introduce new seizure powers
Universal credit problems and rise of food bank use
29 November, 2018
Universal credit is a new system which rolls six benefits into one payment
London boroughs 'sharply divided' over Mayoral rent policy
28 November, 2018
Campaigners say FoI figures show that, for new council homes, the Mayor has agreed higher rents than the capital's council tenants have ever paid before
MHCLG tenant fire safety group accused of 'excluding tenants'
27 November, 2018
Ministry urged to reconsider criteria that specify membership applications from landlords only
Universal Credit leaves ex-builder with just '£14 a fortnight' to live on
26 November, 2018
Mark Harris has been forced to use a Foodbank as he struggles to survive on Universal Credit
'I live in disused buildings for cheaper rent'
23 November, 2018
Between them Bella and Rex have both lived in former retirement homes, empty schools and even an old pub
Price cap pitched to rein in rent-to-own
23 November, 2018
Financial Conduct Authority expected to announced the cap today boosting thousands of vulnerable households
Benefit and pension rates 2019 to 2020
23 November, 2018
A list of the benefit rates and pension rates for 2019 to 2020
Letting agents offering 'guaranteed rent' told by watchdog to reveal sub-letting arrangements
21 November, 2018
Complaints against two letting firms offering guaranteed rent through the agent becoming the tenant and then sub-letting the property, have both been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority
Short-term housing offers extra help for Manchester rough sleepers
20 November, 2018
Rough sleepers in Manchester are being offered support to come off the streets and move into short-term housing under a new service launched by Sanctuary Supported Living
Affordable rent housing schemes in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire could be withdrawn
19 November, 2018
Five housing schemes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with affordable rent could be withdrawn
'A lost generation': How austerity has created vacuum being filled by drug gangs exploiting children
19 November, 2018
'Where public services have shrunk there's a vacuum, and what's stepped into it is gangs'
Kincardine Housing Co-operative to transfer to Grampian Housing Association following Regulator's decision
19 November, 2018
The Scottish Housing Regulator has taken the decision to transfer Kincardine Housing Co-operative's homes to Grampian Housing Association
Councils face objections to accessible homes
15 November, 2018
Home Builders Federation says councils have a responsibility to ensure housing plans are viable and not subject to a 'blanket' approach
Rental growth hits an eight-month high but are tenants actually better off than ten years ago?
13 November, 2018
Rental growth last month hit its highest level since February
State of the Property Nation
12 November, 2018
Over 6,000 consumers and 660 agents have been surveyed on their views on the property market
Number of homeless to die in temporary housing revealed
07 November, 2018
Thirty-one homeless people have died while being temporarily housed by Brighton and Hove City Council in the past two years
Universal credit leading to rise in food bank use
06 November, 2018
Trussell Trust says benefits system is failing to protect claimants from hunger
First-time buyer sales down as landlords exit the market
04 November, 2018
The housing sector takes a hit as buyers hold off on purchases following Brexit uncertainty
Excluded tenants gain access to gym and pool in London complex
02 November, 2018
Luxury block Royal Wharf reverses decision that kept subsidised tenants from its facilities
Budget 2018: 'Squeeze continues' for lower-income families
31 October, 2018
The era of austerity is not over for working families on benefits or government departments like transport
Hammond v McDonnell on Budget 'end of austerity' claim
30 October, 2018
Philip Hammond has said there will be no "real terms" increase in public spending apart from on the NHS
Budget 2018 Housing
30 October, 2018
The Budget sets out the steps being taken to keep the government on track for housing supply to reach 300,000 a year
From single parents to landlords: how will the budget affect people?
30 October, 2018
We talk to people with a wide range of incomes about how their finances will change
New legislation could make it requirement for lenders to take rent payments into account
26 October, 2018
Tenant rent payment recognition is likely to become standard after the matter was raised in Parliament this week
Research shows scope for rental payment history in credit applications
26 October, 2018
Letting lenders see rental and other payment data can "greatly improve" access to affordable credit across the social housing sector
Tenants will get access to rogue landlord database
24 October, 2018
Official U-turn after revelation that database is empty and would be secret anyway
Tenants face two-month wait for deposit refunds but some may be wrongly charged for wear and tear
22 October, 2018
Almost two in five tenants may be erroneously losing their deposit funds for claims on general wear and tear, research suggests
Half of all lettings agents thinking of quitting industry because of fees ban
18 October, 2018
The impending tenant fees ban could entirely wipe out some agents' profits, turning them into loss-makers - and half of letting agents are considering giving up
Over £1bn of tenancy deposits "at risk"
18 October, 2018
New research has revealed that a possible 1,500,000 renters could be at risk of losing their deposits believing their bond has never been placed in a deposit protection scheme
Payday lenders told to offer compensation for mis-sold loans
16 October, 2018
FCA says firms must pay out to settle complaints even if it threatens bankruptcy
Hundreds of tenants in Gloucestershire could be hit by a massive increase in their service charge
16 October, 2018
Angry tenant hits out at Severn Vale Housing Society for doubling her charge
'Local welfare' schemes in England on brink of collapse
15 October, 2018
Activists say cuts have ravaged network providing emergency help to poorest families
More than a million UK residents live in 'food deserts'
12 October, 2018
Experts say areas with limited access to cheap fresh food are fuelling health problems
Local authorities could cover tenant rent and deposits as Government unveils £20m fund to prevent homelessness
11 October, 2018
Local councils are to be allowed to pay a tenant's deposit or rent and contact agents to procure rental properties as part of a new Government fund aimed at reducing homelessness
Government to launch £20m PRS access fund
10 October, 2018
Ministers will tomorrow launch a new £20m 'Private Rented Sector Access Fund' aimed at helping those faced with homelessness to secure a tenancy
Only 16 English councils know how many properties are covered by new HMO regulations
10 October, 2018
Only a handful of English councils have said they know now many properties in their area are covered by new regulations governing safety and overcrowding
EU citizens could face repeat of Windrush scandal
08 October, 2018
Residential Landlords Association calls for hard copy documents for EU citizens
Food bank use will soar after universal credit rollout
05 October, 2018
Trussell Trust calls for urgent changes to policy of moving 3m people on to new system
Chancellor urged to back longer rental tenancies in budget
05 October, 2018
RLA wants tax relief on rental income, which could increase each year a tenancy continues - up to a maximum of five years if the tenancy is renewed
More regular work wanted by almost half those on zero-hours
04 October, 2018
'Flexible hours' was draw for only 28% taking gig economy contracts
Grenfell fire survivor says tenants were bullied over renovation
04 October, 2018
Residents were unhappy about boilers being put in corridors
Shared home tenants 'may face rent rises or eviction'
01 October, 2018
Tenants living in shared houses in England could face eviction or increases in rent because of changes to government rules
Two days to go and half of all letting agents in 'have not applied' for Register
28 September, 2018
Letting agents in Scotland must immediately sign up to a new register in order to trade legally. It is estimated that about half have not yet signed up or even applied
Families forced out of their homes after arson attack still told to pay rent
26 September, 2018
It's another blow for the residents - but the housing company says it's been covering other costs
Calls for London to be rent controlled city
25 September, 2018
Campaigners say London should be turned into a rent-controlled city, similar to New York
Plummeting lettings supply means higher rents for London tenants
24 September, 2018
The number of available properties to rent is falling at an alarming rate, particularly in Greater London
Bath landlord battles to avoid £5,000 bill after leak from flat above his property causes roof collapse
19 September, 2018
James Hassam says it is the fourth time this has happened since 2011
Free workshops launched to help agents navigate the tenant fee ban
18 September, 2018
Lettings industry support providers and training firms have teamed up to offer agents a free one-off workshop on restructuring their business ahead of the fees ban
Rents on tenancy renewals now growing at more than double the rate of new contracts
17 September, 2018
Existing Countrywide tenants are seeing their rents increase at more than double the rate of new renters
Tenants' passport firm acquired 'for millions' by giant referencing firm
14 September, 2018
Movem was yesterday acquired by Barbon Insurance Group, owners of Homelet and Rentshield Direct
Tenant 'cooped up' in room measuring less than 6.5 square metres
14 September, 2018
Court hears how letting agent ignored council warnings that the space behind a kitchen was a fire hazard
Market for 'private social rent' should be explored
13 September, 2018
The housing minister has suggested there is a need to explore the market for "private social rent" in response to a question about boosting social housing supply
First-time renter? Here's what you need to know
12 September, 2018
Renting your own place can be really exciting, but sometimes things can go wrong
Vulnerable Islington tenants stranded as charity landlord evicts them so it can build homes
11 September, 2018
An education charity has left tenants in its housing stock stranded after handing them eviction notices so it can build more homes
Avoiding discrimination - a guide for letting agents and landlords
11 September, 2018
The launch of our campaign to end DSS discrimination against renters on housing benefit has suggested that some landlords and letting agents may not be fully up to speed on how their policies could be putting them at risk of breaching the Equality Act 2025
Personal Independence Payment: claimant experiences of the claim process
07 September, 2018
This mixed method research explores claimants' experiences of the whole Personal Independence Payment claim process, including disputes
Tenants with mental health problems being let down
05 September, 2018
Mind has claimed the social housing system "just isn't working" for people with mental health problems after new research highlighted significant dissatisfaction among tenants
Don't blame Airbnb for rise in rents
04 September, 2018
Placing restrictions on the sharing economy will not help locals and will be bad for consumers
Regional differences drag down Scottish rental growth
03 September, 2018
Rental growth in Scotland was relatively flat during July despite double digit annual increases in some parts of the country
Even after Grenfell, tower block residents are being ignored
03 September, 2018
The tragedy motivated me to become a councillor, yet my Tory counterparts are still failing to listen to those they serve
Nearly a third of Bath HMOs are dangerous
03 September, 2018
'Significant' health and safety risks were found in more than 900 shared homes
Colne Together Housing tenant's anger at too late texting
29 August, 2018
A disabled tenant of as housing association has criticised it arranging staff visits to properties without adequate warning
High-rise tenants being ignored like we were
24 August, 2018
Campaigners claim safety concerns of Salford residents are not being handled properly
Nearly half of tenants who make complaint face 'revenge eviction'
24 August, 2018
Estimate by Citizens Advice puts figure at 141,000 tenants since 2015
Survey shows 'widespread public support' for unfair eviction protection
24 August, 2018
End Unfair Evictions coalition strengthened by survey findings ahead of petition presentation to James Brokenshire
Calls for urgent reviews of legislation over revenge evictions
24 August, 2018
A new report by Citizens Advice has shone a light on the "murky world" of revenge evictions
Why the government needs to change the law on longer tenancies
23 August, 2018
Shelter has recently been talking about why the government should change the law to give all renters longer tenancies
String of top agents warned they could be breaking discrimination law as branches 'ban benefits tenants'
22 August, 2018
A string of major agents have been named this morning as actively discriminating against tenants on housing benefit after a mystery shopping exercise found outright bans in place
World first Airbnb sanction scheme aims to expose rogue landlords
20 August, 2018
Airbnb and short-let hosts will be able to apply for national accreditation as the industry attempts to stamp out unscrupulous landlords
Council has millions to spend on affordable housing
20 August, 2018
Trafford Council has millions of unspent cash earmarked for housing, highways, parks and green spaces
Security of tenure moves must end 'no fault' evictions
20 August, 2018
Generation Rent challenges government to make security of tenure mean something more than 'consultation'
Tech firms win prize to help UK's renters onto the housing ladder
16 August, 2018
Renters unable to get a mortgage because of their lack of a credit rating will be able to boost their chances through one of three new start-ups backed by the government
Ready and able to build more council homes
16 August, 2018
Let me be honest, in this country we are facing the worst housing crisis since the Second World War
Housing Crisis: The Grim Reality For Families On Short-Term Tenancies
13 August, 2018
From a mum forced to move when nine months' pregnant to a chemotherapy patient kicked out at Christmas
The supported housing funding saga: a timeline
10 August, 2018
The government's decision to drop a shake-up of supported housing funding brings an end to uncertainty that's lasted for nearly three years
All supported housing funding to be retained in welfare system
09 August, 2018
Housing benefit will be kept in place for all those living in supported housing
Vulnerable children facing 'catastrophe' over crisis-hit councils
06 August, 2018
Vulnerable children cannot get help from some cash-strapped councils
Rate rise likely to have minimal impact on housing market
03 August, 2018
Yesterday's rate rise should have little effect on the property market or buyers' intentions
Food banks appeal for help to feed children during school holidays
03 August, 2018
Trussell Trust raises alarm about shortage of donations
'They hadn't eaten all day': food banks tackle holiday hunger
03 August, 2018
Gap in school meals provision means demand spikes during summer just as donations dry up
Landlords in London are embracing Airbnb
02 August, 2018
A new piece of research reveals that landlords are embracing the culture of Airbnb in London rather than letting out properties on more traditional longer term tenancies
London temporary housing costs up by half in four years
02 August, 2018
Temporary housing costs in London have risen by half in the past four years
Government updates fire door guidance after doors fail tests
02 August, 2018
A number of fire doors have been found to fall short of expected standards in testing carried out following the Grenfell Tower fire
Thousands of teens 'face homelessness' after Tory benefit changes delayed by six months
01 August, 2018
Many young people in Merseyside could suffer because the government has dragged its heels
Breaking the silence: a council insider shines a light on the homelessness crisis
01 August, 2018
Councils have a number of homelessness duties - but their decisions can be difficult to scrutinise
Ministers' plan to research effect of policies on food bank use
01 August, 2018
Ministers want to identify policies or practices that may have contributed to rise in demand for food banks
Fire Doors Made By Five Companies Fail Post-Grenfell Safety Tests
01 August, 2018
Products removed from sale as building owners urge to consider removal
'When these kids say they are starving, they mean it. Having no food in the house is normal for them'
31 July, 2018
Many youngsters who rely on breakfast clubs and school meals during term time don't eat properly during the summer holidays, prompting one youth worker to set up a food bank for struggling kids
Westminster Council to invest millions to accommodate families at risk of homelessness
30 July, 2018
The authority has pledged £15m
Rental supply hits highest level so far this year
27 July, 2018
Supply of rental properties has hit the highest level so far this year
The benefits of using peer support models in shared housing
27 July, 2018
A new report says landlords should seriously consider peer support models in shared housing
Campaigners see off Grenfell 'tenancy stripping'
27 July, 2018
Tenants in the shadow of Grenfell Tower faced a council-imposed deadline to either return or relinquish tenancies and pay for their own temporary accommodation
Fire doors which failed tests not third-party accredited
26 July, 2018
Fire doors which have been withdrawn from sale after test failures were not part of a third-party accreditation scheme
Sheltered housing residents at Newmarket's Barlings Court 'abandoned' by landlords
26 July, 2018
Residents living in sheltered housing in Newmarket claim they have been abandoned by their landlords since their wardens were made redundant four months ago
Belvoir franchisees engage with project to help them replace lost income after fees ban
25 July, 2018
A partnership between Belvoir and Let Alliance has resulted in 10,000 rent guarantees - and a trip to New York for those who topped the leader board
Homeless and Working
24 July, 2018
Dispatches goes behind the scenes in two homeless shelters to reveal the growing number of people who are in work but homeless, because they can't afford expensive private rents in a low-wage economy
Could tenancy agreements be next in government's agency clampdown? Which? calls for review of tenant contracts
24 July, 2018
Which? is calling for a review of tenancy agreements used by lettings agents as part of its latest investigation into the sector
New housing minister criticises councils over unused borrowing capacity
24 July, 2018
The new housing minister has said he is "at a loss" to understand why councils are not using Housing Revenue Account borrowing headroom
Tenancy deposit replacement scheme Reposit explains why it went quiet
24 July, 2018
Reposit, first of the tenancy deposit replacement schemes, has returned to the market - declaring that it never really went away
'Shameful': More than 100 council homes in Grenfell Tower borough lying empty
23 July, 2018
Kensington and Chelsea council must 'get a grip' on housing stock, says law centre
More than half of temporary accommodation residents in work
23 July, 2018
More than half of families living in temporary accommodation are in work and there has been a 73% increase in the number of working homeless families since 2013
Thousands of working families 'trapped' in temporary accommodation
23 July, 2018
Figure up 73% since 2013
In work - but out of a home
23 July, 2018
60,852 families are currently homeless in England. But, we don't know much about their lives, and what could be causing them to be unable to find a safe, stable, affordable home
Government 'must do more' after revelation housing associations pay tens of millions to help unemployed
19 July, 2018
Nationally commissioned employment and skills services have failed to work with them, and have failed to support people who face the greatest barriers to work
Grenfell Tower: Minister admits 'mistakes were made' in rehousing scheme for victims as dozens remain in temporary accommodation
19 July, 2018
Administrators 'being asked to perform roles that they are not used to under very difficult circumstances'
Tenants angry after housing association takes away trampoline - but leaves scaffolding up for over a year
19 July, 2018
Housing association tenants in St John's Wood are furious after landlords banned a communal trampoline on health and safety grounds but left scaffolding up for over a year
Grenfell fire: Ban on combustible material 'not enough'
18 July, 2018
The government's proposed ban on using combustible materials for new high-rise buildings does not go far enough
Government urged to 'baffling' housing complaints system
18 July, 2018
More calls for a single housing ombudsman
Why rental fraud is on the rise
16 July, 2018
Demand outstripping supply helps fraudsters play a particularly cruel game
First-time buyers on the rise as buy-to-let mortgage market falls
13 July, 2018
Number of new homeowners rose 8% in May as mortgages for landlords dropped 10%
English Housing Survey shows huge increase in families renting privately
12 July, 2018
The English Housing Survey is a national survey commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
English Housing Survey 2016 to 2017: fire and fire safety
12 July, 2018
Report on fire incidents, fire safety equipment and fire hazards in different types of households and dwellings in England
English Housing Survey 2016: stock condition
12 July, 2018
Report on the condition of housing stock in England, how this has changed over time, and how poor housing is distributed by tenure and household type
English Housing Survey 2016 to 2017: variations in housing circumstances
12 July, 2018
This report explores the link between housing circumstances and household characteristics
How to become a trans-inclusive landlord
11 July, 2018
Trans people can face discrimination when it comes to housing
Update: How to Guides corrected and reissued
10 July, 2018
The Government has corrected errors in the recently updated How to Guides in England, and has reissued them on their website
London rents rise for the first time in almost two years
09 July, 2018
But new stats show overall rental growth has been fairly subdued in H1 of 2018
Latest stats show temporary accommodation numbers are up
27 June, 2018
Overall the numbers have increased by 56% from 2025 – rising to 190% for those in B&B; over the same period
Children in temporary accommodation in Scotland
19 June, 2018
Children in temporary accommodation in Scotland hits 10 year peak
Calls to build council houses and cap rents in Cov as the shocking number of children living in poverty is revealed
15 June, 2018
Those in work are just as likely to be living in poverty
London boroughs considering establishing temporary accommodation joint company
15 June, 2018
Councils in London are working on plans to establish a joint company to source temporary accommodation for homeless households
Rise in rental costs drive up guarantor numbers
13 June, 2018
The latest figures from Countrywide have shown that there has been a surge in the number of students and young professionals applying for a UK guarantor to secure accommodation
Listening to tenants could help prevent a second Grenfell disaster and we must start now
13 June, 2018
The Hackitt Review called for a "national culture of engagement" with tenants
Just look at housing to see the true cost of privatisation
12 June, 2018
Right to buy has been a success for landlords but a disaster for those most in need of a home
Regulator talks tenant voice and landlord self-assurance at national tenant conference
11 June, 2018
Tenant voice and landlord self-assurance were the focus of the Regulator's opening session at the Tenant Information Service national conference
Police 'fail to act' as tenants are illegally thrown out
11 June, 2018
Officers wrongly treat threats and violence by landlords as a civil matter
Councils spend near £500m on temporary accommodation
08 June, 2018
FoI responses expose eye-watering sums spent by sample councils alone on temporary accommodation over the past year
Grenfell: One year on
08 June, 2018
It's been a year since 72 people tragically lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower Fire
Temporary accommodation in Scotland: where are we now, and where do we go from here?
07 June, 2018
What is the state of play for temporary accommodation in Scotland?
'Absurd' £1,100 monthly rent for tiny flat leads to calls for reform
07 June, 2018
Renters despair at "converted utility cupboard" in Hampstead
Labour seeks law change to reduce maximum deposit landlords can charge renters
07 June, 2018
New parliamentary motion seeks to reduce cap from six weeks' rent to three weeks' rent
Nearly 4 million UK adults forced to use food banks
07 June, 2018
One in 14 Britons has used a food bank amid 'shocking' levels of deprivation
The 'poverty' of Grenfell lay in how tenants and residents were treated
06 June, 2018
Inquiry hears of lack of concern shown by local and central government, contractors predisposed against regulations and red-tape and society as a whole
MP backs 'fantastic' tenant training scheme
05 June, 2018
House2Home offers training in a range of tenancy matters from sourcing affordable furnishing to accessing rent statements online
Union warns that businesses will face staff shortages if pay doesn't keep up with rising rents
05 June, 2018
Employers need to pay higher wages to help staff as rents are growing at almost double the rate of pay
Do you live in shoddy housing that costs a fortune? Time to join the renters' union
04 June, 2018
Faced with soaring rents and mouldy rooms, Bristol's angry tenants have formed the Acorn renters' union
Places for People targets UK private rented sector with £300m joint venture
04 June, 2018
Places for People has entered into a £330m joint venture with USS to acquire a range of private rented residential assets
New homes for displaced Ledbury tenants 'unaffordable'
01 June, 2018
Ledbury campaigners have also said new homes offered to tenants who wanted to leave the Peckham estate were 'unaffordable'
Landlord of housing 'hell-hole' made more than £2m profit in one year
30 May, 2018
The owner of a controversial housing development 'hell-hole' in Mitcham made almost £2.5 million profit in just one year
Government on housing: 'Our priorities have not changed'
29 May, 2018
Government has hit back at claims that it has dropped key pledges from its housing policy
Transforming temporary accommodation
29 May, 2018
Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group recommendations
Average rents up by just £1 but growth still outpaces inflation
24 May, 2018
The south west was the fastest growing rental market in England and Wales last month as rent rises stumbled but remain above the rate of inflation
Government moves closer to flammable cladding ban
24 May, 2018
PMQs hears Theresa May defend consultation over a ban as a legal obligation
Cladding ban plan in Wales after Grenfell Tower fire
24 May, 2018
Plans to ban inflammable cladding on high-rise buildings in Wales will go out to public consultation
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2017 to Mar 2018
24 May, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2017 to 2018
Homes built with government Growth Deal funding will be subject to the Right to Buy
23 May, 2018
Councils with Growth Deal funding from the government will be expected to make any affordable housing they build subject to the Right to Buy, including homes constructed through their privately owned companies
The battle to sustain tenancies
23 May, 2018
Welfare reforms have made affording the rent much trickier for some tenants
Final findings: Homelessness
23 May, 2018
Homeless people have been affected by the increased use of enforcement measures and associated penalties that aim to combat rough sleeping and problematic 'street culture' activities
Households in Temporary Accommodation Rise by 60%
22 May, 2018
78,930 households were placed in temporary accommodation at the end of 2017
Stretched by a big rental deposit? The Government is exploring alternatives - but there are already ways renters can avoid handing over large sums
22 May, 2018
The Government is looking at ways to cut costs for renters
Abolition of tenancy fees charged by agents gets another step closer: But can ban get more draconian?
22 May, 2018
The second reading of the Tenant Fees Bill took place in the House of Commons yesterday evening
Plymouth Community Homes helps new tenants find health and wellbeing
21 May, 2018
The organisation's New Home, New You project is brightening the futures of new residents
The lost homes of Hull's council estates and streets - and how losing them changed everything
21 May, 2018
From tower blocks to maisonettes, we take a look at the housing areas that have disappeared
Raab commits to ban of combustible cladding
21 May, 2018
Housing minister Dominic Raab committed to a ban of combustible cladding products last night, ahead of a government consultation on the issue which will run until July
New boss of Martin & Co hits out at deposit replacement schemes, saying they will cost tenants more
18 May, 2018
The new managing director of Martin & Co has hit out at 'zero' tenancy deposit schemes
DWP sanctions claimants 'by any means necessary'
18 May, 2018
A disabled campaigner has told MPs how she was thrown out of a shelter and forced to sleep in her college library after she was unfairly sanctioned by the DWP
The Unaffordable Private Rented Sector: Why it's time to thaw the LHA freeze
18 May, 2018
Last week, the Scottish Government published its third report into the impact of welfare reform
The DPS Rent Index
18 May, 2018
Average rent across the UK during the first quarter of 2018 was £772
Concern over plan to drop social rent from official definition of affordable housing
17 May, 2018
Trade bodies for housing associations and councils have voiced concerns over a proposal to change the definition of 'affordable housing' in a new draft version of government planning policy
Mortgage and Landlord Possession Statistics in England and Wales, January to March 2018 (Provisional)
17 May, 2018
All mortgage possession actions remain within a range consistent with volumes across the previous two years
Grenfell Tower: lives remembered, but fire safety lessons still not learned
16 May, 2018
David P Sugden says the construction industry cannot be trusted to improve standards
'Pension mountain' needed by older tenants
16 May, 2018
Tenants who will still be paying rent when they retire will need a pension pot of up to £445,000 to avoid falling living standards
London's lack of housing supply is pushing rents up by five per cent annually
15 May, 2018
London's property prices are dropping, but a lack of housing is pushing rents up five per cent a year
Grenfell rally demands urgent removal of flammable cladding
15 May, 2018
Protesters express continued distrust of the authorities as MPs debate terms of public inquiry
Club charging monthly fees to members says it is not an agent letting to tenants
15 May, 2018
A membership club that rents rooms out is charging its members fees. However, it has hit back at claims in a national newspaper story and says it has found a new concept
The rise of middle-aged renters exposes empty Tory promises
14 May, 2018
Policies like right to buy have boosted housing insecurity, not reduced it
Housing benefit bill set to double as renters get older
14 May, 2018
Taxpayers are facing a multibillion-pound bill to support renters in retirement because the proportion of middle-aged workers who do not own a home has doubled in a decade
Reality Check: How much do we spend on rent?
11 May, 2018
In the UK, people are renting for longer periods of time, as buying a property has become more expensive and wages have struggled to keep up
The 37% - food banks, the housing crisis and London's child poverty epidemic
11 May, 2018
I don't tell her. I don't tell her but she's starting to feel that we're poor
Mortgage arrears at record low in Q1 2018
11 May, 2018
There were 78,800 homeowner mortgages in arrears of 2.5 per cent or more of the outstanding balance in the first quarter of 2018
Disabled people in housing crisis
11 May, 2018
Disabled people have been left frustrated and trapped by a chronic shortage of suitable housing
Charedi housing group facing discrimination legal challenge
11 May, 2018
A leading Jewish housing association is being taken to court over its policy of providing homes only for Orthodox Jews
'I have sleepless nights': the looming mental health crisis facing generation rent
10 May, 2018
One in three millennials will never own their own home, and renters can be evicted with just two months' notice
Tenant who left behind jar of peanut butter charged £3 'default fee' for its removal
10 May, 2018
So-called 'default' fees are allowing landlords and agents to charge outgoing tenants for petty acts such as leaving a jar of peanut butter in a cupboard
The Housing Podcast: Peabody's new approach to rents
08 May, 2018
Listen to find out more about the key issues in housing today
London tenants spending £300 million a year on repairs landlords fail to carry out
08 May, 2018
London renters are spending almost £300 million a year on repairs their landlords failed to carry out
Council sitting on £3.7m of unspent affordable housing cash
08 May, 2018
More than £3million of cash given to the council from developers that do not build enough affordable housing has not been spent
New rents edge up - with London prices now 108% higher than rest of the UK
08 May, 2018
Average newly agreed rents climbed to £918 a month in April, up 1.5% from the £904 a month recorded in April last year
Will one third of millennials rent for their entire lives?
04 May, 2018
Up to a third of millennials 'face renting their entire life'
Rip-off debts soar as rent-to-own, catalogue credit and doorstep lending surge after payday loan crackdown
03 May, 2018
Debts from catalogue credit, doorstep lending and rent-to-own have all more than doubled in recent years even as regulators cracked down on payday loans
One-week limit on temporary accommodation could save £29m
02 May, 2018
Scottish councils could save £29m this year if they moved all single people out of unsuitable temporary accommodation after a week
Increasing rent arrears and rising homelessness causing concerns across the north of Scotland
02 May, 2018
Increasing rent arrears and homelessness across Ross & Cromarty gave local councillors cause for concern at yesterday's Highland Council area meeting in Dingwall
New law lets tenants claim back their rent
02 May, 2018
A change in housing law that lets tenants claim back up to a year's rent if a landlord has committed a housing offence is gaining popularity after a year on the statute book
Restricting the use of B&Bs; and unsupported hostels in Scotland could save £29m in public funds this year
02 May, 2018
Moving all homeless people out of unsuitable temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts or unsupported hostels, after seven days could save £29m in public money this year alone
The rentquake will punish the Tories at the ballot box
01 May, 2018
The effects of our broken housing system are felt most strongly in London
Rent pause pays off for provider
01 May, 2018
Debt relief scheme praised for innovative approach to housing costs and mental health
Rent freedom day finally draws near after 86 working days
01 May, 2018
A year's rent takes up all the net pay earned by full-time workers until now - the first week of May
Rent costs full-time workers every penny earned until May
30 April, 2018
A year's rent takes up every penny earned by full-time workers until the first week of May
Tenants making more use of rent repayment orders than local councils in first year of new powers
27 April, 2018
Tenants have made more applications for rent repayment orders against their landlord than local authorities in the first year of new powers that allow renters to initiate RROs
Average rents fall across the UK for first time in six years, suggesting this is more than a correction
26 April, 2018
Average rents in the UK decreased for the first time since 2012 during the first quarter of 2018
Tenants to leave Rugby tower blocks over fire safety fears
26 April, 2018
All tenants from two Warwickshire tower blocks are to be moved from their homes over serious fire safety concerns
Funding supported housing for all
26 April, 2018
Specialised Supported Housing for people with a learning disability
Going green could make your buy-to-let more appealing to tenants
25 April, 2018
When choosing a rental property 42% of tenants consider whether a building is eco-friendly
Number of zero-hours contracts in UK rose by 100,000 in 2017
24 April, 2018
Employment contracts without a minimum number of guaranteed hours increased to 1.8m
Councils Urged To Reveal Full Figures Of Unspent Affordable Homes Cash
24 April, 2018
HuffPost UK revealed at least £375million is yet to be spent
Why food banks must never become the norm
24 April, 2018
The new Trussell Trust chief executive on the food bank charity's alarming 'success', and partnering with Asda
"Benefit levels must keep pace with rising cost of essentials" as record increase in foodbank figures is revealed
24 April, 2018
For the first time, new national data highlights the growing proportion of foodbank referrals due to benefit levels not covering the costs of essentials
End of year foodbank stats
24 April, 2018
Between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, The Trussell Trust's foodbank network distributed 1,332,952 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis
High demand sees Northern Ireland rents rise faster than UK average
23 April, 2018
The average monthly rent in Northern Ireland has risen by more than the UK average to £629
Dartford councillors claim KCC cuts putting strain on sheltered housing for 550 over 55s
17 April, 2018
Borough councillors have claimed cuts made by their counterparts at Kent County Council are putting sheltered housing services for 550 people at risk
Hundreds Of Thousands Put Up With Unsafe Homes For Fear Of Eviction
16 April, 2018
About 250,000 renters are living in sub-standard properties
The Homelessness Monitor: England 2018
12 April, 2018
This annual report funded by Crisis and JRF analyses the impact of economic and policy developments on homelessness
Fife Council steps up homelessness and temporary accommodation measures
09 April, 2018
Councillors in Fife have discussed moves to protect some of the council's most vulnerable tenants
Tenants outside of London spend over half of disposable income on rent
05 April, 2018
And in London almost 89% of disposable income is spent on rent - now standing at an average of £1,879 per month
Council launches crackdown on town's rogue landlords, but housing union thinks it will fail
05 April, 2018
North Somerset Council has vowed to crack down on rogue landlords in Weston-super-Mare after a report revealed the town has the 'worst housing conditions' in North Somerset
169 evictions in Britain a day: "I knocked every door, and no one helped me"
29 March, 2018
From 2025 to 2017, the official number of evictions rose by 53 percent
100 households around Grenfell still in temporary accommodation
29 March, 2018
Victims evacuated from surrounding blocks await permanent rehousing nine months on
Growth in asking rents slows since last quarter but has soared in past ten years
28 March, 2018
Rightmove has shed light on just how much asking rents have changed in the past decade
Government to allow councils to charge double council tax on empty homes
28 March, 2018
New legislation lets councils levy additional charges on homes empty for two years or more
The disappearing HMOs
28 March, 2018
Houses in multiple occupation are often far from ideal lodgings - but a trend to convert them to more profitable houses is leaving residents with few options
Credit card debt growth at 12-year high
27 March, 2018
Debt on UK credit cards is growing at the fastest rate since before the financial crisis
London firms 'should offer deposit guarantees' for employees who rent
27 March, 2018
New report calls on Sadiq Khan to set up such a scheme borough-wide as a boost for low-income renters
Food and beyond: exploring the food bank experience
27 March, 2018
Foodbank usage has been growing in Scotland since 2012
Conservative MP introduces fire risk transparency bill to parliament
21 March, 2018
A Conservative MP has introduced a bill to parliament which would require building owners to tell residents about fire safety risks
UK House Price Index: January 2018
21 March, 2018
Monthly house price inflation in the UK, calculated using data from HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland and Land and Property Services Northern Ireland
Food bank use 'could rise after universal credit roll-out'
20 March, 2018
The full roll out of universal credit could see a significant rise in people needing emergency food supplies in Wales
Fighting discriminatory letting agents with the Equality Act
19 March, 2018
Discrimination by landlords and letting agents is nothing new
Sadiq Khan opens emergency homeless shelters to cope with freezing temperatures as 'mini beast from the East' bites
19 March, 2018
24/7 services providing shelter for rough sleepers open up across capital as temperatures stoop below zero
Calls to end 'widespread' evictions
19 March, 2018
A new Homeless Reduction Strategy for Peterborough calls on the Government to end the "widespread use" of an eviction process which saw a city estate cleared of almost all of its residents
'Urgent regulation needed' to stop abusive practices by letting agents
19 March, 2018
One London worker's room rented from Citiside turned out to be a health hazard, but he faces a battle to get out of his contract
Call for stricter rules on doorstep loans
19 March, 2018
People who borrow money from doorstep lenders should get the same protection as those with payday loans
Homes in Bath area now cost nearly 12 times average earnings amid 'ginormous' rise in private rentals
16 March, 2018
The council is having to put in 'more time and effort' to get families out of temporary and into permanent accommodation
HMO minimum room sizes to come into force 1 October 2018
16 March, 2018
Regulations confirming that from 1 October 2018 HMOs licensed in England under part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 will be required to have a floor area no-smaller than 6.51 square metres have been published
Landlords still unaware of minimum energy efficiency standards with time running out
15 March, 2018
Just 4% of landlords and tenants are fully aware of looming legislation on energy efficiency on buy-to-let properties with just days until the changes are introduced
One million children could go hungry under new plans for free school meals
14 March, 2018
Government proposals to limit access to free school meals will hurt struggling families, including working households
Councils can't 'abdicate responsibility' over affordable homes
14 March, 2018
But Housing minister offers councils little on lifting the debt cap - telling Commons committee only that submissions to government will be considered
HomeLet Rental Index - February 2018
14 March, 2018
Rents in the UK rose by 1.2% in February compared to the same month a year ago; the average monthly rent now stands at £906 a month
'Disgraceful' body-building landlord evicts mother-of-nine and her family by hurling their belongings including tragic keepsakes of her dead baby from their second-floor flat window
13 March, 2018
Donna Newby, 41 and her family were served an eviction notice last week
Student tenants pushed into financial hardship as loans barely cover rents
13 March, 2018
Many student tenants are struggling to get by, with their monthly loans barely covering rents
Housing Benefit debt recoveries: April 2017 to September 2017
07 March, 2018
Twice-yearly publication on Housing Benefit debt recoveries
Housing Crisis: Renters Are Driving British Voters to Labour
06 March, 2018
The central issue in British politics is not, as you might have thought, Brexit. It's housing
Government 'risks second Grenfell with inaction on cladding in private sector'
06 March, 2018
The Government has previously said private landlords have a 'moral duty' to pay for the cost of removing and replacing the cladding
Angry Redditch residents hit out over rent rises at 'affordable homes'
05 March, 2018
A group of disgruntled Batchley residents say they could be left homeless after a series of rent rises on their 'affordable' homes
Ministers have shelved a plan to cut benefit sanctions, sending poorest to food banks
05 March, 2018
A 'yellow card' warning system was announced in late 2015 - but there is still no date for introducing it
Government's housing plans fall far short for low income families
05 March, 2018
Responding to the Prime Minister's speech on planning and housing
Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at November 2017 is published
01 March, 2018
The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main DfC administered benefits as at November 2017
Emergency shelters opened for homeless people in cold snap
28 February, 2018
Manchester leads rush to make beds available as overnight temperatures drop below zero
Agent rejecting potential tenant on benefits pays out after admitting discrimination
27 February, 2018
A tenant turned away by a letting agent after she said that that part of her rent would be paid out by benefits looks to have won the first round in an important legal battle
'Renters in for a rough ride' in 2018
26 February, 2018
Rising rents and an increasing number of households renting meant that 2017 was a record year for rent, with the total rent bill rising to £1.8 billion
Hospitals, jails and Jobcentres will have to refer those at risk of homelessness
22 February, 2018
The Government said prisons, Jobcentres and NHS Trusts will be legally obliged to intervene early in potential cases of homelessness
MSP calls on 'big six' to back energy credit foodbank scheme
21 February, 2018
Christina McKelvie MSP is calling on energy firms to follow ScottishPower's example and to set up a scheme that allows customers who are referred to foodbanks to gain fuel assistance
BBC Panorama to investigate Section 21 'no-fault evictions' on 21st
21 February, 2018
The BBC current affairs show Panorama is set to examine Section 21 notices - so-called 'no-fault evictions' - tonight, and debate whether tenants deserve more protection
Government plans fall short of 600 extra low-cost rented homes a week needed
20 February, 2018
Nearly 600 additional low-cost rented homes need to be built every week in order to fix the broken housing market and help low incomes families escape poverty
Online agent defends failure to display EPC ratings on Rightmove listings
20 February, 2018
An online letting agent has defended its failure to display EPC ratings on some of its Rightmove listings
Small deposit borrowers kickstart new year
20 February, 2018
Strong growth in number of small deposit mortgages
Rental repossession numbers set to jump
19 February, 2018
London now the hotspot for failure to pay action
The scandal of sub-standard rental property
19 February, 2018
Theresa May during a visit to a London housing estate when she promised to put the issue at the top of the political agenda
Housing association's fuel poverty work in North Wales wins trio of commendations
16 February, 2018
Work by energy wardens to help combat fuel poverty in North Wales has received a trio of commendations
Multiple fire safety risks found at flats with Grenfell-style cladding
16 February, 2018
Residents at 11-block New Capital Quay in London tell of fears as officials raise concerns
NLA responds to Labour proposals to make accepting pets the default
16 February, 2018
In response to Labour's animal welfare plan, which proposes to give tenants the default right to keep pets unless there is evidence the animal is causing a nuisance
Research reveals safety fears of trans and LGBT*Q tenants
15 February, 2018
Major new study outlines the trans and LGBT*Q social housing experience - with worrying findings over safety and harassment
Landlords and tenants want to ditch agents ahead of fee ban
15 February, 2018
Both landlords and tenants want to move away from lettings agents in the rental market ahead of the fee ban
What causes London's eviction 'hotspots'?
14 February, 2018
Evictions have been rising quickly in London, up by 79% in the last five years - an eviction rate among renters more than twice as high as the rest of England
Number of first-time buyers reaches a decade-long high but buy-to-lets stumble
14 February, 2018
The number of first-time buyers in the market has hit a decade-long high
Update on the future funding of supported housing
14 February, 2018
We're working to ensure that the final policy on funding for supported housing will provide security for existing schemes and future developments
Housing associations' role in tackling homelessness
14 February, 2018
We are working with the Government and our members to explore how housing associations can support the Homelessness Reduction Act
Declining number of home owners pushes total rent bill to record level
13 February, 2018
The struggle younger generations are facing to buy their own home has helped to push the total amount of rent paid by tenants in Great Britain to record levels
Transactions outside London rise despite faltering buy-to-let market
12 February, 2018
Transactions on residential property outside London have started the year at increased levels
UK tenants paid record £50bn in rents in 2017
12 February, 2018
Rents double in a decade and could eclipse entire sum paid for mortgages by homeowners
Council ignores government guidelines in bid to help affordable housing crisis
12 February, 2018
Worthing Borough Council has pledged to ignore government guidelines in a bid to secure more desperately-needed affordable housing
'It's a life or death situation': why GPs are referring patients to food banks
12 February, 2018
Salford Foodbank has partnered with local medical practices to help provide care for vulnerable patients
HomeLet Rental Index - January 2018
12 February, 2018
Rents in the UK rose by 2.4% in January compared to the same month a year ago; the average monthly rent now stands at £909 a month
Home owner mortgage arrears at record lows but more landlords struggling
09 February, 2018
Landlord mortgage arrears have begun to increase
Homeless illegally turned away by councils
09 February, 2018
People who have nowhere to sleep or are about to lose their homes are being turned away illegally by councils
Assembly calls for £5,000 cost cap on landlord funding contribution
09 February, 2018
Around 9,000 people in the UK died last winter, as a result of living in a cold home
Mortgage arrears and possessions
09 February, 2018
Q4 2017 Statistics show continuing decline in mortgage arrears and possessions
Calls for changes to funding plans for supported housing
08 February, 2018
The CLG and Work and Pensions Committee have written to the Ministry of Housing over concerns about government's funding plans
Residents in surrounding estate told to pay rent despite one-fifth living in hotels due to no gas or hot water
07 February, 2018
'RBKC are yet again demonstrating how out of touch they are' says one tenant who says he has been unable to move back home since the tragedy
Londoners weigh in over improving 'broken' rental market
05 February, 2018
Survey shows what the capital's renters think of the market they're in
UK rent growth halves during 2017
05 February, 2018
Latest DPS rent index shows London rate growing slowest
Reforms and resistance: how tenants can influence housing policy
02 February, 2018
With successive governments having failed to alleviate England's housing crisis, can tenants ever hope to influence housing policy?
Former letting agency boss charged with fraud, false accounting and theft
31 January, 2018
The former director of a letting agency has been charged with fraud, false accounting and theft totalling around £450,000
Wales is leading the way on improving tenant rights
29 January, 2018
Westminster's drive to improve standards for tenants is following the Welsh Government's lead
Our proposals to the supported housing consultation
29 January, 2018
PlaceShapers members have been campaigning hard for the past two years to secure the future of supported and sheltered housing
Hundreds of thousands living in squalid rented homes in England
29 January, 2018
Estimated 338,000 properties rented by under-35s hazardous and likely to cause harm
Why are record numbers of renters leaving London now?
23 January, 2018
Last year, Countrywide recorded a 10-year high of 65,000 renters quitting the capital. But they're no longer leaving to become first-time buyers
Neglect and abuse claims on rise in sheltered housing
23 January, 2018
"I've been left with a feeling that my mum's last months were in a place that nobody really cared about her"
More than 17,000 UK students face university rent arrears
22 January, 2018
Figures show 16% rise in those facing housing debt and a doubling of evictions
Councils fail to take action on 99 per cent of most dangerous rented homes, letting criminal landlords walk free
22 January, 2018
Millions of renters left in unsafe properties as local authorities struggle to cope with housing crisis
Sharma letter reveals he was told affordable rents 'unaffordable' at tenant roadshows
22 January, 2018
At his tenant roadshows, Alok Sharma was told affordable rents are "not really affordable" and a lack of government investment has seen safety standards fall
Residents living in shadow of Grenfell Tower hit back at council over plans to resume rent
19 January, 2018
Residents in blocks surrounding the Grenfell Tower have hit out at plans for them to resume paying rent and service charges from the end of January
Taxpayers face £4m bill as landlord refuses to make tower block safe
19 January, 2018
Slough council poised to take over freehold of property and pay for safety work as current owner refuses to foot bill
Council worries over future for homelessness funding
18 January, 2018
Southwark Council tells 24housing that despite positive signs over homeless prevention, the future is unclear
Labour calls on government to include shared owners in stamp duty cut
18 January, 2018
Labour has echoed calls from the housing sector to end the exclusion of shared ownership buyers from the government's recent stamp duty relief
London is most expensive city in Europe to rent a middle market family home
18 January, 2018
London is the most expensive city in Europe for renting a middle market, three bedroom home and almost three time more costly than other British cities
Over half of buyers, sellers and renters have issues with 'rogue' agents
18 January, 2018
However, most majority didn't check if their agent was regulated or part of a professional body before signing a contract
DfC briefing on reclassification of housing associations as private sector bodies
17 January, 2018
NIFHA will host an important Member Briefing on the reclassification of housing associations as private sector bodies on Friday, 26th January
Council may move homeless families out of borough following report
15 January, 2018
Moving homeless people to cheaper parts of the country is being considered SBC, in the face of soaring rental costs and tight purse strings
Tory council criticised for 'demonising' rough sleepers in posters
15 January, 2018
Campaign by Gloucester city council suggesting people who beg on street may not be homeless is termed 'shameful'
Rightmove says pace of annual rent rises now lowest since 2014
12 January, 2018
The average asking rent across the UK - excluding London - rose by just 0.7 per cent in 2017
Rats, mould and broken furniture: the scandal of the UK's refugee housing
11 January, 2018
The Home Office says that asylum seekers deserve 'safe, habitable' homes. What too many of them get is filth and squalor
Esther McVey: New DWP minister's statements about people on benefits and the policies she has voted for
11 January, 2018
Former TV presenter has said use of food banks is 'right' and benefit sanctions 'teach' job seekers to look for work seriously
Household disposable income and inequality in the UK: financial year ending 2017
11 January, 2018
Initial insight into main estimates of household incomes and inequality in the UK, along with analysis of how these measures have changed over time accounting for inflation and household composition
Tenants in Scotland and London most concerned about rent rises in 2018
10 January, 2018
Tenants in parts of the UK are concerned about their rents rising in 2018 with those living in London and Scotland most worried about
How eviction leads to homelessness: 'My youngest child doesn't know what a home is'
09 January, 2018
Loss of tenancy - sometimes with just two months' notice - is a major cause of homelessness, forcing families into temporary accommodation
More than a quarter of tenants would pay more to live with pet
08 January, 2018
More than a quarter of tenants would be prepared to pay more rent to live with a pet
British Government funds development of an app to help 11 million tenants
08 January, 2018
The British Government is to launch a £2 million competition in the coming weeks for an app to help the 11 million people who rent a home to improve credit scores and mortgage applications
Help on renting costs is on its way... but not until 2019
08 January, 2018
Raising enough money for a deposit plus letting fees can be a real challenge, especially for young people
Number of people requesting charitable grants to pay for basic items grows by 244% after government cuts
08 January, 2018
Demand for financial help from leading charity soars by 244 per cent since axe of community care grants under coalition government in 2013
Rate your tenant: New app lets agents and landlords score their renters
04 January, 2018
A deposit replacement scheme has added a new service to its app that will let landlords and agents score tenants. It is currently being trialled by Countrywide brand Hamptons
Labour Warns Stamp Duty Cuts Will Fuel Surge In House Prices As Theresa May Says 16,000 Have Already Benefitted
03 January, 2018
PM to hail 'immediate impact' of attempt to woo younger voters
Tens of thousands of 18 to 24-year-olds tell councils of homelessness
02 January, 2018
FoI figures said to be a 'serious underestimate', with over 100 councils not responding to requests
Food bank looks ahead 'with sadness' as it prepares for another busy year
01 January, 2018
'People will still continue to find themselves relying on us as they fall into crisis for a number of reasons'
'I just want a job - it's all I want': Foodbank users speak of their desperation
29 December, 2017
People explain why they must rely on handouts to survive
7 expert forecasts for the 2018 housing market
29 December, 2017
With interest rates rising, property sales slowing, and Brexit around the corner, 2018 looks set to be an interesting year for the housing market
Jeremy Corbyn pledges to scrap 'no fault' evictions to tip housing rules back in favour of renters
28 December, 2017
The Labour leader told The Independent rising homelessness is a 'moral litmus test' for the country
Corbyn calls for the end of Section 21 evictions
28 December, 2017
Jeremy Corbyn has called for the end of Section 21 'no fault' eviction notices and has wrongly claimed that the sector is unregulated
Partick Housing Association refutes tenants' union's rent reduction claims
27 December, 2017
Partick Housing Association has denied claims by Living Rent that the tenants' union won a promise of "massive rent reductions" in one of the Association's block of flats
UK government taking two months to refund stamp duty
27 December, 2017
People who buy new main home before selling existing one hit by stamp duty change meant to curb buy-to-let landlords
Tories drop two flagship housing policies from key strategy document
27 December, 2017
Plans to build 200,000 homes for first-time buyers and help more people access Right to Buy are excluded from latest plan amid 'complete rethink'
Grenfell firm to pass responsibility for homes to council
27 December, 2017
The firm that managed Grenfell Tower says it will hand over responsibility for thousands of properties to the local council by the end of January
I'm being chased for rent arrears, but the student block was unfit for purpose
27 December, 2017
Mezzino, the management company for Jubilee Court in Preston, has offered paltry compensation despite major issues with the accommodation
For The 128,000 Children In Temporary Accommodation, Christmas Will Be Far From Magical
22 December, 2017
Children's health suffers, behaviour problems emerge almost immediately, and untold stress and anxiety is inevitable
For disabled people like Alex, the fight for dignity is endless
22 December, 2017
After years trapped in a top-floor 'prison', Alex has finally got an accessible flat. But if this seems like a good-news story, think again
May accused of 'callousness' over plight of homeless families
21 December, 2017
Labour MP says prime minister's defence of using temporary accommodation to house thousands of children is appalling
Yorkshire Dales council tax rise targets second homes
20 December, 2017
Owners of second homes in the Yorkshire Dales could see council tax on their properties rise by five times the current level
Tenants packed into house 'fit only for cockroaches'
20 December, 2017
Court hears 27 tenants - including six children - occupied seven converted rooms
England's councils may be doing well, or terribly. We have no way of knowing
19 December, 2017
How did a government committed to massive cuts in public spending casually get rid of the one body that could have appraised their impact?
Northamptonshire council tax to increase by nearly 5%
19 December, 2017
Residents face a council tax rise of 4.98% as Northamptonshire County Council looks to make cuts of £34.3m
More than 1m 'forgotten homes' in UK do not get fast enough broadband
18 December, 2017
More than 1m "forgotten homes" across the UK are unable to get sufficiently fast broadband to meet a typical family's needs
Conveyancers call on Government to license estate agents and make offers legally binding
18 December, 2017
Conveyancers are calling for the licensing of estate agents, together with a requirement to pass a fit and proper test before they can trade
How many children are homeless in England, Scotland and Wales?
15 December, 2017
1 in 100 children in this country are homeless
Scots forced to foodbanks for soap and toothpaste
14 December, 2017
Humiliation grows for for low-income families in Scotland hit by welfare cuts
Fuel poverty - It helps to have a sensible target to aim at
13 December, 2017
The Scottish Government recently announced a new consultation on a Fuel Poverty Strategy for Scotland
Food banks expected to help 'record number of children'
13 December, 2017
Record numbers of children are expected to be fed by food banks this Christmas
Grenfell Tower fire: Soaring cost of high-rise fire safety
13 December, 2017
The cost of fire safety measures which councils and housing associations plan to introduce to high-rise buildings after the Grenfell tragedy has now reached at least £600m
Renting a home: How much space will £100 buy you?
12 December, 2017
Spending £100 a month on rent in London secures floor space equivalent to a small garden shed, compared with nearly five times that in parts of northern England
Rising prices and the benefit freeze make families £500 worse off
12 December, 2017
Falling wages and frozen benefits mean that many families will struggle to find the money to keep up with rising inflation
UK Poverty 2017: the story behind the statistics
11 December, 2017
Following the launch of UK Poverty 2017 last week, Helen Barnard explains how this influential piece of work came about
Fees ban will cost 4,000 jobs and £200m loss of turnover
11 December, 2017
The Government is being urged to consider the financial burden to letting agents once the fees ban comes in, as it draws up plans to regulate the industry
Exclusive: 7% rise in former Right to Buy homes now rented privately
08 December, 2017
The number of former council homes being let privately has soared to more than 40%
Government told to get timings right over fees ban and compulsory CMP to stop agents dipping into client money
08 December, 2017
The Government has been warned that steps must be taken to stop agents who lose income as a result of the fees ban from dipping into client funds to try and keep their businesses afloat
How selling homes for £1 empowers local councils to revive deprived communities
07 December, 2017
Only the national government can solve the housing crisis - but local authorities can make a big difference
Agent launches new petition calling for cap on letting fees to replace ban
07 December, 2017
A new petition has been launched, calling for a reverse of the proposed ban on letting agency fees charged to tenants
Sneinton 'social supermarket' to help food bank users
06 December, 2017
A "social supermarket" has been set up in Nottingham to help people who use food banks
Fuel poverty levels in Scotland decrease as energy prices fall
06 December, 2017
Fuel poverty has fallen by nearly 100,000 households in a year
Foxtons fined £35,000 for failing to prove house was safe for letting
05 December, 2017
Foxtons has been fined £35,000 for failing to prove to a local council that a house it was letting was safe for tenants
Letting agencies 'are consolidating ahead of fee ban'
05 December, 2017
Lettings agencies are starting to consolidate ahead of the fee ban
How much of your salary is spent on rent?
04 December, 2017
Tenants typically spend more than a quarter of their monthly salary before tax on rent, official figures show, but there are wide regional variations
Renting in retirement: How feasible is it?
04 December, 2017
Home ownership can be a thing of beauty. Just as you don a pair of fur-lined slippers and spend more time on the golf course, you find you have paid off your mortgage
Listings website aiming to 'cut out letting agents' launches £35,000 crowdfunding campaign
04 December, 2017
A lettings listings website aiming to 'cut out the middle man' by matching tenants directly with landlords is looking to raise £35,000 through crowdfunding website Kickstarter
Budget 2017: Confidence is the Key to Longer Tenancies
01 December, 2017
At the Tory Party Conference back in October, Sajid Javid announced that the Autumn Budget would "bring forward new incentives for landlords" to offer tenancies longer than 12 months
State of the Nation 2017: Social Mobility in Great Britain
29 November, 2017
A stark social mobility postcode lottery exists in Britain today
Sharma: Tenant roadshow 'best thing I've ever done'
28 November, 2017
Housing minister tells annual Savills seminar of his "unenviable and unique" start in the role
Archbishop of Canterbury launches another outspoken intervention by claiming Britain's rise in employment has not stopped the use of food banks
27 November, 2017
Justin Welby said churches are seeing queues of people in work at foodbanks
Property unaffordable for 100,000 households a year in England
27 November, 2017
Report finds number of households priced out is up by 30,000 a year owing to shortage of affordable homes to rent or buy
UK faces two decades of no earnings growth and more austerity, says IFS
24 November, 2017
Thinktank's budget analysis says forecasts for lower productivity, earnings and growth until 2022 were 'pretty grim reading'
The Budget gives the housing sector a window of opportunity: take it
24 November, 2017
For the first time in decades, housing received top billing in the Autumn Budget, it is too good an opportunity to miss, argues Benjamin Clayton
The hole in the Autumn Budget
24 November, 2017
Housing took centre stage in the Autumn Budget, but it failed to address the issue of affordability
New careers being cooked up by Shiregreen jobseekers
24 November, 2017
A group of aspiring chefs from in and around Shiregreen are stirring up success for future careers after establishing a new catering service
What England needs is more affordable houses, not universal credit
22 November, 2017
The botched rollout of universal credit has led to £1.3m in council rental arrears in Newcastle, the city where I, Daniel Blake was set. Ministers are making the housing crisis worse
Government facing calls for mandatory independent inventory checks to protect tenants from 'biased reports'
21 November, 2017
The Government is being urged to introduce mandatory independent inventory checks after the AIIC claimed it is seeing increasing cases of tenants signing biased reports
Tenants snubbing letting agents to avoid fees
21 November, 2017
Younger renters are increasingly looking to cut out letting agents and go direct to landlords
Tenants leaving it until 'last moment' to find next rental
21 November, 2017
Data shows almost one in three tenants aim to move into their new home less than two weeks after they first make an enquiry to the landlord or letting agent online
What do rising rents in Scotland mean for low income tenants?
20 November, 2017
Rents are rising, and in most cases, faster than incomes
Why do we need so many consultations? Not one will deliver more housing
20 November, 2017
There are too many consultations - and not enough action
Eviction threat over complaints about crying baby
17 November, 2017
A family renting in London have been threatened with eviction after complaints that their baby was crying
The Budget must improve living standards for struggling families
16 November, 2017
The Government must use the Autumn Budget to lift the benefit freeze and reverse work allowance cuts to help people who are struggling
Big rents rise adds to cost of living squeeze
15 November, 2017
Scotland's cost-of-living squeeze has intensified as "out of control" rents have soared by up to one third in the last decade
50 years of the English Housing Survey
15 November, 2017
The EHS is a national survey of people's housing circumstances and the condition and energy efficiency of housing in England
Unfreeze public sector pay and cut benefits bill
15 November, 2017
Inflation-linked pay rise would cost £5.8bn - but £2.5bn would come in from extra tax and from benefits savings
Successive governments have misled the public about the impact of immigration on housing demand
15 November, 2017
Successive governments have misled the public over the true extent to which immigration adds to the demand for new homes
Council tax debt: Concern over use of bailiffs
14 November, 2017
Bailiffs were called in to collect debts by councils in England and Wales on more than two million occasions last year
Buying and renting: Your biggest financial decision - in 10 charts
13 November, 2017
For tenants, paying the rent is the biggest monthly outgoing
Northern Ireland foodbanks have seen an eight per cent rise in handouts
13 November, 2017
Trussel Trusts say they fear problem will get worse thanks to ongoing benefit system changes
English Housing Survey 2015 to 2016: headline report
13 November, 2017
The latest findings from the English Housing Survey 2015 to 2016
People left without heating due to spending cuts
13 November, 2017
Health of low-income households at risk as funding cuts slash support for replacing and repairing boilers
Call for tough new targets after fuel poverty failure
10 November, 2017
Consultation will set new fuel poverty targets after Scottish Government's failure to eliminate the problem
Affordable Housing Supply: April 2016 to March 2017 England
10 November, 2017
An additional 41,530 affordable homes were delivered in England in 2016- 17
Councils can help tackle the housing crisis - but government has to step up
09 November, 2017
The housing crisis is one of the most serious issues this country faces - and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is right on the front line of that crisis
Kettle packs and extreme overcrowding: the realities of temporary accommodation
09 November, 2017
Having to feed your family while trapped in just one room, with nothing other than a kettle, isn't something you'd expect to hear about in Britain in 2017
Low-income families will be biggest losers in next recession
08 November, 2017
Watchdog warns plans for reduction in tax credits will take heavy toll on households facing cuts in hours or lower wages
Scottish food banks report record demand
07 November, 2017
The use of food banks in Scotland has risen by 20% in the last year
Speak up for supported housing
07 November, 2017
The sector must respond carefully to the supported housing funding consultation, or vulnerable tenants could still lose out
Food banks fear 'soaring' Christmas demand as UC rolls out
07 November, 2017
Trussell Trust says the need for its parcels in areas where full service UC operates has increased by an average of 30% since April
Fees ban Bill brings industry to a 'fork in the road'
06 November, 2017
ARLA has said that the new draft Tenant Fees Bill brings all agents in England to a "fork in the road"
Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2017-18 to 2021-22
03 November, 2017
Debates over living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK are often hampered by the fact that official data on household incomes are available only with a significant lag
UK interest rates rise for first time in 10 years
03 November, 2017
For the first time in more than 10 years, the Bank of England has raised interest rates
Buying a home has 'departed realm of reality' as Stamp Duty receipts grow 23%
01 November, 2017
Receipts from Stamp Duty Land Tax have soared as house prices continue to rise - leading one critic to say that the cost of home ownership has become 'unreal'
Agents urged to support foodbanks in run-up to Christmas
01 November, 2017
Agents are being urged to support local foodbanks in the run-up to Christmas
Call for student flat landlords who 'contribute almost nothing' to pay their way
31 October, 2017
Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire wants private student accommodation developers to help plug the gap left by students' exemption from paying council tax
Rogue landlords enjoy an easy ride as councils fail to prosecute
30 October, 2017
Most local authorities have not secured a single prosecution, figures released under Freedom of Information Act reveal
Lettings fee ban unlikely by next April but legislation coming 'very shortly'
27 October, 2017
The tenant fees ban is unlikely to be in place by next April due to the legislative process
A two-year U-turn: the rise and fall of the LHA cap
26 October, 2017
A timeline of the Local Housing Allowance cap's journey from George Osborne's brainchild to the policy's abandonment by Theresa May
Quarter of renters spending half their income on housing
26 October, 2017
YouGov survey shows how wages are the biggest cost every month
LHA Cap: How it impacts one of north Wales' largest housing associations
26 October, 2017
The proposals to cap the Local Housing Allowance rates by the UK Government presents significant obstacles to helping the Welsh Government meet its target for new affordable homes
Labour urges government to scrap LHA plans for supported housing
25 October, 2017
Labour will urge the government to drop its plans to introduce a Local Housing Allowance cap for supported housing in a parliamentary debate today
Making Fair Rent Homes a reality
23 October, 2017
The need for a new wave of Fair Rent Homes is clear. But how do we build them? And where is the money coming from?
Over 40% of low earners are eating and buying clothes less to pay their rent
20 October, 2017
Shelter calls for new type of home to help tacking housing crisis
Yes, you're (still) better off working than on benefits
19 October, 2017
New analysis shows that you're still better off in low paid work than on benefits, but the financial advantages have shrunk for some
'Rogue' property agents to be targeted
18 October, 2017
Plans to protect leaseholders and tenants in England from unfair costs have been outlined by ministers
Buying a house made 'impossible' by rental costs
17 October, 2017
Rental costs combined with high house prices means it is impossible to save a deposit to buy a home
Bare cupboards and nobody to help buy food - the forgotten welfare gap in older age
17 October, 2017
Isolated older people living in poverty are suffering from food insecurity
ForViva to fit sprinklers in tower blocks
16 October, 2017
ForViva has announced plans to fit sprinkler systems at all of its 17 high-rise blocks across the North West
Khan under pressure on 'controversial' rent controls
16 October, 2017
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is under pressure from opposition in the GLA about rent controls in London
The cost of housing for low-income renters
13 October, 2017
The 'affordability' of housing is one of the most prominent domestic public policy issues of the day, and for good reason
The CPI+1% rent settlement: sector reactions
13 October, 2017
The government last week announced a post-2020 inflation-linked rent settlement
Council tax benefits in Wales extended
10 October, 2017
A benefit scheme resulting in thousands of Welsh households paying only partial or no council tax at all has been extended by the Welsh government
Half a million more people in poverty if Government maintains benefits freeze
10 October, 2017
Real terms cuts to working-age benefits and tax credits - imposed before Prime Minister Theresa May took office - are set to drive almost half a million more people into poverty in 2020
The UK housing market's perfect storm, and five steps to avoid it
09 October, 2017
With ownership plummeting, rents unaffordable and homelessness on the rise, action is needed to stave off a crash
Rent control could deepen the housing crisis in UK's most expensive cities
09 October, 2017
To tackle the housing crisis, we need to dramatically increase house-building - which rent control could hamper
The supported housing flats that weren't built
04 October, 2017
Most new supported housing projects have been put on ice
Rent bill more than double mortgage interest rate bill
03 October, 2017
More homes urgently to rent needed to boost rental affordability
At last! Victory for industry campaigners as ministers finally bow to demands for letting agents to be regulated
02 October, 2017
All letting agents across England will have to be registered under new legislation
The big squeeze: central London rents rocket as number of rental homes drops by 17% in a year
29 September, 2017
Young London renters are being pushed out of Zones 1 and 2 as average rents rise to £1,785 a month
Corbyn's pledge to introduce rent controls comes under fire
28 September, 2017
Jeremy Corbyn's confirmation that a Labour government would introduce rent controls has come under attack
Twice as many renters in the North West opt for comfy cushions over a neighbourly chat when setting up home
28 September, 2017
Twice as many renters in the North West opt for comfy cushions over a neighbourly chat when setting up home
Grenfell survivors 'forced to use foodbanks'
26 September, 2017
Labour MP wants answers over what's happened to the £20m raised in the wake of the disaster
Tackling homelessness together
22 September, 2017
The importance of local authorities and housing associations working in partnership
Young people worst affected by debt crisis
21 September, 2017
Rent arrears, benefit changes and insecure work contributing to rise in number of young people seeking advice
Labour MP confirms DUP talks over LHA future
21 September, 2017
Homelessness forum event in Manchester hears housing doesn't need more legislation - it needs a complete change of policy
Supported housing: getting people back onto their own feet
20 September, 2017
Their work is crucial, but supported housing providers are feeling anxious about the future
Proposed changes to benefit payments will impact private rented sector landlords - not just social landlords
20 September, 2017
Proposed changes to housing benefit will not only have significant and severe implications for the tenant in receipt of benefit
Belfast mum 'goes without food for days so she can afford rent'
20 September, 2017
A Belfast mum-of-two who has been on the Housing Executive's waiting list for nine years has revealed she regularly goes without food for up to three days to keep a roof over her children's heads
How public money is spent on housing
19 September, 2017
As a nation, we just aren't building enough homes
Common households - landlords celebrate tribunal win
19 September, 2017
Landlords in Doncaster are celebrating after tenants successfully challenged the council in a row over the level of benefit paid to landlords providing homes to common households
Tenants paying more as annual rate of rental inflation rises
18 September, 2017
New rents rose 2.4% across the UK in August on an annual basis
Tenants' approval rating of Thenue value for money drive soars
18 September, 2017
Tenants have given Thenue Housing a huge endorsement of its drive to deliver value for money with soaring approval ratings
Situation critical for supported housing
01 September, 2017
Emma Maier calls for government to rethink the LHA cap
Credit card lenders 'targeting people struggling with debt'
30 August, 2017
Citizens Advice finds almost one in five people struggling with debts have had their card limit raised without request
Half of new association homes funded privately
24 August, 2017
Housing associations are funding almost half their affordable housing from their own balance sheets
Court hears housing benefit assessors ran £1m false claims racket
23 August, 2017
Seven assessors working for London borough councils committed to Crown Court on fraud charges
Calls to widen Help to Buy in Wales
22 August, 2017
Critics say scheme as it stands does not stimulate the housing market
Vulnerable people 'being forced to use foodbanks because of benefits system problems'
21 August, 2017
Vulnerable people are being driven into destitution and reliance on foodbanks because of major flaws in the benefits system
Letting agent handed £20,000 court bill after giving tenants 'sham licences'
21 August, 2017
A letting agent which gave tenants licences rather than tenancy agreements has been landed with a bill of over £20,000
Parents on low incomes 'can't afford basics'
21 August, 2017
Higher inflation and a freeze on state benefits mean low-income parents cannot meet the basic costs of raising a child
Scoping research on supply and demand for short term lets in Scotland
21 August, 2017
Scottish Government April 2017
Why a new Waitrose means more evictions, and what should be done
18 August, 2017
Landlords shouldn't be able to kick people out when a new shop pops up in the area. We need a change in the law
Fees ban 'will help online student lettings agent launch into mainstream market'
18 August, 2017
An online agency aimed at the student lettings market is to expand into the mainstream market
'Austerity causes a lot of suffering': record number of food banks report stock shortage
17 August, 2017
Trussell Trust, Britain's biggest food bank network, says supplies dwindling this summer as welfare sanctions bite
Rents 'not spiralling out of control' - Belvoir boss condemns 'sensationalist' press stories
16 August, 2017
Rental price inflation was flat across Great Britain for the fourth consecutive month in July
Urgent decisions on welfare and housing required: UUP MLA
15 August, 2017
Crunch decisions on welfare reform and housing are in limbo as a result of the ongoing Stormont stalemate
Rent Arrears and the Sweet Science
14 August, 2017
As Digital Transformation Manager for Housing Services at Hackney Council, I get to run some really fun and interesting projects
The other Waitrose effect: rapidly increasing evictions
14 August, 2017
Study shows the arrival of a new store associated with an 25%-50% increase in the number of evictions
Joint response - Terms of Reference to the Public Inquiry on the Grenfell Tower fire - ARCH, CIH, Inside Housing and NFA
09 August, 2017
This is a joint submission into the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry to ensure we provide a consistent message accross the trade and professional bodies across the housing sector
Government recommit to Help to Buy
08 August, 2017
Statement shrugs off reports of the scheme being shelved and stresses support until 2021
Annual rental inflation returns to growth as average new rents hit new high
07 August, 2017
Annual rental inflation on new tenancies returned to growth for the first time in two months during July
Renting becomes cheaper than buying, particularly in the South East
03 August, 2017
For many years, rent has been called "dead money" and young people have been urged to "get on the housing ladder"
Poverty group calls for an end to the benefits freeze
31 July, 2017
The Poverty Alliance has written to every MP in Scotland
Swansea food bank runs out 'due to school holiday'
31 July, 2017
A Swansea food bank has run out of supplies, with volunteers making an urgent appeal to help restock it
I know what it's like to spend school holidays hungry. So do today's kids
28 July, 2017
Visiting a food bank may be as far some families get this summer. This needless hunger, and its effect on childhood, should cause a national outcry
'It's social cleansing': the 93-year-old fighting east London demolitions
28 July, 2017
In Whitechapel, residents say their campaign against the possible bulldozing of their council homes is a battle over the future of housing
Rightmove launches trial of Face Messenger bot to help renters find their next home
28 July, 2017
Rightmove is testing out new ways for home hunters to interact when searching for a home to rent
Facebook backs campaign to tackle social housing stigma
27 July, 2017
'Benefit to Society' will benefit from backing from one of the largest organisations in the world, social media giant Facebook
Hardship payments to be available immediately to JSA claimants who are homeless
25 July, 2017
From October 2017, JSA claimants who are homeless will have immediate access to hardship payments if their benefit is reduced because of a sanction
Rise in personal loans dangerous
25 July, 2017
A sharp rise in personal loans could pose a danger to the UK economy
Half of children needing summer food bank support are in primary school
25 July, 2017
Under-fours made up 27% of the children receiving emergency food supplies last July and August
Poverty, evictions and forced moves
24 July, 2017
This report explores the rapid increase in evictions over the last 12 years, and the impact these have had on the lives of tenants who lose their homes
Councils house extra secondary school's worth of homeless children each month
24 July, 2017
The numbers of homeless children councils are having to house in temporary accommodation has increased by more than a third in the last three years
Building society Nationwide to pump millions into building homes for sale and rent in bid to ease UK's housing crisis
21 July, 2017
Britain's biggest building society is to pump millions into building and rental schemes in a bid to ease the nation's housing crisis
That's rich! New breed of 'uber' tenants splash the cash on weekly rents of £25,000
20 July, 2017
An unprecedented new breed of renter has emerged - the international mega-rich 'uber tenant'
Statutory protection for the future funding of supported housing
19 July, 2017
New report exploring the options around increased statutory protection
Rise of older renters: 'I sold up at 60 and will be a tenant for life'
19 July, 2017
The number of retirees and older people moving into rented accommodation has increased by 13pc in the last four years
Power to the renters: Turning the tide on our broken housing system
18 July, 2017
Our national obsession with home ownership is absolute
Permanent homes for Grenfell survivors will be ready 'very shortly' amid anger over 'unsuitable' temporary accommodation
18 July, 2017
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid claims many families had turned down temporary accommodation
Benefit sanctions are increasing hunger and depression not driving down unemployment
17 July, 2017
Why everything you thought you knew about poverty and its causes was wrong
Whether it's teachers' pay or disability benefits - the freeze is chilling
14 July, 2017
We need to challenge the punitive capitalist narrative that only certain categories of people deserve to be able to afford to eat and pay the rent
Delay to Supported Housing Green Paper a 'blow'
12 July, 2017
The housing sector has responded to reports the Supported Housing Green Paper has been delayed by the government
Council proposes restrictions to control HMO growth
11 July, 2017
Bath & North East Somerset Council has revealed new proposals which seek to better control the growth of HMOs in Bath
JRF Response to the Housing White Paper consultation
11 July, 2017
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent organisation working to inspire social change through research, policy and practice
Despair of the families forced into temporary housing
10 July, 2017
A perfect storm of boom and bust in the housing market has forced record numbers of children into temporary accommodation in parts of Scotland
These are the areas with the most choice of rental properties in the UK
07 July, 2017
Increased supply of rental properties has put a dent in London asking rents
Just 14 Grenfell Tower families have accepted rehousing offers
06 July, 2017
Disaster response spokesperson says many of 158 affected families had turned down temporary offers in order to wait for permanent homes
DCLG urged to back new national tenant voice
05 July, 2017
All four NTOs want a 'coherent, legitimate and empowered' voice for tenants to communicate directly with government and other agencies
Housing funds 'wasted' by councils
04 July, 2017
Money which is supposed to help people struggling to pay their rent is being wasted by some councils
YUK! Student video revealing mess at end of a tenancy goes viral
04 July, 2017
The end of tenancy cleanup can often make or break the decision to hand back a deposit so spare a thought for this student whose video of the mess he was left to clean after his housemates left has gone viral
The Week the Landlords Moved In review - mould, rats and tears
30 June, 2017
The life-swap TV format gets more than a fresh lick of paint on the frontline of Britain's housing crisis
The British housing crisis, in five charts
26 June, 2017
If you've followed this debate at all, you'll probably be familiar with this one, but it never stops being shocking
Households put at risk of homelessness by the housing benefit freeze
26 June, 2017
The inability to find a new place to live, once a short term tenancy ends is the leading cause of homelessness in England and a major cause of homelessness in Scotland and Wales
Man cries at food bank after eating first proper meal in two weeks
26 June, 2017
'Something so simple can make them break into tears'
Thousands warned their blocks clad with same panelling as Grenfell Tower
23 June, 2017
Guardian inquiries suggests 25 buildings in London, Salford and Plymouth are covered in aluminium composite
Homelessness surges 34% under Tory Government, with 100,000 more families losing their home compared with 2025
23 June, 2017
120,000 children are living in temporary homes as councils illegally place families in unfit accommodation
Jump in number of homeless households in temporary accommodation 'staggering'
22 June, 2017
Today's figures are extremely worrying but sadly not surprising
Statement on Key Inequalities in Housing and Communities in Northern Ireland
21 June, 2017
The provision of housing faces new as well as existing and persistent challenges
Migrants are wrongly being made homeless. Housing associations must act
20 June, 2017
Seven years of anti-migrant policies have resulted in people with rights to housing losing out
End demonising of poorest
20 June, 2017
Shocked housing leaders and politicians have vowed to challenge 'relentless' demonising of migrants and benefits claimants
Grenfell Tower fire: Theresa May snubs Jeremy Corbyn's call to seize private properties to house high-rise victims
20 June, 2017
Downing Street says: 'We don't support proposals to seize private property'
'Fit for human habitation' amendment may be reconsidered after London fire
16 June, 2017
A proposed amendment to the government's Housing and Planning Bill which suggests landlords are required to make homes 'fit for human habitation' may be reconsidered following the fire at 27-storey residential block Grenfell Tower this week
People in poverty don't just need feeding. They should have the dignity of a good meal
16 June, 2017
Those who use street kitchens and food banks deserve more than our sympathy
FCA denies plans to end payday loan price cap
15 June, 2017
The Financial Conduct Authority has denied claims that it will lift the price cap on short-term or "payday" loans
Levels of child hunger and deprivation in UK among highest of rich nations
15 June, 2017
Unicef report finds that one in three British children are in 'multi-dimensional poverty' and says gaps between rich and poor are widening around the world
£73m of Wales council tax written-off as debt in 10 years
15 June, 2017
More than £73m of unpaid council tax has been written off by Welsh councils as "bad debt" over the last decade
Homelessness fund ready for applications
14 June, 2017
Charities and organisations are now able to apply for funding from the mayor of Greater Manchester's new homelessness appeal
The Mayor of London has asked LSE London to investigate the impact of foreign investment on London's housing market
14 June, 2017
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has asked LSE London to conduct one of the most thorough investigations into the impact of foreign investment in London
Payday loan complaints see sharp rise despite new rules
13 June, 2017
Complaints about payday loans have risen sharply for the second consecutive year despite strict new regulations limiting interest charges
DUP has previously voted against supported housing changes
12 June, 2017
Controversial plans to cap housing benefit in supported housing could come under pressure if the DUP continues to vote against the reforms
Owners in UK more happy with their home than private rented sector tenants
08 June, 2017
The majority of owners in the UK are happy with their home with those aged over 55 the happiest, but tenants are not so pleased with where they live
Heartbreaking letter handed over by seven-year-old reveals nightmare of food poverty in Merseyside
08 June, 2017
'We used to send food parcels to Third World countries - now we are giving them to people who live here'
UK house prices rise for first time in five months
08 June, 2017
Shortage of properties on market inflates prices as buyers shrug off uncertainty over general election and Brexit
UK polls: Little hope for people reliant on food banks
07 June, 2017
With food insecurity a hot-button issue in UK politics, the individuals who survive on food aid share their stories
HomeLet Rental Index
06 June, 2017
The average rental value in the UK (£901) has reduced by 0.3% compared to the same period last year (£904)
The Politics of Poverty
06 June, 2017
Dr Simon Duffy explores the facts behind poverty and inequality in the UK
'I'm pleased we have foodbanks': Tory candidate faces backlash after comments filmed at hustings
06 June, 2017
A Conservative candidate was booed at an election hustings after telling the audience that she is "really pleased we have food banks"
Housing in manifestos: the good, the bad, and the implications
02 June, 2017
On Monday 22 May LSE London convened a round table of London policy experts
Living Rent action halts eviction of Glasgow single mum
02 June, 2017
Tenants' union Living Rent has secured a new home for single mum Amanda Gallagher who was facing imminent eviction from her and her son's family hom
Letting agents found charging tenants more than £800 in fees
01 June, 2017
Despite likely fees ban, agents seek £404 on average from new tenants and £117 for tenancy renewals, finds Generation Rent
Election 2017: what do the manifestos say about housing?
31 May, 2017
Although Brexit was the driving force behind the Prime Minister's decision to call an early election, it has provided an opportunity to draw attention to the serious housing issues we're facing
Cashflow problems? That's not what brings people to my food bank
30 May, 2017
If the former justice minister visited us at Coventry Foodbank, he would see the people left desperate after falling through the cracks in the system
Student housing tempts wealthy investors
30 May, 2017
Demand for investment grows despite worries that Brexit might cut number of high-spending foreign students coming to UK
Low-paid must cover rent by working equivalent of morning per day, says Shelter
30 May, 2017
Low-paid workers are slogging for the equivalent of a morning per day just to cover the cost of their rent
Report reveals scale of food bank use in the UK
30 May, 2017
Project by Independent Food Aid Network finds at least 2,000 food banks giving out parcels, with demand continuing to grow
Major UK landlord scraps rental deposits
26 May, 2017
Get Living to abolish deposit-taking and return security deposits to its 3,000 residents
Rental supply fell by a third in London last month
26 May, 2017
The supply of properties for rent in the UK fell by a third in London in April and only increased marginally in the rest of the country
May's manifesto pledge on free school breakfasts 'undercosted'
25 May, 2017
Costs would far exceed Tory estimate of £60m a year, with a 20% takeup costing more than £170m
The snap Election at a glance - what does it mean for the housing industry?
25 May, 2017
When it comes to the Snap Election, distinguishing the political jargon from the facts can be a tricky task
Homeless families 'told to sleep in Garda stations'
25 May, 2017
Several homeless families were advised to stay overnight in Garda (Irish police) stations earlier this week due to a lack of emergency accommodation
No one's noticed, but the Tories are quietly killing off the smart meter revolution
24 May, 2017
Last week brought a rare example of the converse: a manifesto burying a huge policy change that will save every household in Britain fifty pounds a year
Record 60% of Britons in poverty are in working families
23 May, 2017
In-work poverty disproportionately concentrated in households in private rented housing as rising living costs bite
Government review to order zero-hours contracts overhaul
23 May, 2017
The government-commissioned inquiry into controversial working practices is set to call for employees on zero-hours contracts to be given the right to request a move onto fixed hours
Renting a home is cheaper than buying in 54% of British cities
19 May, 2017
To own a home in London costs nearly double the amount it would cost to rent, but in Glasgow it's more cost-effective to buy
Election 2017: What the manifestos have to say on housing policy
19 May, 2017
Home ownership in England is at its lowest since the 1980s, with soaring deposits and house prices leaving many unable to get a foot on the property ladder
Lib Dems unveil 'rent to buy' pledge for first time homeowners
17 May, 2017
Party's manifesto contains wealth of offers aimed at enticing young voters back after tuition fees furore, including referendum on final Brexit deal
General Election fact watch: Food bank use has risen under the Conservatives
17 May, 2017
Claim: Food bank use has shot up under the Conservatives
Sturgeon pins blame for foodbank growth squarely on Tory cuts
15 May, 2017
Tory policies are directly to blame for the growth of foodbanks in Scotland
One in three 'rent-burdened Brits' borrow to cover home costs
12 May, 2017
One in three low-earning tenants in Britain has had to borrow money to cover rent
Capping aspiration: The millennial housing challenge
12 May, 2017
Young people in low-paid, insecure jobs are being locked out of all housing options in the south east, including social housing
General Election factwatch: Are a million people on a zero hours contract?
11 May, 2017
A million people are on a zero hours contract
Many of the 1,000 richest people in Britain are property moguls - paid for by the rest of us
10 May, 2017
A dysfunctional British housing market, propped up by housing benefit and public investment, is making a few people very, very rich
Fighting fit: the sheltered housing schemes adapting to new challenges
10 May, 2017
Cuts to supported accommodation can lead to a sense of community and tackle isolation if residents pull together and have a say in new services
Thousands face energy bill hikes of more than £400 this month
10 May, 2017
If customers fail to take action when fixed deals end in May they will end up on tariffs criticised by Theresa May, says Which?
Is work 'fair and decent'? That's not how the voters see it
09 May, 2017
The head of the government's review into zero-hours contracts and the less secure world of work has said that too many businesses still allow "bad work" to flourish
How many people use food banks?
05 May, 2017
The number of people using food banks since 2025 has gone from the tens of thousands to the millions
Wales ponders alternative LHA model
28 April, 2017
Cabinet secretary for communities and children has said maybe now is the time for a "made in Wales" solution
Cut in housing benefit may mean rise in foodbank use
26 April, 2017
The manager of a foodbank has stressed the need to help vulnerable people following a government policy that some claim could see youngsters facing homelessness
Councils will soon have a legal duty to prevent homelessness. What can they do?
26 April, 2017
With very little extra cash, councils need new ideas to join up local services and tackle the growing challenge of homelessness
UK foodbank use continues to rise
25 April, 2017
UK foodbank use continues to rise as new report highlights growing impact of Universal Credit rollout on foodbanks
Food banks report record demand amid universal credit chaos
25 April, 2017
Charity calls for immediate reduction in six-week wait for first benefit payment after handing out 1,182,954 emergency parcels
Food bank use rises 20% in Cardiff in one year
25 April, 2017
The number of emergency meals handed out by a city food bank has risen by 20% in one year
Effects of taxes and benefits on UK household income: financial year ending 2016
25 April, 2017
The redistribution effects on households of direct and indirect taxation and benefits received in cash or kind analysed by household type, and the changing levels of income inequality over time
One in three low income Scots can't afford to eat
24 April, 2017
Living costs are pushing low income Scots further into poverty
The LHA cap raises problems for general needs housing too
21 April, 2017
If you were looking to design a policy to penalise the poorest families paying the cheapest rents, it would be very hard to come up with something better than the LHA cap.
There are 13 million disabled people in Britain. If we don't vote together, the DWP will tighten the screws on us
20 April, 2017
Ministers need to be taught that there is a price to be paid for the way they have behaved
Metro mayors: ten ways to tackle poverty through housing policy
20 April, 2017
The new metropolitan mayors who are being elected in the UK in May will wield significant power
ELECTION 2017: what are the housing battlegrounds likely to be?
19 April, 2017
Theresa May has surprised everyone by calling a general election - so where are the differences in housing policies between the parties likely to lie?
UK Residential Market Survey
13 April, 2017
The UK Residential Market Survey is used by the Government, the Bank of England and other key institutions, including the IMF, as an indicator of current and future conditions in UK residential sales and lettings
Tackle poverty through housing and planning interventions
05 April, 2017
City regional institutions should play a bigger part in helping reduce the risk of poverty
Government will not reconsider LHA rate freeze
04 April, 2017
The government has refused to reconsider its decision to freeze the Local Housing Allowance
Labour and Ukip Thurrock councillors bid to scrap sheltered housing tax charges
04 April, 2017
Thurrock Council is bidding to scrap an "unfair" proposal to charge residents in sheltered housing up to £780
How affordable is housing for people in lower-income occupations ?
03 April, 2017
This briefing explores housing affordability for lower-income occupations in the context of rising housing costs
Gap between LHA and cheapest rents making housing unaffordable for under-35s
30 March, 2017
The gap between LHA rates and rents has widened to the point where private rented housing is "out of reach" for under-35s
Nine homes by the age of nine - housing instability marks lives of children in poverty
27 March, 2017
The stress and uncertainty of repeatedly packing up their lives and moving home is becoming a worryingly normal part of life for some children growing up in poverty
Want to reduce homelessness? We need longer tenancies
23 March, 2017
With the passing of Bob Blackman's Homelessness Reduction Bill, there is a renewed emphasis on preventing homelessness
The homelessness monitor: England 2017
23 March, 2017
The Homelessness Monitor: England 2017 is the sixth annual report of an independent study
Councils warn housing shortfall and benefit cuts fuel rising homelessness
22 March, 2017
Report calls on the government to invest in schemes that support people into the private rented sector such as a national rent deposit guarantee
Are pantry schemes the new food banks?
22 March, 2017
More than 4 million people in Britain regularly go a whole day without eating. For just £2.50 a week, food clubs are filling their cupboards
Rising food and fuel prices hoist UK inflation rate to 2.3%
21 March, 2017
Standard of living fears build as wage growth slows and inflation leaps from 1.8% in January to highest level since September 2013
Government urged to tackle zero-hours work as job figures reveal 'record high'
16 March, 2017
Unions are calling for the Government to tackle the rise in zero-hours work after new figures showed a record 905,000 people are employed on the controversial contracts in their main job
Future proofing housing supply
15 March, 2017
A report from the housing forum working group on new solutions to boost housing supply
Lack of robust thinking on affordable housing
14 March, 2017
The co-leader of the Green Party says the leading opposition parties are not doing enough to make the case for genuinely affordable housing
Call for affordable housing in London amid rent squeeze
13 March, 2017
The high cost of renting a house in London has fuelled a huge increase in the number of people in the capital who do not have enough income for a decent standard of living
Budget 2017: housing cuts in spotlight
09 March, 2017
Funding for social care and apprenticeships were the winners in a low-key Budget
Tax reforms harming access to rented housing for 'vulnerable tenants'
09 March, 2017
Vulnerable tenants are finding it harder to access rented housing because of tax changes being introduced by the Government
NLA Budget response: No news still bad news for landlords
08 March, 2017
We're pleased the Government has listened to our calls to delay the implementation of the Making Tax Digital programme
Zero hours contracts reach record levels
03 March, 2017
The number of people on controversial zero hours contracts has reached a record high of 910,000
House sellers 'should pay stamp duty'
03 March, 2017
Stamp duty should be a tax on property sellers, rather than buyers, to help those trying to buy their first home
Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2016-17 to 2021-22
03 March, 2017
Debates over living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK are often hampered by the fact that official data on household incomes are available only with a significant lag
'Affordable housing'? Not in Manchester. So we have made our own rules
02 March, 2017
Residents with an income under the national average can't afford rent at 80% of market rate
Melissa and millions like her are just one unpaid bill away from the abyss
24 February, 2017
As the cocktail of long-term austerity, rising living costs and a slumping post-Brexit economy hits, what's really frightening is the crisis that is brewing but is barely being noticed
Legal aid shakeup hands lifeline to domestic violence victims
23 February, 2017
Exclusive: Removal of five-year limit for applications follows vow by prime minister to increase domestic abuse prosecutions
Crisis backs call to ensure sanctions do not lead to homelessness
22 February, 2017
Crisis has welcomed a report by the Committee of Public Accounts which says that 'suspending benefit payments can lead to rent arrears and homelessness'
Short-term lettings industry 'to enforce 90 day limit'
22 February, 2017
Short-term letting sites suggest they will help to enforce 90-day limits, after Tom Copley forces the issue at City Hall
'Silver lining' to rental market
20 February, 2017
Silver renters on the rise as more recognise the benefits of downsizing
First-time buyers '£860 a year better off' than renters
20 February, 2017
First-time buyers in Scotland are on average about £860 a year better off than those who rent
Just about managing: Four million more people living on inadequate incomes in modern Britain
15 February, 2017
Four million more people are living below an adequate standard of living and are just about managing at best
New rents in UK up 2.6% in January, but falling in London
14 February, 2017
New rents in the UK increased by 2.6% in January overall year on year, the fastest rise for the month in two years but continued to fall in London
More must be done to end fuel poverty
13 February, 2017
Currently 2.38 million families - that is 10.6% of UK households cannot afford to keep their home warm; this is defined as being in 'fuel poverty'
Bedford foodbank funds frozen 'because of US law'
10 February, 2017
A fundraiser had £400 in donations for a UK foodbank charity frozen after his "very common name" appeared on a restriction list for the US Treasury
Mother of 'fit for work' victim calls for ministers to face criminal charges
10 February, 2017
The mother of a disabled man who starved to death after he was found "fit for work" and lost his out-of-work disability benefits has called for ministers to face criminal charges
G4S to take over welfare support for families facing deportation
10 February, 2017
Home Office expected to announce controversial contractor will provide services rather than Barnardo's charity
Letting agent jailed after fleecing vulnerable tenants of holding deposits
09 February, 2017
A letting agent who cheated over 100 tenants and worked other scams has been jailed for 45 months
High street banks 'charging more than payday lenders' on overdrafts
09 February, 2017
Borrowers who need as little as £100 could be charged up to £156 more by their bank than a payday lender would demand
Are you a landlord, first-time buyer, renter or would-be downsizer? How the Government's Housing White Paper plans will affect you
08 February, 2017
The Government has finally unveiled its plans to fix the 'broken housing market' in a white paper spanning 104 pages
These pictures show vulnerable people are living in shocking conditions because of slum landlords
08 February, 2017
Pictures showing some of Manchester's worst rented homes are revealed as part of a major crackdown on landlords
Affordable rent measures promised in housing White Paper
06 February, 2017
The government is promising a new emphasis on people who rent their homes when it unveils its housing strategy for England this week
HomeLet Rental Index - January 2017
03 February, 2017
Average rents in the UK continue to see a slower rate of rental growth compared to last year
How much top-up funding will be required under the Government's proposed model, and what might a different cap look like?
01 February, 2017
Research briefing: supported housing
'More must be done to tackle fuel poverty'
31 January, 2017
According to National Energy Action, fuel poverty now affects over four million households, up from one million in 2004
Conman hired AirBnB property then showed would-be tenant round pretending it was his before fleecing him of £1,600 rent deposit
30 January, 2017
Swindler hired an AirBnB property in Haringey, north London in simple scam
Reducing homelessness: The bill and beyond
27 January, 2017
In 2015, Wales changed the way it provides support to people threatened with homelessness
Rough sleeping: time to overhaul the way we understand homelessness?
26 January, 2017
The latest rough sleeping data has been released by DCLG and it shows that yet again the number of people forced to sleep on the streets has gone up
Disabled and cold: Sandra is penalised for being poor. Fuel poverty is harsh
20 January, 2017
Their freezing home makes her asthmatic son sick, but she can't access a cheaper energy tariff. So she rations heat, cuts out food and goes to bed early
Buy-to-let lenders deny claims that they are a 'stumbling block' to longer tenancies
20 January, 2017
The Council of Mortgage Lenders has hit back at claims that it is a "stumbling block" to longer tenancies in the rental sector
Sheffield named as Britain's low pay capital
19 January, 2017
Sheffield is Britain's "low pay capital" with hourly rates 10% below the national average
Benefit freezes and "poverty premium" leave struggling families out in the cold
18 January, 2017
Rises in the cost of living will outstrip meagre increases in child benefit by 17 times by 2020
Disabled claimant takes DWP to court over email
17 January, 2017
Claimant believes DWP is breaching disability legislation
Concentrix claimant 'taking out payday loans to cope'
17 January, 2017
A benefit claimant has told the BBC she is still suffering as a result of having her payments wrongly blocked by the US contractor Concentrix
Welsh Social Landlords take new approach to January Debt
16 January, 2017
New data solution identifies those at risk to loan sharks
January is the cruellest month for families with just 50p to pay the rent
06 January, 2017
Theresa May isn't helping 'just about managing' families - she's hammering them in an ideological crusade by slashing the benefit cap
41% of Scots 'would struggle to pay small increase in rent or mortgage'
04 January, 2017
Two-fifths of tenants or homeowners in Scotland would struggle to afford their monthly housing bills if they increased by up to £50
Petrol and food prices expected to continue rising in 2017
04 January, 2017
With prices at pumps starting the year at their highest since 2014, cost of food and other essentials is also predicted to go up
More than 2.3m families living in fuel poverty in England
03 January, 2017
Tories urged to act as one in 10 households is fuel poor, rising to about one in five for those renting from private landlords
Zero hours contract staff earn £1,000 a year less than other staff doing the same job
30 December, 2016
A new report shows zero hours workers suffer a 'precarious pay penalty'
Homelessness group worker suspended for sleeping rough in council garage
28 December, 2016
Arleen Matthews suspended by organisation that manages homes for London's Haringey council after she was evicted for falling behind with rent
Where to rent in London in 2017:Tube map charting average rental costs and journey times reveals Mile End as the best-value spot for fast commutes
22 December, 2016
New Tube map displays the average rent for a one-bedroom flat near each station along the Underground, revealing Londoners pay £6.60 for each minute shaved off journey times
Half of people on emergency food supplies may go without heating this winter
21 December, 2016
Almost half of people referred to foodbanks are at risk of going cold as well as hungry this winter
Fifth of Scots struggling on pay below real living wage
19 December, 2016
The number of Scots struggling to get by on low pay is on the rise prompting fresh calls for the Scottish Government to "get to grips" with poverty among people in work
Fuel poverty in the UK
19 December, 2016
When a household can't afford adequate heating this is referred to as 'fuel poverty'
Why politicians must listen to people on low incomes
16 December, 2016
One reason UK poverty persists is that people on low incomes are often marginalised. They must have a stronger voice in democracy
Inquiry into supported housing funding reform launched
16 December, 2016
The Work and Pensions Committee and the Communities and Local Government Committee launch a joint inquiry into the Government's funding reform for supported housing
Energy companies urged to tackle 'poverty premium' paid by low income households
15 December, 2016
Representatives from the 'Big Six' energy companies attended a summit yesterday looking at ways to help low income households living in fuel poverty
Blaenau Gwent to see launch of fuel bank to help foodbank users
13 December, 2016
It is only the second area in South Wales to provide the service
Council tax bills set for further inflation-busting rises
12 December, 2016
Council tax bills across England are set for a second year of inflation-busting rises in April
The housing poverty trap means work doesn't pay
09 December, 2016
A toxic trio of high rents, low pay and cuts to in-work benefits have created a perfect storm, with housing costs fueling poverty
Study finds 7m Britons in poverty despite being from working families
07 December, 2016
More than 7 million people in the UK are living in poverty despite being part of a working family
Almost 100,000 households move out of fuel poverty
06 December, 2016
Charities warn against complacency with around 748,000 Scottish households still fuel poor
Emergency housing package for young needed
01 December, 2016
An emergency package to house young working Londoners is urgently needed in the capital
Campaign launched to move beyond foodbanks in Scotland
01 December, 2016
Charities awarded cash to find more dignified solution
Financial Conduct Authority must not hand payday lenders a Christmas present
30 November, 2016
The City watchdog is planning a review of the cap it imposed on charges. The ideal result would see it extended to other types of high cost credit
UK fuel poverty to last a lifetime
29 November, 2016
A child born in Britain today may never see fuel poverty eradicated
A toxic concoction means women of colour are hit hardest by austerity
29 November, 2016
Minority-ethnic working-class women experience triple discrimination through class, race and gender - but their voices are never heard in the austerity debate
The Autumn Statement was a let-down for 'just about managing' families. How do we talk about poverty in a way that makes politicians listen?
28 November, 2016
The Autumn Statement contained some measures aimed at helping the so-called 'just about managing' in society
'I worry about money all the time': the Jam reality in Birmingham
24 November, 2016
The households Theresa May promised to help in her first speech on the steps of Downing Street are waiting nervously
Four ways the Autumn Statement could help those who are just about managing
23 November, 2016
How can the Chancellor improve the prospects of people who are struggling to make ends meet while boosting the economy?
Chancellor to crack down on letting fees in autumn statement
23 November, 2016
Philip Hammond will also announce £1.4bn investment in affordable housing in bid to help 'just about managing' families
LHA cap will hit existing Universal Credit tenants
22 November, 2016
The government has announced the Local Housing Allowance cap will apply to all tenants who receive Universal Credit, in a significant change that could affect thousands of tenants
Funding for Supported Housing
21 November, 2016
One of the Government's key commitments is to protect the most vulnerable
New-build ground rent scandal could spark legal battles
21 November, 2016
With thousands of homebuyers caught out by rapidly rising rents, the solicitors they used may face claims of professional negligence
Councils spent £3.5bn on temporary housing in last five years
18 November, 2016
Councils in Britain have spent more than £3.5bn on temporary accommodation for homeless families in the last five years
Number of care workers on zero-hours contracts jumps to one in seven
18 November, 2016
The latest in a series on the increasingly precarious world of work finds accusations of 'endemic' abuse of minimum wage laws
Talking about poverty: how experts and the public understand UK poverty
18 November, 2016
The idea of poverty and the meaning of the term in the UK is contested, and those working to tackle poverty are finding it difficult to shift negative public attitudes and cultivate broad public support for policies to solve it
Unemployment drops to fresh 11-year low but rise in benefit claims signals jobs slowdown ahead
17 November, 2016
Britain's jobless rate fell to a fresh 11-year low in the quarter to September
Fuel poverty: How can UK tackle cold homes and high bills?
17 November, 2016
One in ten families in the UK face heating bills they cannot afford this winter
How students are striking for affordable university rent - and winning
16 November, 2016
What exactly does it take to run a successful rent protest? Student activists explain it's all about strength in numbers
Long benefit payment delays affect 92,000 claimants in one year, forcing many to use food banks
15 November, 2016
People are turning to emergency food parcels because the Government is still failing to process new claims quickly enough
Spike in food bank usage blamed on delays in benefit claims
15 November, 2016
MP Frank Field calls for five-day target to process applications, saying too many being left for too long without support
The RightMove House Price Index
15 November, 2016
No respite for first-time buyers - can the Chancellor help?
Why we need a broader approach to house building than ever before
10 November, 2016
The Prime Minister Theresa May wants to use the power of Government to repair the 'dysfunctional housing market'
Mhairi Black slams "shameful" rise in foodbank use
10 November, 2016
500,000 three-day emergency food supplies were given out in the first half of this year - over 188,500 were for children
Trussell Trust to deliver more emergency food parcels than ever before
08 November, 2016
UK's biggest food bank highlighted delays with social security payments and benefit sanctions as factors behind record use
Government to unveil fuel poverty action plan
03 November, 2016
Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart is set to outline his plans to tackle fuel poverty
Record homeless toll results in £23m bill for temporary housing
03 November, 2016
More than £23m has been spent on emergency housing in the last five years as the number of homeless people hit a record high
Buying a home cheaper than renting in almost two-thirds of Britain's cities - if you can raise the deposit
31 October, 2016
Property website Zoopla found that was now the case in 60% of UK cities
Average price of a Scottish home increases 0.6 per cent
28 October, 2016
The average price of a residential property in Scotland has shown an increase of 0.6 per cent during the second quarter of the financial year
Record low interest rates help fuel demand for personal loans and credit cards
27 October, 2016
Record low interest rates are helping to fuel a strong demand for personal loans and credit cards, as consumer credit grows at its fastest levels in nearly a decade
The impact of benefit sanctioning on food insecurity: a dynamic cross-area study of food bank us age in the UK
27 October, 2016
Household food security, which may be compromised by short-term income shocks, is a key determinant of health
Hotel bills for homeless people run into billions
26 October, 2016
Councils have spent billions of pounds putting homeless people up in bed and breakfasts, hotels and private rented homes
A third of Scots are now living in fuel poverty
25 October, 2016
Hundreds of thousands of households struggle to heat their homes - despite a pledge to eradicate the problem by November
Cost of rent in London highlights squeeze on workers and families
25 October, 2016
Average rents for two-bedroom apartments in London have jumped to more than 50% of earnings across the capital
Government to support new legislation to reduce homelessness
25 October, 2016
The Homelessness Reduction Private Members Bill is to be supported by the government, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed today
Silver Renters on the rise
24 October, 2016
Four in ten people currently renting a property in the UK are now aged over 46 - with 18% aged over 55
'Can a charity help me pay my utility bills?'
24 October, 2016
There are some charitable grants available for people who are having problems affording some utility bills
Fining homeless people for being homeless is cruel and unworkable
21 October, 2016
One in 10 councils are using their powers to criminalise rough sleepers - let's hope public anger can translate into pressure to end homelessness, for good
Food banks 'a poor solution' as hungry families stay away
18 October, 2016
For every person who uses a food bank in Glasgow almost another four face going hungry
Self-employed earn less than in 2001 - and will be hit by welfare cuts
18 October, 2016
Number of people working for themselves up by half in 15 years but their average pay down £60 a week
Crackdown on rogue landlords to include new minimum bedroom size
18 October, 2016
Government proposes mandatory standard of 6.52 sq metres and licensing wider range of properties to stop exploitation of tenants
Property rentals to outstrip sales for first time since 1930s
17 October, 2016
Low supply and rising prices leads to more new lets than purchases, says estate agency
Council cuts push specialist housing for vulnerable people into the cold
11 October, 2016
Charities say 14% fall in spending by councils on supported housing for people with mental health issues is short-sighted and will cost more in the long run
£9m funding for fuel poverty in Scotland
04 October, 2016
The Scottish Government is to allocate over £9m to help drive down energy bills
Barwell hints at funding for sub-market rent
04 October, 2016
Gavin Barwell has given his strongest hint yet that the Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme will be changed to allow funding for sub-market rented homes
Peterborough landlords side with council over MPs in dispute over £1 million Travelodge bill for homeless families
03 October, 2016
Two landlords have dismissed arguments made by the city's MPs in the row over a £1 million hotel bill to put up homeless families
Douglas Carswell slams housing association as "Victorian landlord" over eviction of caring Clacton couple
03 October, 2016
Douglas Carswell has blasted Colne Housing for acting "disgracefully" for trying to evict a Clacton couple from a two-bed flat they had lived in for several years, while caring for an elderly relative
6.5m households put health and welfare at risk by failing to save
01 October, 2016
Millions of British households face financial disaster if their incomes dry up
Six million low-income 'worse off than 10 years ago'
30 September, 2016
Rising costs to housing and childcare have hit 'just managing' families, as identified by Theresa May in her maiden Downing Street speech
UK lenders approve fewest mortgages in nearly two years
29 September, 2016
British lenders approved the fewest mortgages in nearly two years last month as the housing market continued to slow after June's vote to leave the European Union
MPs urged to act on eviction 'crisis'
29 September, 2016
The number of households made homeless after eviction from a privately rented home is now at the highest since records began
The effect of stamp duty changes on housing market activity: April 2016
29 September, 2016
Article exploring a monthly extract of Land Registry property transaction data to analyse the impact of stamp duty changes up to and including April 2016
Debt problems with high cost credit products on the rise as payday loan issues fall
28 September, 2016
Citizens Advice says cap on payday loans should be extended to other high cost credit
AXA survey finds financial optimism among tenants
26 September, 2016
AXA have released a report claiming that despite the average tenant expecting to rent for a further decade, there is financial optimism
Disabled family forced to sleep on sofas for years as authorities can't get them house they need
26 September, 2016
A Belfast man is being forced to sleep on a living room sofa with his disabled wife and son every night because of a severe lack of suitable housing
Evening Standard comment: Dealing with food poverty: here's how
22 September, 2016
The scandal that people in struggle to feed themselves and their families while enormous amounts of food goes for animal feedis the basis of the Food for London campaign
National living wage 'failing to provide basic needs for lowest paid'
22 September, 2016
Living Wage Commission says £7.20 an hour for over-25s needs to take into account rising rents and slow wages growth
Mother forced to use food banks after tax agency ruled she was living with famous 19th century quaker Joseph Rowntree
21 September, 2016
The blunder has affected other benefits the woman depends on
Tenants spend two thirds of their take-home pay on rent as average monthly cost of a one-bed passes £1,000
20 September, 2016
Tenants paid £1,010 on average for a one bedroom home in August
Homeless charity hands out eviction notices to its own tenants
19 September, 2016
A leading homeless charity has come under fire after handing out eviction notices to tenants living in properties it owns in the capital
Ministers back down with a (partial) fix for Help to Buy Isa rules
16 September, 2016
The Government appears to have backed down over its flawed Help to Buy rules, fixing the problem in the design of a second savings scheme
Department of Communities creating 170 jobs for benefits contract
16 September, 2016
The Department of Communities is to recruit 170 staff to work on a contract it has been awarded by the UK's Department for Work and Pensions
End to council tax discount for second homes
15 September, 2016
Council tax reform legislation to tackle empty second homes
'Deeply unfair' fees of up to £900 for the poorest energy customers should be scrapped
14 September, 2016
Ofgem calls for £150 cap and blanket ban on fees for vulnerable
Nearly half of working families are cutting back on food or clothing to pay rent or mortgage
14 September, 2016
Almost 50 per cent of working families have had to cut back on essential items
The housing minister just suggested the government's 200,000 starter homes pledge might include rental properties
13 September, 2016
The remit of the government's promise to deliver 200,000 so-called starter homes by 2020 could be expanded so it includes purpose-built rental homes in the figure
Housing Statistics for Scotland 2016: Key Trends Summary
13 September, 2016
This annual publication presents statistics on housing supply and public sector housing in Scotland up to 31st March 2016
Social cleansing: The mums at the sharp end of the housing crisis
13 September, 2016
Boundary House in Welwyn Garden City is the not sort of the place you would want to raise your children
Councils should provide alternative to payday lenders
12 September, 2016
Local authorities should provide alternatives to payday lenders through credit unions
Contracts that do not guarantee a minimum number of hours: September 2016
09 September, 2016
Estimates of the number of employment contracts that do not guarantee a minimum number of hours are derived from our twice-yearly survey of businesses
Projects get £900,000 to tackle food poverty
06 September, 2016
Twenty-one projects to tackle food poverty will benefit from over £900,000 through a new fund established by the Scottish Government
Fewer homes for rent, as landlords move flats onto Airbnb
05 September, 2016
Landlords are taking their flats off the open market, and advertising them instead on holiday websites like Airbnb
May is urged to consider policy of 'living rents' linked to wage levels
02 September, 2016
As PM's social reform committee meets for first time, report says rental sector needs to be looked at urgently
Increase in Londoners facing bailiffs for council tax arrears
02 September, 2016
The number of low-income Londoners referred to bailiffs for council tax debt rose to nearly 20,000 last year, with people facing millions in court costs
Scottish tenants due half a million pounds in rental deposits
01 September, 2016
Staff at tenancy deposit scheme SafeDeposits Scotland are on the hunt for Scottish tenants who have forgotten to claim back their deposits
Tenancy deposits 'threatening to break £1,000 threshold'
01 September, 2016
Deposits on new rental properties are creeping closer to £1,000 and may soon be more
RLA claims holiday letting websites are making London's housing crisis worse
01 September, 2016
The growth of listings on holiday letting websites is making London's housing shortage worse
Driving Installation of Energy Efficiency Measures: Customer Research Findings
01 September, 2016
This research sought to establish what would work best and what would not work well in the design of incentives to encourage consumers to install energy efficiency measures
Poorest in Scotland 'pay more for services'
31 August, 2016
Poorer people in Scotland are paying more than others for essential services
Calls for fuel poverty plan after key target missed
31 August, 2016
Efforts to tackle fuel poverty must be redoubled after it emerged a key Scottish Government target would be missed
Life after community death: this food bank has a lesson for Labour
30 August, 2016
Two women who restored pride to a blighted town can show Jeremy Corbyn and his colleagues what a social movement could be used for
Low wages and bills 'thwart 18-35s' savings ambitions'
26 August, 2016
The under-35s are not a spendthrift generation, but are struggling to save owing to daily financial pressures and low wages
Homelessness changes: more evidence on how it really works in Wales
26 August, 2016
Last week a cross-party committee of MPs identified the principal cause of homelessness as the cost and availability of housing
Universal credit delays forcing people to food banks
25 August, 2016
Delays in government's flagship welfare reform has caused debt, rent arrears and health problems
More needs to be done to increase housing supply for all tenures
24 August, 2016
The Resolution Foundation recently reported that home ownership figures in Northern Ireland have fallen significantly by 10% in just over 10 years
More than 1.5m UK households in extreme debt
23 August, 2016
Britain in the Red study finds that people are struggling to make repayments as wages have fallen since financial crisis
Wages standstill sees over a million low-income families struggle with extreme debt
23 August, 2016
More than a million families with a household income below £30,000 are in extreme debt
Government launches review into letting agent fraud
23 August, 2016
The Government is to review whether renters' and landlords' money is adequately protected from letting agent fraud or bankruptcy
The working renters whose homes are 'at risk'
22 August, 2016
Penny and Rich Baker, who live near Bristol, have decided they have no choice but to move to a smaller house
Treasury and banks could face legal action over Help to Buy Isa scandal
22 August, 2016
The Government and banks could face legal action from thousands of savers over the Help to Buy Isa scandal
Help to Buy ISA: the real scandal
22 August, 2016
Over the weekend the Telegraph reported that there is a Help to Buy ISA "scandal" because "first-time buyers will not be able to use it on an initial deposit on their new home"
Greater Maryhill Foodbank founder charged with fraud
19 August, 2016
The founder of a high-profile Glasgow foodbank has been charged with fraud
Gloucester Foodbank to continue at new storage site
19 August, 2016
A food bank which was under threat of closure will continue to operate after a deal was made to use a storage site
And how much do you earn? Public pressure for government regulation of pay
19 August, 2016
Economics teaches that freely determined pay arrangements are likely to lead to optimal output and employment, with benefits to both employers and employees
Bank of mum and dad dealt tax blow: New rules mean parents could be hit by higher stamp duty rates
17 August, 2016
Coventry Building Society scraps 'Step Up' mortgage deal for families
New start-up offering alternative to tenancy deposit protection announces seed investment
17 August, 2016
A London-based property and financial technology start-up, Reposit, is aiming to offer an alternative to tenancy deposit protection
BPF build to rent map of the UK
16 August, 2016
The BPF build to rent map plots build to rent schemes across the UK aimed at the institutional investment market
Arrears and repossessions fall to lowest level in 20 years but rental evictions soar
16 August, 2016
While the number of people falling into arrears is at its lowest level in 20 years, rising rents and living costs have seen rental evictions soar
Scottish landlords launch new campaign against tax changes
15 August, 2016
Tax increases being imposed by the UK and Scottish governments will make it easier for irresponsible landlords to provide sub-standard housing to tenants
Arrears and possessions continue to fall
12 August, 2016
The number of mortgages in arrears continued to fall in the second quarter of this year, and is now at its lowest level since records began more than 20 years ago
Disability and Poverty
11 August, 2016
Reducing poverty among disabled people has to be at the heart of any attempts to reduce poverty overall in the United Kingdom
Tenants hit by short supply of family housing
11 August, 2016
The majority of franchise owners in the Group's 170-strong network are reporting a shortage in family housing for the rental market
The stigma of renting and the legacy of new towns
10 August, 2016
Jonn Elledge's article is mostly a realistic picture of the rental v ownership situation in the UK
Paying rent without work 'a very scary place to be'
10 August, 2016
What is it like to lose your job and not have enough money to cover your rent and childcare?
Many families could not afford a month's rent if they lost job
09 August, 2016
One in three families in England could not pay their rent or mortgage for more than a month if they lost their job
Jeremy Corbyn Looking At 'Universal Basic Income'; Says House Price Fall Could Help Tackle Housing Crisis
08 August, 2016
Adds house price fall could help tackle housing crisis
Government cuts to supported housing could force services to close
08 August, 2016
The plans to restrict housing benefit for vulnerable people living in supported housing are one of the most pernicious proposals from this Tory government
£1.2m to boost ethnic minority and migrant job prospects
05 August, 2016
£1.2m will be spent on a project to improve the job prospects of migrants and ethnic minorities
Going lower
05 August, 2016
Record low interest rates have been great for people with mortgages but terrible for the housing system as a whole
Affordable housing: 'affordable for who'?
05 August, 2016
Every time I hear the term 'affordable housing' being used - whether in a conversation with friends, family, Shelter clients or in a focus group - the same comment is always made: 'yes, but affordable for who...?'
Pre-payment meter price cap is watershed moment, says Ofgem
04 August, 2016
Regulator says new measures will help the most vulnerable customers but critics say they do not go far enough
Call for evidence: radical new approach to housing policy
04 August, 2016
The Tory Reform Group (TRG) has launched a public call for evidence over innovative policy proposals to address the two-fold challenge of availability and affordability of homes to rent and buy
Squalid property used to house asylum seekers receives second inspection
04 August, 2016
A London council revisits Home Office house after Guardian uncovered dozens of people living in overcrowded and potentially dangerous conditions
This is a housing crisis
03 August, 2016
Locked out of home ownership for a lifetime, the state would be left to foot the bill for Generation Rent when they are retired and still living in the high-cost, high-turnover private rented sector
Opinion: The Virtues of Worklessness
02 August, 2016
Rob Gershon thinks it's time to look at what buying into the worklessness myth and using free labour says about housing providers
Dozens of asylum seekers crammed into single Home Office property
02 August, 2016
Eighteen women and 15 children seeking asylum are living in filthy and dangerous conditions, Guardian investigation finds
Impact of poverty costs the UK £78bn a year
01 August, 2016
Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that dealing with the effects of deprivation costs £1,200 for each person in Britain
UK interest rates set to be cut by Bank of England on Thursday
01 August, 2016
Bank will publish latest inflation report and growth forecasts this week, as downgrade of Britain's economic prospects is expected
Not a moment too soon
01 August, 2016
The end of Scotland's Right to Buy gives social landlords the opportunity to replenish the stock of social housing
Analysis: housing initiative in Brent
29 July, 2016
Enforcement officers were shocked to see a 'shanty town shack' in the back garden of an overcrowded HMO in Brent, London
How over-65 workforce has doubled in 15 years: More than one million are still in full or part-time work
29 July, 2016
The number of people over 65 who are still working has more than doubled since the beginning of the century, official figures showed yesterday
North Yorkshire's rural broadband target to be missed, council says
29 July, 2016
Some remote communities in North Yorkshire will not get high-speed broadband despite being promised 100% access by 2017, a council has admitted
'Injustice' of shorter, unhealthy lives in poorer areas
29 July, 2016
More needs to be done to tackle the inequality that leads to people living shorter and less healthy lives in poorer parts of Wales
Four million working people to face affordable housing crisis by 2024
28 July, 2016
Millions of working people will no longer be able to afford somewhere decent to live by 2024 and will need access to some type of affordable housing according to new research
Owen Smith pledges to end austerity in radical pitch to Labour's left
28 July, 2016
Policies include scrapping Department for Work and Pensions, ending public-sector pay freeze and boosting spending on NHS
Brexit migrant 'spike' warning from MPs
27 July, 2016
There could be a spike in UK migration ahead of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union and the possible end to free movement rights
Councils demand reassurance on universal broadband pledge
27 July, 2016
Councils have urged the government to 'reaffirm its commitment' to a minimum broadband speed
Domestic violence victims are disappearing from homeless statistics
27 July, 2016
Just 1,390 people are counted as homeless because of domestic violence, but government figures tell only half the story
House raid finds 'shanty shack'
27 July, 2016
Enforcement officers thought 31 people crammed into a dilapidated four-bedroomed house was bad enough - then they found the 'shanty town shack' out the back
Lone child refugees 'left in squalor' by EU nations
26 July, 2016
Thousands of lone migrant children are living in squalid conditions after being let down by European countries including the UK
In Depth: Government urged to back Help to Buy through Brexit
25 July, 2016
A new report urges the May government to back Help to Buy and ease the housing market through the uncertainty of Brexit
London renters trying to move to flat shares to save money 'pay £2,000 in fees'
22 July, 2016
Hard-pressed Londoners who rent their homes have to shell out more than £2,000 in fees when moving into flatshare in order to save money
Theresa May is right to highlight families' struggle with housing costs - but rent is the worry, not mortgages
21 July, 2016
Theresa May's first speech as Prime Minister included a promise to empower 'working class' families
Renting to students, particularly those from overseas, may be more rewarding than risky for landlords
20 July, 2016
Are a few bad apples spoiling it for the whole bunch?
No phones, low pay, sent home for purple hair - life on a zero-hours contract
20 July, 2016
Nearly 1 million workers in the UK face the insecurity of unguaranteed shift work. Here, one agency employee reveals the trials they face, from unpaid lunch breaks to strict check-in procedures
'Vastly more' affordable housing needed to tackle Scotland's 'sobering' housing crisis
20 July, 2016
The only long-term solution for Scotland to help its struggling first time buyers is to build vastly more affordable, quality housing in the places where people want to live
No room
20 July, 2016
Despite extensive cuts to local authority budgets, millions of pounds are pouring from the public purse into youth homelessness services without any way of knowing what does and doesn't work
Cameron 'worst ever' PM for housing
19 July, 2016
David Cameron has been branded the 'worst ever' PM for housebuilding in a survey commissioned from the independent House of Commons Library
Over 87,000 London children without a permanent home
19 July, 2016
Since 2025 there has been a 44% increase in the number of London children living in temporary accommodation
Middle-income families in UK resemble the poor of years past, says IFS
19 July, 2016
Households on middle incomes receive 30% of income from benefits and tax credits, a rise on 20 years ago, report finds
MPs face questions about post-Brexit housing
19 July, 2016
The chancellor will decide whether the government remains committed to social housing
Will Theresa May try to fix the broken housing market?
19 July, 2016
Some Tory MPs worry that poorer families have been denied decent homes through the government's obsession with subsidising home ownership - at the expense of social housing
EU migrants may face 'right to stay' curbs
18 July, 2016
EU migrants who come to the UK as Brexit nears may not be given the right to stay, David Davis has said
New housing minister appointed
18 July, 2016
Gavin Barwell has been appointed as the new housing minister
Bank of Mum and Dad is now paying the rent, too
18 July, 2016
Parents in Britain put hand into pocket to the tune of £1bn a year, as housing crisis grows
Falling short: the experiences of families below the Minimum Income Standard
18 July, 2016
Joseph Rowntree report
May day signals
15 July, 2016
Freshly installed prime minister Theresa May has already signalled she is a social reformer
How much does it cost UK councils to take in refugees?
15 July, 2016
Britain pledged to take in 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020. How close are we to that target and how does the current initiative match up to previous schemes?
Vilifying the asylum seeker next door is just plain racist
15 July, 2016
Brexit has emboldened people who publicly campaign for people fleeing torture and war to be denied even poor, cramped housing
Renting in London: £500-a-month rooms are 'on the verge of extinction' as demand continues to soar
12 July, 2016
New figures reveal that nearly half the rooms in London flatshares now cost more than £750 a month
Scots rent rises among largest in UK
12 July, 2016
Tenants in Scotland have had to meet rent increases that are among the highest in the UK and accelerating at almost twice the countrywide average
Major banks 'charging more to borrow money than payday lenders'
11 July, 2016
The magazine found that some RBS customers could face costs of £90, while customers at Lloyds, HSBC and TSB could face £80
Crisis launches £150k fund for projects helping homeless people to rent
06 July, 2016
A two year funding programme has been launched offering a total of £150k to local projects supporting homeless people or those at risk of homelessness to rent a home
First Scots prosecution over failure to protect tenants' deposits expected to lead to more
05 July, 2016
First prosecution in Scotland over failure to protect tenants' deposits expected to lead to more
Will EU exit mean higher food prices and staff shortages?
05 July, 2016
With sterling sliding and fuel costs rising, farmers, producers and retailers face up to rising input and sourcing costs
ARLA President says online letting agents expensive for what they do
05 July, 2016
As the new President of ARLA, Nik Madan can expect a busy year
Tory tax and benefit plans 'widen generation divide'
04 July, 2016
Split seen in EU referendum will worsen as cash redistributed to the old, independent analysis finds
Weathering the Brexit storm: What the UK voting to leave the EU means for buyers, sellers and renters
04 July, 2016
A week on from its biggest economic shock in a generation, the housing market is coming to terms with the UK leaving the EU
Divorce 'driving rise in over-50s who have to rent': Nearly a third now lease property after strong increase over the past five years
04 July, 2016
More than a third of people aged 50 and over rent, up from a quarter in 2011
The Scottish Government will not meet its target to end fuel poverty
01 July, 2016
The Scottish Government has recently stated that it will not meet its target to end fuel poverty in Scotland
Poverty after housing costs by housing tenure
01 July, 2016
Since 2002/03 the number in poverty in all but owned with mortgage tenure types has decreased
UK borrowing rises at fastest rate in more than a decade
30 June, 2016
Value of credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts rose by 9.9% on a year earlier in May
This is how the EU referendum vote could impact on UK households
29 June, 2016
Housing and banking, petrol and pensions will all feel the effects of the Brexit vote
Cut in number of homeless in Scotland
28 June, 2016
The number of people in Scotland assessed as homeless or under the threat of being homeless went down by 5% in 2015/16
Economic uncertainty means renters need security
24 June, 2016
We haven't commented on the EU referendum as a debate about the future of the country was all a bit above us. Renters are a mixed bunch and have different reasons for voting Remain or Leave
15 things Brexit may mean for property
24 June, 2016
Reactions coming in thick and fast follwing today's Brexit vote
Residents offered help to furnish their new homes
23 June, 2016
Tenants on low incomes are being helped to make their house into a home
Rent increases and rent lawfully due
23 June, 2016
A few years ago now, I was instructed by Luton Law Centre in a series of possession cases brought by BPHA in Luton and Bedford County Courts
Need to cut the use of foodbanks
23 June, 2016
The second meeting of Motherwell and Wishaw Poverty Action Network discussed how foodbank use in the area could be slashed
16% of RTB purchasers 'on housing benefit'
21 June, 2016
Around 16% of council homes sold by 10 councils under the boosted Right to Buy have been to tenants on housing benefit
Here's what £1,000 a month in rent gets you in British cities
21 June, 2016
Can you get more for your property pound in Welsh cities compared to the English equivalent?
Why is renting such a pain?
21 June, 2016
The United Kingdom is now the most expensive place to rent in Europe, with accommodation costing, on average, 43% of a tenant's income
Starving and depending on foodbanks: why we need to rethink choice, deservingness, and stigma
20 June, 2016
With the growing foodbank queues came a growing interest towards their users
Under 35, on housing benefit, and impossible to house?
16 June, 2016
The 'Local Housing Allowance cap' is already narrowing the housing options for under-35s, Inside Housing reveals, with many housing associations planning to tighten allocation rules
Spend half of your pay on rent? That's nothing out of the ordinary, you're just an average young single tenant in Britain
15 June, 2016
Young single tenants typically see half of their pay packet swallowed up in rent
Average Scottish tenancy deposits '£100 cheaper than England and Wales'
14 June, 2016
New renters in Scotland paid out on average almost £800 for a tenancy deposit over the last year
'We have been treated like garbage. We are not garbage'
14 June, 2016
A man watched as his house was sold at auction
Rent fees are a step closer to being scrapped
13 June, 2016
If you rent in England, Wales or Northern Ireland then you'll know all about those fees you have to pay when you sign a rental contract with a letting agent
From the County Courts - deposits, evictions and introductory tenancies
13 June, 2016
Some county court cases reported in the indispensable 'Housing: Recent Developments' in Legal Action for May 2016
Regulator's new advisors help keep tenants at the heart of its work
13 June, 2016
The Scottish Housing Regulator has recruited a team of tenant advisors as one way of bringing a tenant perspective to the Regulator's scrutiny of landlords' services
Cost of renting one-bed property soars in UK
13 June, 2016
Workers under 30 pay almost half of monthly wages in rent, while those in London pay even more
Men's domestic violence refuge
10 June, 2016
The first north Wales refuge for men fleeing domestic abuse has opened in Flintshire
UK startup offers landlords continuous, deep surveillance of tenants' social media
10 June, 2016
New Startup That Sends Dossiers On Your Private Social Media Profiles To Potential Landlords
Number of homes to rent decreases
09 June, 2016
The repercussions of the government's stamp duty hike on second homes may already be starting to bite
New tenancy laws not enough
08 June, 2016
Pressure groups call for further powers to improve quality of rental property and keep rent increases sustainable
Room rents in commuter towns rising seven times faster than in London
03 June, 2016
Landlords may traditionally see London as the place where the highest rents are charged, but new data shows prices in commuter town are rising seven times faster than in the capital
Fair Food Fund to be set up as part of welfare reforms
02 June, 2016
The Scottish government is to establish a "Fair Food Fund" as part of efforts to tackle poverty and inequality
Telford Homes reports 42% revenue rise thanks to 'built for rent' homes
02 June, 2016
Housebuilder sells 150 homes in east London to M&G; Real Estate for £63m, reflecting demand for rental properties
Call for rent controls by Scottish nurses priced out of homes near hospitals
01 June, 2016
A union of nurses is calling for action to help NHS staff in Scotland find accommodation in the areas they provide hospital care
Personal budgets allow people to control their own support and their own lives
31 May, 2016
Over the past decade, personal budgets have completely changed social care in England, despite unprecedented local authority cuts
'Shocking' safety breaches at HMO
27 May, 2016
Council officers found 'shocking' safety breaches at an unlicensed multiple occupation property that fire inspectors had already flagged up as a risk
2016 Wandsworth Food Poverty Report Launched
26 May, 2016
Our third annual Food Poverty Report is now published, looking at the triggers and causes of crisis leading to 4078 people receiving emergency food and support from Wandsworth Foodbank in the last year
Conducting surveys of tenants and service users - a guide
26 May, 2016
The passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 and Social Housing Charter formed part of the legislation changes that introduced an obligation on landlords to regularly undertake surveys of their tenants
Leith flats eviction suspended
26 May, 2016
The eviction of hundreds of residents from Leith flats has been suspended after the trust that owns them failed to find a buyer
The rental trap: soaring costs mean tenants are half as likely to afford monthly outgoings as homeowners
25 May, 2016
Soaring rents are making it impossible to save for the future, trapping tenants in a precarious financial situation
Find out how much rent your spare room could make you - and it's not London seeing the fastest rises
25 May, 2016
With rents rising Britons across the country could rake in unexpected amounts renting out their spare room
Rents on the up again - breaking records in three regions
24 May, 2016
Rents are now rising at the fastest rate for six months, standing last month at an average of £793 across England and Wales
Wales' first fuel bank is giving free gas and electricity credit vouchers to eligible families
23 May, 2016
The scheme will provide credits worth £30 to eligible families in Cardiff
Osborne 'Pinocchio' over Brexit house price fall: IDS
23 May, 2016
Former cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith has compared George Osborne to "Pinocchio" over his claim that a vote to leave the EU would cause an economic shock to UK house prices
The Cheapest And Most Expensive Places To Rent In London: Mapped
20 May, 2016
If you want to rent a cheap room in London, you're best off looking in Havering or Croydon according to new government statistics
Extraordinary increases driven by buy-to-let boom
20 May, 2016
The latest data revealed by the Agency Express Property Activity Index has shown a spike in activity for the UK lettings market
Rents and property values would drop after Brexit
19 May, 2016
Associations for estate and letting agents say average UK house would be worth £2,300 less in 2018 if Britain leaves the EU
Hackney rents set to 'skyrocket' after housing bill is passed
17 May, 2016
Council tenants could see their rent "skyrocket" after the government's controversial housing bill was given Royal Assent
Torbay benefits claimants among UK's most reliant on private lettings
17 May, 2016
Torbay has the UK's second highest density of housing benefit claimants reliant on the private rental market
Iain Duncan Smith's plan to draft in job advisers to food banks quietly shelved by DWP
17 May, 2016
Owen Smith, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: 'It has now been revealed that the DWP has quietly given up on the national trial'
Average renter stays just 18 months in a property
16 May, 2016
Renters spend an average of 18 months in a rented property before moving on
Hastings leader wants double council tax on holiday homes
16 May, 2016
The owners of holiday homes in Hastings should pay double the amount of council tax
Peers 'to back down over housing reforms'
11 May, 2016
Peers are set to back down in their battle with the Government over its flagship housing reforms and they are now expected to become law
Our rent strike at UCL has caught fire in the capital - and here's why
10 May, 2016
The threat to education access posed by university rent-setting policies isn't just a local issue. No wonder students everywhere are clamouring to join us
Housing and Planning Bill
10 May, 2016
Before I call the Minister, I wish to repeat what Mr Speaker said on 25 April
Cheaper to buy than rent in over half of UK cities
10 May, 2016
It is now cheaper to buy than rent in more than half of UK cities, according to property developer Strata Homes
Leader of Sutton Council apologises for sending mock eviction notices to thousands of people
09 May, 2016
The leader of Sutton Council has apologised for sending "crass and irresponsible" mock eviction notices to thousands of people to promote a Liberal Democrat petition
Too Poor to Eat: 8.4 million struggling to afford to eat in the UK
09 May, 2016
8.4 million struggling to afford to eat in the United Kingdom
You can rent a house in London for £700 a month
06 May, 2016
The 'one bedroom house' is in south-east London's Abbey Wood
Agent who conned 'vulnerable' tenants out of deposits is jailed
06 May, 2016
A former agent with Reeds Rains has been jailed after conning overseas student into paying deposits for accommodation that he knew he could not let to them
Empty Housing (England)
06 May, 2016
High levels of empty properties are recognised as having a serious impact on the viability of communities
Rents continue to rise across the UK and in London
05 May, 2016
Latest figures show average rent outside London rose to £764 a month, while within the capital it hit £1,543
Concern over use of bailiffs to chase council tax debts
04 May, 2016
Charities have raised concerns over councils' "aggressive" use of bailiffs to chase people in council tax arrears
Debt charities see record Council Tax arrears problems
04 May, 2016
Council Tax arrears problems among clients have hit a new high
A Warm Deal for London's Renters
03 May, 2016
The need for a London-wide minimum energy efficiency standard
Are we facing an evictions crisis?
28 April, 2016
Imagine knowing that you are going to lose your home but not knowing when the bailiffs will come knocking
Food bank warehouse opens doors to tackle food poverty across Wythenshawe
28 April, 2016
The Unit-E food storage warehouse, based in the town centre, will distribute food to seven food banks in the area
Petition against letting agent fees gathers over 250,000 signatures
28 April, 2016
A petition against letting agent fees has now gathered some 250,000 signatures
More than a million people in UK living in destitution
27 April, 2016
Research by Joseph Rowntree Foundation finds 668,000 households unable to afford essentials such as food, heating and clothes
Struggling families will soon be able to get free fuel vouchers from Cardiff foodbank
27 April, 2016
Npower is to give credits worth two weeks' worth of energy
More rent than pay a mortgage: the Tory dream for London has crashed and burned
26 April, 2016
The capital is now a city of tenants, proof that the Thatcherite property hegemony has had its day
Housing Bill should also include rogue tenants list
26 April, 2016
The Housing and Planning Bill, which includes measures to tackle criminal landlords and letting agents, should also address the issue of problem tenants
New scheme launched to help people who rely on foodbanks
26 April, 2016
Employees at a Dundee organisation are set to donate some of their salaries in a bid to help out people who rely on foodbanks in Dundee
Five cabinet ministers' constituencies 'least hit by council budget cuts'
25 April, 2016
Theresa May, Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt among ministers whose areas escape brunt of austerity measures
Housing, energy efficiency and welfare feature high on SNP manifesto
22 April, 2016
The SNP has unveiled plans for 50,000 new affordable homes, a Warm Homes Bill to help tackle fuel poverty and a social security system based on dignity and respect
York council consults on strategy to improve private housing
22 April, 2016
York Council has opened a public consultation on its a draft strategy intended to tackle poverty and disadvantage among people living in private sector housing
Generation Rent - Living to Let
21 April, 2016
Richard Hill is one of three million young adults in the UK still living with their parents. He meets others who've gone to extreme lengths to find somewhere affordable to live
Can you rent out a home bought with a Help to Buy ISA/Lifetime ISA?
21 April, 2016
The Help to Buy ISA is a huge boon for first-time buyers. It means when you save in it for a mortgage deposit, you'll get up to £3,000 added on top
2 out of 3 ain't bad!
20 April, 2016
Too often, renting is unsafe. Our Fix Renting campaign , launched in January, focuses on three ways to make renting safer
Lifeline for London families facing eviction after charity sold their flats
20 April, 2016
Residents of Walthamstow estate unaware their homes had been sold until eviction notices were handed out
Top 10 cheapest areas to rent:Londoners are heading to Bexley borough where rents are half the average price
19 April, 2016
Londoners in search of cheaper rents should head to Bexley in the south-east corner of the capital where costs are half the average price
Rising Bristol rents are forcing people to live on the streets
19 April, 2016
The city's housing crisis is forcing more and more people onto the streets with 235 families currently living in B&Bs; to prevent them from becoming homeless
How to help residents trapped by financial exclusion
18 April, 2016
Join us on Tuesday 26 April 11:30 - 13:00 BST, to discuss how professionals in councils, charities and housing can promote financial inclusion
Why the housing bill could give the Lords another victory
18 April, 2016
This badly-drafted and timed bill won't address sky-high rents or house prices - expect peers to win concessions
'Political warfare' over food bank group's million users claim hurting hungry people - MPs
18 April, 2016
The "political warfare" over discredited suggestions that more than one million people in Britain rely on food banks may have harmed the chances of genuinely hungry people getting help
No vote, no voice: Renters need to register!
15 April, 2016
Over a third of renters in London have moved 3 or more times in the last five years
Foodbank use remains at record high
15 April, 2016
Trussell Trust says that one million three day food supplies a year must not become the new normal
£100 Council Tax cut for greener homes
13 April, 2016
Welsh households could receive £100 towards their council tax by going green
The Housing and Planning Bill risks missing out half of England's young private-renting households
11 April, 2016
This afternoon, the House of Lords will kick-off the first round of voting on key amendments to the Housing and Planning Bill
'Pay £78 a week for heating and hot water', disabled tenants in Holloway sheltered accommodation told
08 April, 2016
Disabled pensioners in Holloway were sent letters by their housing association threatening a 450 per cent increase in bills
Counting the cost of becoming a nation of renters
07 April, 2016
Proof, if proof was needed, earlier this week that property prices in the capital are out of control
Buying cheaper than renting in nearly half of Britain's major cities
06 April, 2016
Glasgow, Coventry and Birmingham topped the list of places where buying beats renting
Whew! Over 1,200 deals completed by conveyancer on eve of Stamp Duty change
06 April, 2016
In the 24 hours before the Stamp Duty surcharge kicked in, Britain's largest conveyancer completed a record number of transactions
Housing and Inequality in London
05 April, 2016
Over the past 20 years the price of housing in London has quadrupled, and the number of people renting privately has grown dramatically
Rapid rise in single parent debt problems
05 April, 2016
The number of single parents approaching StepChange Debt Charity for help has doubled over the last four years and they are now the fastest growing group among its clients
Green Party pledge to push for rent controls
05 April, 2016
Sian Berry, the Green mayoral candidate for London, has issued her manifesto
Struggling generation rent is being driven into debt
04 April, 2016
Figures from charities reveal how people unable to get on the housing ladder are under pressure from overdrafts, loans and arrears in rent
UK Government's housing policy targeting homeless families is 'tantamount to social cleansing'
04 April, 2016
Charities and politicians demand urgent safeguards after Independent investigation uncovers cases of homeless children dying from neglect and abuse
Homelessness statistics make uncomfortable reading for politicians worried about welfare cuts
30 March, 2016
Last weekend's news was dominated by the political fallout from Iain Duncan Smith's resignation and by signs of growing political unease around the latest proposed cuts to welfare
En-suite education: the unstoppable rise of luxury student housing
30 March, 2016
The UK's student boom has seen a spate of new, expensive, high-spec studio flats for them to live in
The My Home Finance loan scheme is in trouble, but tenants still need affordable finance
23 March, 2016
Whatever the causes of the My Home Finance scheme's crisis, it highlights the difficulty of providing genuinely affordable loans for those who need them
Households underestimate monthly bills by £700 - while many consider themselves 'in debt' only if they owe £45k
22 March, 2016
Monthly outgoings typically £1,505 - £693 less than estimated
'Generation rent' have given up hope of buying own home
21 March, 2016
Three-quarters of people in Britain fear it will be impossible for future generations to have a home to settle down in
Tackling fuel poverty
18 March, 2016
Bromford is working towards developing a service offer around affordable warmth and fuel poverty
A sharing economy as rents rise and tenants pile in together
16 March, 2016
The average rent for new tenancies in the UK, excluding London, is now £744 per month - up 4.8% on a year ago
Housing Minister writes to councils over evictions advice following NLA pressure
15 March, 2016
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has written to all local councils in England in order to clarify homelessness guidance
As the Mayoral election nears, London renters are demanding change
15 March, 2016
In just eight weeks, London will have a new Mayor. Will they have a plan to fix London's renting crisis?
There are now 157 foodbanks operating in Wales compared to 16 between 1998 and 2025
15 March, 2016
Austerity has been blamed for the rise and it's warned that their use was now becoming 'institutionalised'
Young families priced out of rental markets in two-thirds of the UK
15 March, 2016
Figures suggest soaring rents make having children financially prohibitive for young couples in southern England and beyond
'Prices are rising at a terrifying rate': the rent worries that keep you up at night
14 March, 2016
The stress of keeping up rent or mortgage payments has sent more than a million people in the UK to the doctor
Housing Bill: From pay to stay to right to rent - the controversial legislation explained
14 March, 2016
The Housing and Planning Bill is approaching its final stage in parliament before - if all goes to the government's plan - passing into law
'Broken' disability benefits need total overhaul
11 March, 2016
Fit-for-work tests and sanctions for those with chronic illness or disability should be scrapped
UK housing: Millions more face higher rents in 'perfect storm for a major renting crisis'
10 March, 2016
The number of renters in England and Wales soar will over the coming decade as millions more people are caught in a trap of high rents and house prices
UK workers on zero-hours contracts rise above 800,000
10 March, 2016
Workers on zero-hours contracts more likely to be young, part-time, women, or in full-time education
Credit cards are pushing people into damaging long-term debt
09 March, 2016
They were introduced as a convenient way to borrow over the short term, but have become dangerous debt builders
Homelessness advocates call for evictions ban to protect older women
08 March, 2016
Anna Bligh calls for rental subsidies to help the growing number of women over the age of 55 at risk of becoming homeless
Food for fought: Politicians to face public grilling on food banks and poverty at conference set up by Trussell Trust
07 March, 2016
Food bank users are being given a voice today when they get to quiz leading politicians
Plans for wide-ranging cap on energy bills expected to be scrapped
04 March, 2016
Competition watchdog likely to ditch price curbs for customers on standard tariffs amid pressure from UK's biggest suppliers
UCL rent strike: Student support in fight against 'social cleansing' and soaring accommodation costs increases
04 March, 2016
Strike organisers say amount of rent now being withheld is at over £1 million, something which could rise as more students decide whether to join the cause or not
Gloucester Foodbank appeals for depot for 25 tonnes of food
04 March, 2016
Food bank volunteers in Gloucestershire are "desperately" trying to find somewhere to store 25 tonnes of food
'Rent trap' catches aspiring first-time buyers who paid over £40,000 to landlords in five years
03 March, 2016
Renters in England forked out to landlords since 2025 the equivalent of almost a fifth of the average price of a first-time buyer's property
Greater Manchester sees record number of evictions
02 March, 2016
A record number of people were forced out of their homes after falling behind with rent, according to government stats
Landlord satisfaction across UK highest in Wales
02 March, 2016
More renters in Wales are satisfied with their landlord than in any other part of the UK
Incomes of the poor being boosted by strong employment growth, but will be hit by benefit cuts
02 March, 2016
Strong employment growth has reduced the number of people living in households with incomes below a fixed poverty line over the last two years
Rental prices force residents away
01 March, 2016
Renters are being driven out of Brighton and Hove by spiralling housing costs
In London, Renters Now Outnumber Homeowners
29 February, 2016
Over the next decade the ratio will tip even further, with wide-ranging consequences
Four million children in fuel poverty which costs the NHS £27,000 a day
26 February, 2016
Cold homes caused by unaffordable heating are having serious consequences
Asda backs down over food bank ban
26 February, 2016
Supermarket chain to allow collection points back into its UK supermarkets after backlash
IMF urges G20 to take 'bold action' on global economy
25 February, 2016
Fund's report says risks of more severe downturn are mounting as UK government battles sluggish productivity growth
Are letting agents helping to lock renters out?
24 February, 2016
Low income renters are in a precarious position
How property crowdfunding could help the next generation of homeowners
22 February, 2016
Homeownership rates among young people have declined dramatically in the UK in past decades despite nine out of ten of this group aspiring to buy a home
Exodus from EU may spark correction in the rental market
22 February, 2016
International companies could flee from London if the UK severs ties with Europe finds survey
First-time buying cheaper than renting
19 February, 2016
First-time buyers are £1,440 a year better off with their own home
English housing survey 2014 to 2015: headline report
18 February, 2016
The latest findings from the English housing survey 2014 to 2015
Asda removes food bank donation points from UK stores
18 February, 2016
Supermarket chain ceases scheme, which allowed customers to donate food bought in store or brought from home, without announcing to media
Briefing: the need for stable renting in England
17 February, 2016
This briefing sets out the case for making renting in England longer-term
Renters' rage is justified
17 February, 2016
All politicians - even the ruling Conservatives - acknowledge that there is a housing crisis in Britain
London to be transformed from city of home-owners to city of home-renters in a generation
17 February, 2016
Patterns of home ownership in London are changing fundamentally
EasyFoodstore brings in 10 item limit
15 February, 2016
Move to stop convenience store owners stockpiling goods at the 25p an item retailer
Scandal of working poor living on streets as rents soar beyond the reach of wages
15 February, 2016
Ros Wynne Jones uncovers the poverty scandal of a cleaner, a chef and bricklayer whose hard work is not enough to get them a roof over their heads
Rootless and ruled by the landlord class - the future for young adults
15 February, 2016
The disappearance of home ownership and secure employment will have a profound effect on UK cities
Tenancy Bill amendments will create significant problems for Scottish rural housing
12 February, 2016
New amendments to the Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill have the potential to create significant problems for the provision of rural homes
Mortgage and Landlord Possession Statistics Quarterly, England and Wales
12 February, 2016
October to December 2015
Tenant evictions reach highest level on record
11 February, 2016
More than 250 tenants were evicted every day in England and Wales in 2015
Poverty charity blamed for evictions after selling up to developers
08 February, 2016
Labour MP Stella Creasy criticises the Glasspool Trust for sale of 63 houses to a company that then promptly started removing tenants
Rents continue to grind upwards. Incomes are being left behind
08 February, 2016
It's now a year since the Office for National Statistics overhauled their experimental rent index and it's fair to say they feel pretty well bedded in
Saving Tenants up to £300 a Year on Their Fuel Bills
08 February, 2016
GGHT are helping local people save on average £300 per year on their fuel bills
Rental Britain
02 February, 2016
Demand for rental homes will continue to rise despite Government policies
The Tories new plan to squeeze the working poor
01 February, 2016
The Tory government been attacked over plans to extend controversial benefit sanctions to claimants with jobs
Online rental fraud rising steeply
25 January, 2016
Rental fraud is rising sharply, the BBC has learned during an investigation in which it confronted two online fraudsters for their crimes
Homelessness in UK soaring as rents rise and tenancies end
25 January, 2016
Government figures show homelessness has risen by just under a third since 2025 amid crisis in affordable homes
Dumfries foodbank helps hundreds since launch
21 January, 2016
A foodbank launched in controversial circumstances in Dumfries has helped hundreds of people since it opened
Plan to restrict zero-hours contracts for home carers
19 January, 2016
Zero-hours contracts for home carers in Wales could be restricted to improve recruitment and care standards
The Housing and Planning Bill: a small response to a big challenge
14 January, 2016
The last Parliament saw housing become a truly national crisis
Scottish Government urged to reverse fuel poverty budget cut
13 January, 2016
The Existing Homes Alliance has called on the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to cut the fuel poverty/energy efficiency budget
Families feel pinch as debt rises
13 January, 2016
More households seeking advice about tackling their debts or managing money
Tories reject move to ensure rented homes fit for human habitation
13 January, 2016
Labour amendment to housing bill, aimed at holding landlords to account, is defeated as minister claims it would push up rents
Brighton and Bristol tenants hit by 18% rent rises in 2015
12 January, 2016
Rents rose nationally by an average of 4.9% last year, with renters in the two cities enduring the worst hikes
Labour says Scottish Government has cut fuel poverty funding by 10%
11 January, 2016
The Scottish Government has cut funding for fuel poverty by more than a 10th
Record high for family debt shows that we don't have a recovery that works for all
11 January, 2016
New analysis published Friday by the TUC shows that household debt is rising again, with total unsecured debt reaching a new high
Shared ownership boost for budding homeowners
07 January, 2016
The government is relaxing the criteria for those who can apply for the shared ownership scheme from April
A recap of the Housing Bill so far
06 January, 2016
Prior to the Bill and its latest amendments being debated, much of the talk was on how it was already a done deal and the real battle would be in the Lords
Borrowing jumped ahead of Christmas
05 January, 2016
The amount of money being borrowed by consumers in the run-up to Christmas rose by £1.5bn, the largest rise for nearly eight years
Britons driven to food banks by poverty seen as 'collateral damage' by DWP
04 January, 2016
Britain's biggest food bank provider says the Government has threatened the charity for speaking out on the issue
Early Christmas payday causes problems for struggling Brits' finances
04 January, 2016
January blues: More than half of the nation struggle to meet their new year bills after splashing out at Christmas
2015 in housing: 12 months of growing crisis
29 December, 2015
We look back on a year of escalating protests over dwindling social housing supply and a Tory focus on homeownership despite booming costs
Benefit delays leaving families hungry
29 December, 2015
Benefit mistakes and delays are causing families to go hungry and putting homes at risk
'I'm worrying about Christmas and how we'll afford food'
23 December, 2015
Michelle lives in Cambridge with her husband. The family is struggling to keep up with rent and bills
Rent rises could soon outpace house prices
22 December, 2015
The cost of renting in the UK could rise faster than house prices over the next five years
Number of London renters becoming homeless increases 700% in five years
21 December, 2015
New figures show 6,790 London households in 2014/2015 were made homeless following the end of their tenancies
A route map to ending hunger as we know it in the United Kingdom
21 December, 2015
Five key reforms outlined in this report are being pursued by a new charitable organisation called Feeding Britain
Households with prepayment meters pay up to £250 more in energy bills
17 December, 2015
Lack of competitive tariffs to switch to means prepayment customers are losing out to those on direct debit tariffs
Londoners break tradition to start families in rented homes
17 December, 2015
A quarter of London renters are getting married and having children while still renting
Newcastle foodbank flooded with presents after theft
14 December, 2015
Hundreds of Christmas presents have been donated to a foodbank after thieves stole gifts destined for needy children
Shock 50% rise in use of food banks in Northern Ireland in just one year
14 December, 2015
The use of food banks has soared by almost 50%
Food bank opens for young people hit by benefit sanctions
11 December, 2015
Merseyside Youth Association says service in Liverpool helps 16-to 25-year-olds who are going hungry but feel uneasy about visiting other food banks
750,000 families with children 'struggling with serious debt'
10 December, 2015
Research finds growing number of households in financial difficulty, as zero-hours contracts and less secure work leave them vulnerable
Poll finds 82% think food banks 'a sign something is wrong in society'
10 December, 2015
More than four-fifths of people in Scotland believe the need for food banks is a sign that something is fundamentally wrong in society
Council 'forcing us into fuel poverty'
09 December, 2015
"Stop forcing us into fuel poverty" was the message from worried residents
Tenants may be saved from Leith flats eviction
08 December, 2015
Tenants facing eviction from their homes in Leith could be allowed to stay on after a housing association began negotiations to buy the properties
Young people learning to avoid eviction: 'I thought rent wasn't a priority'
08 December, 2015
Living alone can be extremely daunting for young vulnerable people. A new course teaches them how to cope with tenancy, debt and isolation
Students rise up against soaring housing rents
07 December, 2015
Demands for cuts and compensation spread as protests in London call for 40% reduction in accommodation costs
Up to 750,000 elderly people 'forced to choose between food and heating their homes' this winter
07 December, 2015
A third of pensioner households live on less than £300 a week
Food banks in the UK: Volunteers face a growing battle as benefits crisis bites
07 December, 2015
Food banks barely existed when David Cameron came to power in 2025, but now there are 425 across the country
Why Rent Is Still Rising In Places Where It's Cheaper To Own
07 December, 2015
Five years into the recovery, renters are still paying the price for the Great Recession
Zero-hours and short-hours contracts in the UK: Employer and employee perspectives
04 December, 2015
Zero-hours contracts remain controversial, but the number of people on them is increasing
Saving lives through mandatory electrical safety checks
03 December, 2015
Sadly, every year 350,000 people are injured because of electrical faults in the home
Scottish Government issued with final demand to end fuel poverty
02 December, 2015
The Scottish Government has been issued with a 'final demand' to end fuel poverty by the national fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland
Title sponsor Yarlington Housing Group puts the focus on tackling fuel poverty
01 December, 2015
AS we enter the colder weather fuel poverty will no doubt once again become a topic of conversation both locally and nationally
Festive crackdown to stop loan sharks exploiting vulnerable people
30 November, 2015
Police describe the Christmas period as the 'hunting season for loan sharks'
Fuel poverty: England's poorest households won't all be properly heated for nearly 100 years
30 November, 2015
Poorest and coldest households receiving improved insulation at a rate of only 1 per cent a year
'Fit for work' tests have normalised the suffering of sick and disabled people
25 November, 2015
The distress, physical pain and even death of disabled and mentally ill citizens are no longer seen as travesties to avoid but rather little more than collateral damage
'Conscious cruelty': Ken Loach's shock at benefit sanctions and food banks
24 November, 2015
'Hunger is being used as a weapon,' says veteran director, calling for public rage over situation he says is worse than when he made Cathy Come Home in 1966
Jeremy Corbyn scolds Tory MPs for 'laughing at food poverty'
24 November, 2015
Labour leader said inequality, climate change, food and water security should be part of the national security review, as well as the more conventional defence measures
Average London rents to hit £2,000 a month by the start of the next decade
20 November, 2015
The average rent for a two-bed home in the capital will hit £2,007 a month by January 2020 if rents continue to rise at their current pace
UK foodbank use still at record levels as hunger remains major concern for low income families
18 November, 2015
Food bank use in Scotland has increased to record levels, with more than 60,000 referrals over a six-month period
Landbay Rental Index
18 November, 2015
No sign of seasonal slow - down in rental market as UK rents rise 0.7% in October 2015
Half of low income working households struggling with energy costs
18 November, 2015
New research by the national charity Turn2us has found that one in two low income households are struggling to afford their energy costs, despite being in work
Generation rent: only 26% of young adults will be on housing ladder by 2025
17 November, 2015
Sky-high prices and rising interest rates threaten to lock 20- to 39-year-olds out of property ownership
Renting in London: no respite for tenants spending half their income on rent
12 November, 2015
There's no let-up in the capital as renters spend more than half their income on rent - and deposits continue to soar out of reach
Food bank starts providing free sanitary products to women
11 November, 2015
A food bank has started to provide free sanitary products to women who are unable to afford them
Two million homes change tenure since 2005
10 November, 2015
1,550,000 properties have gone from being lived in by their owner to being lived in by a tenant
Poverty premium: why it costs so much more to be poor
10 November, 2015
The poorest UK households are locked out of the cheapest deals on energy and phone tariffs - but some councils are taking action
HomeLet Rental Index October 2015
10 November, 2015
When London is excluded, the average UK rental value was £749pcm - this is 3.5% higher than the same period last year (£724pcm)
DWP staff received almost £140 million in bonuses over the last three years
09 November, 2015
Bonuses at the Department for Work and Pensions totalled £42.1 million for the year 2014-2015
Rental sector to boom as first time buyers need £50,000 to proceed
06 November, 2015
The rental market looks set to benefit from the continuing housing market strength as new research claims that first time buyers need on average a minimum household income of £50,000 to purchase a house in the UK
How has England fared in building affordable homes for rent?
05 November, 2015
The government is to scrap section 106, which forced developers to build affordable homes - but it was already marred by missed targets and segregation
Government defends temporary accommodation stats
04 November, 2015
The government has fought statistic with statistic as they came under scrutiny in the Commons
Local authorities support greater power to residents
04 November, 2015
The overwhelming majority of local authority members, residents and volunteers want to see more collaboration between local authorities and communities
Housing minister attempts to ease fears of Private Tenancies Bill's ASB 'limitations'
04 November, 2015
Housing minister Margaret Burgess has reaffirmed to landlords that ASB is grounds for eviction under the new Private Tenancies Bill
Hospital food banks expose the gap between benefits and the cost of survival
30 October, 2015
With some families forced to feed themselves on just £19 a week and parents skipping meals so their children can eat, no wonder food banks are everywhere
NHS hospital to offer food parcels to patients at risk of malnutrition
29 October, 2015
Tameside, Greater Manchester, to join other hospitals in opening food bank, with staff trained to spot signs of poor nutrition
The loss of our low rent homes
29 October, 2015
At Shelter we have tried to estimate the impact that the some of the Government's housing policies might have on genuinely affordable homes
Benefit fraud clampdown 'lacks ambition'
28 October, 2015
Ministers have made progress in reducing benefit fraud and error but their efforts reveal a "paucity of ambition"
Job advisers placed in food banks
28 October, 2015
Job advisers are set to be placed in food banks across the country
The UK's fuel poverty crisis can, and must, be fixed
27 October, 2015
Our housing stock is one of the least energy-efficient in Europe. Improving it must be a national priority - energy efficiency would offer greater benefits than the HS2 rail programme
Working poor: What it's like when you have a job - but can't pay the bills
26 October, 2015
The number of people in-work who fall below the poverty line has risen by 70 per cent in London
Peers in House of Lords move to block £4.4bn cuts to tax credits
22 October, 2015
David Cameron accuses Labour and Lib Dem peers of overstepping constitutional role by seeking to block central government decision
Mystery shopping to test the potential for discrimination within the private rental sector
21 October, 2015
Part of the Right to Rent evaluation
New group to explore ways to reduce reliance on foodbanks
20 October, 2015
Representatives from poverty organisations and charities will convene today to investigate food poverty and possible solutions to Scotland's increasing reliance on foodbanks
Research on the effect of rent stabilisation measures in London
20 October, 2015
The London Assembly's Housing Committee commissioned this study as part of an investigation into the likely impact of a range of rent stabilisation measures on London's housing market
Innovative App could help social landlords tackle fuel poverty
16 October, 2015
An innovative new app for social landlords and housebuilders was officially launched this week
Historic Housing and Planning Bill will transform generation rent into generation buy
14 October, 2015
New Housing and Planning Bill has been introduced to Parliament by the government
The Housing Bill: towards better conditions for renters
14 October, 2015
There's nothing more annoying than buying a dress, paying through the roof, only for the stitching to unravel the next day
Eastern European tenants in social housing 'trebled since 2007'
13 October, 2015
The proportion of typical social housing in England being let to Eastern Europeans has trebled over the last eight years
Liverpool's Lord Mayor and Merseyside MPs sign pact to tackle fuel poverty
13 October, 2015
Merseyside MPs have joined the Lord Mayor of Liverpool in signing up to a commitment to support local organisations working to tackle fuel poverty in the region
Who benefits, and who loses out, from David Cameron's housing plan?
09 October, 2015
The prime minister's plan to scrap the affordable rental homes requirement
Research on the effect of rent stabilisation measures in London
08 October, 2015
The London Assembly's Housing Committee commissioned this study as part of an investigation into the likely impact of a range of rent stabilisation measures on London's housing market
Iain Duncan Smith tells disabled people to work their way out of poverty
07 October, 2015
The DWP secretary says benefits should not be a route out of poverty
US professor warns UK of consequences of cuts and extreme poverty
07 October, 2015
Kathryn Edin says the UK should think very carefully before following the US approach and cutting welfare to the bone
Labour warns Westminster Council: either tackle high rents or face discretionary housing payments disaster
07 October, 2015
Labour councillors today issued a stark warning to Westminster Council Leader
Bishop of Manchester says let benefit cheats off
06 October, 2015
Benefit cheats should be allowed to get away with fraud to stop innocent people being punished with sanctions and late payments
Campaigners slam 'unacceptable' rent rises
05 October, 2015
The Living Rent Campaign has called on the Scottish Government to take action following "unacceptable" rent increases of more than 8 per cent in a year in Edinburgh
Fifteen rented homes in 15 years - mine is an everyday housing story
05 October, 2015
Homeowners who function as their friends' 'landlord' are contributing to Britain's wealth divide
Treating Symptoms, Damaging Cures?
02 October, 2015
The Living Rent Campaign has called on the Scottish Government to take action following "unacceptable" rent increases of more than 8 per cent in a year in Edinburgh
New letting scheme helps tackle homelessness in Salford and Trafford
02 October, 2015
A letting scheme to help tenants find social housing in Salford and Trafford has launched a new facility, which will help tackle homelessness in the region
The hefty price of living in the capital: London renters forced to pay much more than they can afford
02 October, 2015
The average renter in London is paying £100 more than they can afford
5 top tips to keep your heating bills under control
01 October, 2015
It's beginning to get colder and that means the time to whack on the heating again is looming
'Tea cosy' homes boost health and wealth
01 October, 2015
A new development in Liverpool designed to cut fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions is also having a knock-on effect on residents' health
Roll out of 'right to rent' in Scotland could push vulnerable migrants towards illegal and unscrupulous landlords says Margaret Burgess
29 September, 2015
Vulnerable migrants in Scotland could be pushed towards illegal and unscrupulous landlords by the roll out of the Immigration Act 2014 and the linked Immigration Bill 2015
New EU boiler directive comes into force
28 September, 2015
New energy standards for home boilers entering into force this month are expected to take offline the equivalent of 47 Fukushima-type nuclear power stations
Is the growth of unsecured debt creating problems for the future?
24 September, 2015
This year marks a turning point in the story of debt in the UK
Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2015
24 September, 2015
Data on households found to be homeless by local authorities under homelessness legislation
5% rise in homelessness reveals "desperate state" of private renting sector
24 September, 2015
13,850 households were accepted as homeless between April and June of this year
70 new businesses a day set up by benefit claimants
23 September, 2015
The New Enterprise Allowance has enabled 73,290 business starts since 2011
Emergency Use Only Understanding and reducing the use of food banks in the UK
23 September, 2015
This report was undertaken by Jane Perry
Students most likely of all tenants to lose deposit money
23 September, 2015
Students are among the most likely renters to leave their properties in an inadequate condition at the end of their tenancies, and therefore are more likely to lose part of their deposit
Letting agents and tenants' groups clash over tenants' fees
22 September, 2015
Letting agents and tenants' representatives clashed, with agents vehemently defending their right to charge fees
Food banks, zero hours contracts and falling wages: are we worse off?
21 September, 2015
John McDonnell argued on last night's BBC Question Time that some of the government's economic boasts are hollow
Sitra briefing on rent reduction
21 September, 2015
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill makes a provision that housing association rents are to be reduced 1% per year for 4 years starting in April 2016
Is this case study the perfect example of what the Bristol rental market has become?
18 September, 2015
Frances Lewis has struggled to find a rented home for her and her four-year-old daughter Matilda
Government back-to-work scheme failing thousands with mental health problems
18 September, 2015
The latest statistics from the DWP reveal that less than 9 per cent of people with mental health problems currently being supported by ESA have been helped into a job by the Work Programme
New strategic working group to help tackle fuel poverty
18 September, 2015
A short life strategic working group will be set up to help the on-going efforts to tackle fuel poverty
Rent caps will cut housing supply by 50k
17 September, 2015
A Conservative City Hall hopeful has attacked Labour proposals for rent controls, saying such market interventions would reduce rental revenues and ultimately cut into the capital's housing supply
The refugee crisis will hit the UK's working class areas hardest
16 September, 2015
There's a risk of resentment towards people being given asylum in communities that already feel powerless and under pressure
Zero-hours contracts 'have helped to break link between unemployment and crime'
16 September, 2015
The changing nature of the British jobs market has broken the link between unemployment and crime, according to new research
North of England holds greatest proportion of long-term empty homes
14 September, 2015
Research published by Empty Homes shows the proportion of homes that are long-term empty is greatest in the north of England
New Birmingham scheme to help rough sleepers
11 September, 2015
A scheme which aims to avoid putting homeless people in custody has been launched in Birmingham
Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion in Wales 2015
11 September, 2015
New report by NPI, shows that 23% of people in Wales are living in poverty
Caroline Flint urges 'protected' energy tariff for vulnerable customers
10 September, 2015
Shadow energy secretary says price set by regulator would help consumers who do not switch tariffs and are getting a bad deal for gas and electricity
Work Programme 'failing the most vulnerable young Scots'
10 September, 2015
Some of the most vulnerable young people in Scotland are not getting the support they need to help them into work
Preventing Homelessness and Reducing Reoffending
10 September, 2015
Insights from service users of the Supporting Prisoners; Advice Network, Scotland
Benefit delay forces our clients to use foodbanks
08 September, 2015
We welcomed the new committee's decision to launch this inquiry as we know delays and errors in the delivery of benefits cause real harm to our clients
Problem debt: number of households affected rises by a quarter
08 September, 2015
New research finds 3.2 million families spent at least 25% of their gross monthly pay servicing unsecured debt in 2014
Jobseekers 'face dip in living standards'
07 September, 2015
Out-of-work couples with children face "a decade of sharply declining living standards" owing to changes made to benefits
Food banks are 'storing-up a health nightmare for the future' due to food's lack of nutritional standards
07 September, 2015
Many are struggling to store and distribute fresh produce, forcing suppliers to only hand out dried, tinned or powdered produce
Right to Rent pilot branded a 'fiasco' by top housing lawyer
07 September, 2015
A leading housing lawyer has condemned feedback on the Right to Rent pilot scheme as a fiasco and "even worse than I expected"
London rental barometer shows cooling
04 September, 2015
The central London rental market cooled last month, partly in reaction to economic uncertainty
Budget Buddies will help neighbours deal with benefit changes
04 September, 2015
A group of tenants from a Ripley-based housing association have signed up to help their friends and neighbours get into better financial shape and prepare for wholesale changes to the UK benefit system
UK living wage increase set to benefit more than 3m women
03 September, 2015
Increase outlined by George Osborne in July budget set to raise pay for 30% of female workforce
Right to Rent leads to 'discrimination'
03 September, 2015
A trial to force landlords to evict tenants who lose the right to live in the UK has led to "increased racial profiling"
Employee contracts that do not guarantee a minimum number of hours: 2015 update
03 September, 2015
ONS produces biannual estimates of the number of contracts that do not guarantee a minimum number of hours
"Poverty pay" hits more than half of women working part-time in parts of Merseyside
02 September, 2015
New figures show how widespread low pay is among women in part-time jobs
Guinness denies unfair treatment of single mother faced with eviction from Brixton flat
01 September, 2015
Trade unionists and community campaigners will stage a demonstration outside Lambeth County Court today in support of a single mother they claim faces being unfairly evicted from her Brixton flat
Majority of renters experience deposit disputes
28 August, 2015
The majority of UK flatsharers have been involved in a dispute with a landlord over their tenancy deposit, and only a third of Brits are aware of their rights as renters
Mortality statistics: out-of-work benefit claimants, March 2003 to February 2014
27 August, 2015
Mortality statistics for people on out-of-work benefits in Great Britain by age group and sex, from March 2003 to February 2014
Mortality Statistics: Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance
27 August, 2015
Additional information on those who have died after claiming Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance
Essential Section 21 update for letting agents: Important changes just weeks away
26 August, 2015
Important changes affecting letting agents and landlords are just weeks away, courtesy of The Deregulation Act
Letting agents in Scotland and Wales get ready for mandatory licensing
26 August, 2015
A consultation has been launched in Scotland on a new code of practice for letting agents and a mandatory requirement for agents to undergo training before they can register
The changing face of personal debt
26 August, 2015
Levels of unsecured personal debt in the UK are growing
Renters pay £30 a week for government housing failure
25 August, 2015
Inflation is one of those annoying things that you just have to accept and deal with - the official target is, after all, 2%. But that gives the government no excuse to allow rents to go up the way they have
Pensioner buy-to-let hotspots revealed
25 August, 2015
Brandon in Suffolk is the most profitable location for pensioners to invest in buy-to-let property with an average yield of 8.59%
UK households £17 a week better off than last year in July thanks to continued lower food and petrol prices
25 August, 2015
UK households on average had £190 a week to spend on extras in July, £17 more than this time last year, thanks to falling food and petrol prices
Long term landlords characterise the market
25 August, 2015
On average landlords only trade properties every 17 years compared to 14 years for the average homeowner
Rowallane credit union placed into liquidation
24 August, 2015
A County Down credit union with around 700 members has been placed into liquidation
Hoxton tenants to pay personalised rents
19 August, 2015
Wealthier tenants on an east London housing estate will pay more than their neighbours in a new rent scheme
Carmarthenshire Council to claw back £1.8m from hundreds of benefit fraudsters
19 August, 2015
Council bosses say hundreds of people have been caught committing offences
Donations roll in as a woman with no money for food is fined £328 for shoplifting a Mars bar
18 August, 2015
A fundraising campaign is helping a benefits sanction victim who had not eaten in days pay her £328.75 fine for stealing a packet of Mars bars worth 75p
Stormont research shows low income is top reason for food bank use
18 August, 2015
Stormont's social development minister has met food bank organisations to discuss his department's research into their usage
Camila Batmanghelidjh set to open children's food bank
17 August, 2015
Founder of collapsed Kids Company says 50 former staff have volunteered to help run Kids Dining Room in south London
Mortgage and Landlord Possession Statistics Quarterly, England and Wales
14 August, 2015
This quarterly bulletin presents statistics on mortgage and landlord possession actions in the county courts of England and Wales in April to June 2015
Mortgage arrears and repossessions continue to fall in second quarter
14 August, 2015
The repossession rate - already at its lowest since records began - continued to fall in the second quarter of 2015
A Changing State - Food banks on the front line
12 August, 2015
George Osbourne recently called for suggestions from public services on how to save £20bn in the autumn spending review
Glasgow Credit Union scheme to help first time buyers
12 August, 2015
A new scheme is to be launched which will allow people in Glasgow who cannot afford a deposit to buy their home
Renters don't need to ditch the capital - yet
10 August, 2015
London workers trying to save money on rent and travel costs should move to Bexley
Homelet Rental Index July 2015
10 August, 2015
In the three months to July, average rental values for new tenancies in the UK were 11.8% higher than the same period last year
Help to secure a rental home: the MOD Tenancy Deposit Loan Scheme
07 August, 2015
The MOD has launched a scheme that allows defence personnel to apply for a loan to meet the cost of a deposit for a rental property
Student lives put at risk by negligent landlords
05 August, 2015
Landlords and letting agents are threatening student lives by failing to sort out dangerous electrical problems
Britain's housing system is an example of just how bad it can get for renters
05 August, 2015
Europeans enjoy more rights and stabler rents than people in the UK, who suffer from the uniquely British phenomenon of amateur landlords
Tenant who missed rent payment was beaten up in street
05 August, 2015
A man who attacked a tenant who missed a rent payment has been jailed for seven years
New repayment rules to make it even harder for graduates to get on housing ladder
03 August, 2015
New graduates will find it harder than ever to get on the housing ladder
Living Rent Campaign hands in 8,000 strong petition calling for rent controls
31 July, 2015
The Living Rent Campaign will today hand in a petition calling for the re-introduction of rent controls
Scrutiny Live - Findings with Evidence
31 July, 2015
When we got together to plan Scrutiny Live earlier this year, we couldn't have imagined the support and encouragement we would get from so many people
Insolvency Service: Personal insolvencies at 10-year low
30 July, 2015
The number of people being declared insolvent has fallen to its lowest level for nearly a decade according to the Insolvency Service
Dumfries foodbank opening 'broke rules' claims MP
29 July, 2015
Dumfries and Galloway SNP MP Richard Arkless has claimed David Mundell may have broken House of Commons rules by opening a foodbank in his constituency
An independent review into the impact on employment outcomes of drug or alcohol addiction, and obesity
29 July, 2015
The government has commissioned Professor Dame Carol Black to undertake an independent review
High rents force 1 in 3 young Brits into debt
28 July, 2015
Many Brits under the age of 25 simply can't cope with their housing costs, according to one report, and are turning to credit cards and loans instead
Payday loans customers win back £10m as lender caves in over unfair fees
27 July, 2015
Payday lender Cash Genie has set up the compensation scheme with the Financial Conduct Authority
Trussell Trust defends Dumfries foodbank decision
24 July, 2015
A charity has defended its decision to invite Scotland's only Conservative MP to open a new foodbank
Rents in EVERY London postcode are 'unaffordable' for workers on Living Wage
24 July, 2015
Rent in every London postcode is now "unaffordable" for low-paid workers - even those on the London Living Wage
DWP accused of still stalling over release of controversial disability benefit death stats
22 July, 2015
Data on the numbers of disability benefit claimants who died after being found fit to work may still not be published for months
Watchdog backs DWP refusal to release 49 benefit deaths reports
20 July, 2015
The DWP has been told by the information watchdog that it does not need to release secret reviews it carried out into the deaths of 49 benefit claimants
Rent rises are "pedal to the metal" says Your Move and Reeds Rains boss
20 July, 2015
A national estate agency chain has called for the construction of more homes as a "national priority" after revealing rents have risen at their fastest rate since 2009 with no sign of the pace letting up
English housing survey 2013 to 2014: household report
17 July, 2015
Annual report on households in England, covering themes such as housing needs, housing moves, and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
Seven things we learned from the English Housing Survey household report
17 July, 2015
Chartered Institute of Housing comments on the headlines from the English Housing Survey household report 2013/14
What do low-paid workers think would improve their working lives?
14 July, 2015
This study explores the experiences and perceptions of low-paid, low-income workers in the retail, hospitality and care sectors
David Cameron is open to introducing private insurance for sickness and unemployment benefits
14 July, 2015
David Cameron is open to the idea of workers funding their own unemployment or sickness benefits privately through financial products
Cuts could affect tenants
14 July, 2015
Plans to cut tax relief for landlords to help first-time buyers, have received a cool response from Plymouth estate agents
Will Osborne's social housing rent rises for high-earners discourage work?
08 July, 2015
Despite rallying against the culture of worklessness, the UK chancellor's budget plans seem to discourage tenants from work - and further divide communities
Six ways the Government can tackle poverty and work with food banks
07 July, 2015
Poverty is always with us. For some of the world, it is absolute
SNP attack Tory budget as 'sermon from an austerity cult'
07 July, 2015
The SNP's comments come as new figures suggest almost half of families in Scotland could be left struggling if plans to cut working tax credits go ahead
Terminally ill benefit claimants asked when they expect to die
07 July, 2015
Frank Field writes to work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, over claims of 'intrusive and painful questioning' by assessors
How to effectively manage void properties
07 July, 2015
Re-letting empty properties is a core function for housing providers
Telling The Real Story of Benefits
06 July, 2015
Too often those who have been helped by benefits get ignored, misrepresented or at worst blamed for their situation
Osborne could cut benefits cap to £20,000 for families outside the South East where the cost of living is lower
03 July, 2015
Families in the majority of the country could see their annual cap on benefit claims cut to £20,000
Time for tax reform
02 July, 2015
The 8 July Budget may prove to be George Osborne's best chance to bring in some much-needed reforms to our creaking and increasingly incoherent tax system
How much do families rely on tax credits?
01 July, 2015
Reducing in-work support without increasing take-home pay first will mean low-earning families fall even further short of a decent living standard
Families struggle to close budget gap despite a pause in the rise of the cost of living
01 July, 2015
The cost of a decent standard of living, as defined by the public, has stopped rising for the first time since the recession began
Scottish Housing Regulator welcomes new report on value for money
30 June, 2015
The Scottish Housing Regulator has welcomed a new report contributing to the debate on what value for money means
Prime London rents exceed £100 a day
30 June, 2015
The average rent on a two-bedroom flat is £707 a week
Nightmare for landlord whose tenant claimed false disrepair
30 June, 2015
Evictions specialist Paul Shamplina has again hit out at the impending change in the law
New online toolkit launched to help landlords keep houses safe
30 June, 2015
A new online tool has been launched, aimed at making rented homes safe and legally compliant
Properties being let in shortest time on record
29 June, 2015
One third of new lets are being agreed before the existing tenant moves out
Right to rent: all landlords must check immigration status or face £3,000 fine
29 June, 2015
Landlords in England will be responsible for spotting illegal tenants 'from September' after a trial in the West Midlands results in fines
Regulator's National Panel says quality of homes central to tenant satisfaction
26 June, 2015
The quality of tenants' homes, speed of emergency repairs response and affordability are central to tenant satisfaction
Slump in supply of properties available to rent
26 June, 2015
The supply of available rental property has fallen, says ARLA
Figures detailing benefit-related deaths to be published, says David Cameron
25 June, 2015
Prime minister's disclosure, in wake of 200,000-strong petition, comes two days after IDS's claim in parliament that such data did not exist
Living wage in the social housing sector: what housing associations told us
25 June, 2015
Lowest-paid staff in social housing sector receive below the living wage, at an average of £7.69 per hour, Guardian survey finds
The Only Way is Renting: Essex dominates most in demand rental hotspots
24 June, 2015
6 of the top 10 rental hotspots outside Greater London are in Essex, with Stevenage in Hertfordshire just pipping Southend to the post as number one
CIH chief executive says housing sector will hold government to account over radical plans
24 June, 2015
The housing world "must engage" with government on its "radical & far-reaching" plans for the sector but needs to ensure policy is based on evidence
How do you know if you are providing value for money?
23 June, 2015
Defining, managing and demonstrating Value for Money in Scotland
Home ownership down and renting up for first time in a century
22 June, 2015
The decade 2001 to 2011 saw substantial changes in longstanding trends in home ownership and renting
Benefits changes threaten young dads
22 June, 2015
Young, single dads could struggle to have their child stay overnight with them, if housing benefit changes proposed by the government go ahead
The UK needs a living rent for a living wage
22 June, 2015
With the right framework housing associations are ready to deliver on the Governments aspirations for more new homes and full employment
Tackling fuel poverty - carrot or the stick?
19 June, 2015
The debate raged on at the CIH Scotland Energy Efficiency, Fuel Poverty and Renewables event
Experian calculates the price social tenants pay for poverty
19 June, 2015
Poverty comes at a premium
On Britain's left, there's growing talk of a national rent strike
19 June, 2015
"As far as I'm concerned, all rent is theft," says David Dahlborn
'Living rents' would boost affordable homes delivery and cut the housing benefit bill
18 June, 2015
A new 'living rent' linked to local incomes could help tackle poverty and reduce the housing benefit bill
Work Programme helps drive long-term unemployment to 5 year low
18 June, 2015
The biggest employment programme Britain has ever seen has helped push long-term unemployment to its lowest level in more than 5 years
Scots private sector rents up nine per cent
17 June, 2015
A new tenant in Scotland is paying 9.2 per cent more on average than a year ago
'I'd heard of food banks, but only on TV'
16 June, 2015
Gill, who suffers from severe arthritis and mental health difficulties, was left in extreme financial distress when the benefit payments she received for her disabilities were suspended
London rents exceed £1,500pm for first time
16 June, 2015
Rents have risen in all 12 UK regions in the three months to May 2015 compared to last year
Rents crack a new record in London and rise throughout UK
15 June, 2015
Average new rents in London have gone through the £1,500 barrier for the first time
Big fall in payday loan problems reported to Citizens Advice
12 June, 2015
After an FCA clampdown on the sector, the number of cases in England and Wales nearly halves to 5,554 in first three months of 2015
Former CIH President raises more than £40,000 for foodbank charity
11 June, 2015
Former Chartered Institute of Housing President Steve Stride has raised more than £40,000 for charity
Thousands of tenants sign-up to new landlord agreement
09 June, 2015
Almost 13,000 tenants have signed up to a new agreement following the transfer of ownership of their home
The reality of Britain in 2015... food banks, welfare cuts and privatisation
08 June, 2015
Columnist Aled Blake tells of his experience helping his mother out at the local food bank and says he hates what they represent
Camden Council attacks Airbnb for pushing up rents, reducing supply
05 June, 2015
Camden Council has attacked holiday-let websites like Airbnb for allegedly pushing up rents in the area
Could Right to Buy be extended to private tenants
05 June, 2015
A Labour MP has said that the "inevitable logic" is to give private tenants the same right to acquire their home at a discount
Tenants demand their own Minister as more are forced to rent for longer
04 June, 2015
More than 60% of renters favour the appointment of a Minister with specific responsibility for tenants
Berlin becomes first German city to make rent cap a reality
03 June, 2015
Capital pioneers law prohibiting landlords from charging new tenants more than 10% above local average
Calling UK tenants - it's time to push for Berlin-style rent controls
03 June, 2015
Berlin's authorities, seeing the effect of spiralling rents in London, are bringing in controls to ensure the city remains habitable for all
I'm calling on the Government to ban food waste because no-one should be starving in the UK
02 June, 2015
With food bank visits at an all-time high, the amount supermarkets are throwing away is appalling
Generation Rent renews call for letting agent fees to be banned
01 June, 2015
Generation Rent has renewed its call for a ban on letting agent fees charged to tenants
We want our own government minister
29 May, 2015
Britain's tenants would overwhelmingly support the appointment of a government minister solely responsible for tenancy issues
Do transparent fees mean better renting?
29 May, 2015
Amid the pomp and ceremony of the Queens Speech on Wednesday, you may have missed the rather more low key news that a key part of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into effect
Demand for foodbank soars in York and Selby
29 May, 2015
Foodbank demand in York and Selby has risen again, although less steeply than the national average
Annual Fuel Poverty Statistics Report, 2015
29 May, 2015
The aim of this publication is to provide a comprehensive view of the latest statistical trends and analysis of fuel poverty in England
6 things your landlord doesn't have to do that you probably wish they did
29 May, 2015
There are a number of areas where Britain's tenants get very little protection
Legal help: where to go and how to pay
28 May, 2015
This note provides information about where to seek legal help and advice
More complaints about agents being made to advertising watchdog
28 May, 2015
The Advertising Standards Authority dealt with a record number of complaints last year, including those made by and about estate agents
Ofgem to investigate 'forcibly installed' pre-pay meters
27 May, 2015
More than half a million pre-payment energy meters have been forcibly installed in people's homes over the last six years
Welfare scandal as disabled are driven to use food banks
26 May, 2015
Nearly 70% of users at a Glasgow foodbank identify themselves as having a disability
A nation of inequality: How the UK is failing to feed its most vulnerable people
26 May, 2015
Deepening divisions between the haves and have-nots will increase the number of people requiring emergency food assistance
People still facing daily money worries and concerns about future finances
26 May, 2015
New figures from Citizens Advice reveal falling consumer debt and unemployment issues yet many people across all income scales still face daily money worries
Poverty forced people to turn to food banks and now it's forcing them into fuel banks
22 May, 2015
A fuel bank has opened in a church in London to help those who cannot afford to pay for their energy bills
We're well on the way to becoming a nation of renters
22 May, 2015
The housing crisis affects people in many ways, but one of the most obvious shifts we've seen is the number of us who can't afford a home of our own
LibDems uneasy over sharing tenants' rent history with credit reference agency
20 May, 2015
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have expressed concern over a letter which they say has been sent to tenants by Coastal Housing Group
Wonga aims for reinvention in new payday lending ads
19 May, 2015
Short-term lender Wonga has swapped its controversial puppets for "hard-working dinner ladies and mums"
Escalating row between newsagents and PayPoint could affect thousands of rent and council tax payers
19 May, 2015
Thousands of residents across the country who use PayPoint outlets to make rent, council tax and utility payments could be affected by a row between the payments company and newsagents
Out of a home: The tenants forced to leave town
18 May, 2015
Just two families cling on here. The tenants of the other 140 houses have been evicted over the last five months, to make way for a private development
April 2015 HomeLet Rental Index
15 May, 2015
Average rents in newly agreed tenancies have risen almost everywhere across the UK
Boris Johnson launches 'social supermarkets' fund to tackle food poverty
15 May, 2015
Mayor of London Boris Johnson today took the food bank debate to a whole new level by launching a £300,000 fund to create 'social supermarkets'
Disability payments delay 'forced claimants to use food banks'
15 May, 2015
Two disabled people had to turn to loan sharks and food banks because the government took so long to process their benefit claims
Tenant evictions reach six-year high amid rising rents and benefit cuts
14 May, 2015
Bailiffs in England and Wales evicted more than 11,000 families in the first three months of 2015, 51% higher than in same period five years ago
10% of all households are in fuel poverty - including 1 in 5 young people
14 May, 2015
Who would you think are in fuel poverty in England? Would it surprise you to find out that one in five young people are? Or that almost one in five private renters are?
Alternative Queen's Speech for housing 'to protect renters and wean country off rising house prices'
12 May, 2015
Housing campaign group Generation Rent today called on the new government to agree a strategy to "jumpstart" housebuilding and create a fair deal for people renting
Food bank realities: The mother thrilled to get hot water bottles so her children didn't have to go to bed in coats
12 May, 2015
A blind pensioner living on custard creams after falling behind with gas payments is also among the tales of hardship seen every day by just one Welsh food bank
Why are so many people being evicted in Coalition Britain?
08 May, 2015
Caught in a collision of unemployment, precarious jobs and reduced public services
1.26 million priced out of home ownership under the coalition
07 May, 2015
3.8m private renters are unable to afford the average first home, new analysis from PricedOut finds today
Andover Food Bank have released worrying figures revealing that five per cent of Test Valley population used food banks last year
07 May, 2015
More than 1,700 deprived kids were forced to use Andover food bank for toiletries, nappies and nutrition in 2014
High rents a far bigger concern for tenants than agents' fees
06 May, 2015
The biggest concerns of tenants are the cost of renting and buying
Number of MPs who earn from renting out property rises by a third
06 May, 2015
One in four MPs now a landlord, as figures show 153 members declared an income from rental property in 2015 - an increase of 36 since 2025
Ban on letting fees could be disaster for tenants
05 May, 2015
A ban on letting agent fees charged to tenants could have a disastrous effect, the president of ARLA has warned
Those food bank data: complicated yes; exaggerated, no
05 May, 2015
Recent reports that 1.1m people went to Trussell Trust food banks last year stoked controversy about how food bank use is counted
Fuel poverty killed 15,000 people last winter
01 May, 2015
An estimated 15,000 people died unnecessarily between December and March because they were living in homes they couldn't afford to heat
Money advice leads to £3m savings for tenants
01 May, 2015
Tenants in County Durham are now more than £3m better off thanks to the advice and support provided by their local housing association
Renters are left out in the cold in the run up to the general election
01 May, 2015
The housing crisis has been a key issue this election, but there is no promise of a brighter future for the many who will rent their homes for the foreseeable future
Food banks: 'Most people at the school gates have used them'
01 May, 2015
Five years ago, food banks were a rarity. Now there are more than 1,000 across the UK
Agent jailed for ten months after hanging on to tenants' deposits
30 April, 2015
An agent who hung on to thousands of pounds of tenants' deposits as cash-flow has been jailed
Over 50,000 families shipped out of London in the past three years due to welfare cuts and soaring rents
30 April, 2015
Councils are currently moving homeless mothers and children out of their boroughs at a rate of close to 500 families a week
A million tenants could lose their rental properties
30 April, 2015
Labour's pledge to introduce new anti-landlord rental policies could result in up to a million tenants losing their rental properties
Millions wiped off value of housebuilders as Miliband promise rent controls, land grabs and stamp duty cut for first-time buyers
28 April, 2015
Millions of pounds were wiped off the value of leading housebuilders today after Labour announced a raft of new policies on housing
Why Labour's rent cap won't make your rent cheaper
27 April, 2015
Sounds a bit strange to say this but it's absolutely true, however, it will make your tenure more secure
Fuel banks pilot scheme aims to address austerity-era dilemma of 'heat or eat'
24 April, 2015
Fuel voucher for families who use prepayment meters will be available to those in crisis referred to food banks by welfare advice agencies, GPs and social workers
How to fix the UK's poverty problem? Listen to people at a food bank
24 April, 2015
Stopped benefits, low wages, soaring bills - and bare cupboards
Senior Tory tells local hustings he's not sure food banks are a bad thing
24 April, 2015
Until recently Dominic Grieve was the Tory Attorney General, and a member of David Cameron's Cabinet
Cracking down on the payday lender Wonga is just the first step
23 April, 2015
Better regulation of the payday loans industry is welcome. Now we need to help people deal with their debts in a sustainable, affordable way
Rents rise 15% since May 2025
23 April, 2015
Residential rents have risen by 15.2% over the course of this Parliament
Almost half of renters feels there's no place like home
23 April, 2015
L&Q; has revealed that almost half of renters feel unable to consider the place where they live a proper home
The sickening truth about food banks that the Tories don't want you to know
23 April, 2015
If a prison decided to implement a policy of punishing its inmates by cutting their food supply, it would be universally condemned as a human rights abuse
More than 1 million people used food banks last year: that's not what the evidence shows
22 April, 2015
Claims about food banks are not new
Foodbank use tops one million for first time says Trussell Trust
22 April, 2015
Record numbers seek help from UK's biggest foodbank charity
From benefits to bricks and other housing policy ideas
22 April, 2015
Abigail Davies looks back on her time as former assistant director of policy and practice at the Chartered Institute of Housing, and ponders what the future may hold for housing
What can be done about the rising number of food banks?
21 April, 2015
The number using food banks continues to rise. What's being done about the problem of public hunger, and what must we do next?
Newly let property rents up in the UK while others remain stable
21 April, 2015
Rents in the UK remain stable for renewed and occupied tenancies but continue to increase for newly let properties in the first quarter of 2015
Wonga dives into red after scandals and crackdown
20 April, 2015
Wonga, the biggest payday lender in the UK, has plunged deeply into the red
Solution to zero-hours contracts is to rebrand them
20 April, 2015
Conservative work and pensions secretary blames Labour and the media for scare stories about contracts he says should be renamed 'flexible-hours contracts'
Cameron suggests rise in food bank use is down to better advertising
20 April, 2015
After George Osborne's difficult Marr interview last week (where he failed to answer the same question 18 times) it was David Cameron's turn on the Marr sofa today
Food banks: One million Britons will soon be using them
20 April, 2015
Huge surge in number of families dependent on emergency food aid continues, despite the IMF and Germany praise for Osborne and Britain's 'jobs miracle'
What the political parties offer renters
17 April, 2015
Fancy spending a few hours wading through political jargon to find out what each of the parties are offering renters?
Zero-hours contracts should be renamed 'flexible-hours contracts' and are good for your work-life balance
17 April, 2015
The work and pensions secretary says the contracts are actually 'good'
The fuel poverty strategy - what does it mean for social landlords?
16 April, 2015
In 2014 the Government unveiled a revised fuel poverty target
Where will Cameron make his next cuts?
16 April, 2015
David Cameron struggled with questions on food banks when asked
Tenants to Benefit from Renewable Heat
16 April, 2015
The UK's most ambitious retrofit upgrades programme featuring ground source heat pumps in social housing is set to halve the energy costs of over 130 residents
How many young people could benefit from Help-to-Rent?
16 April, 2015
The Liberal Democrats have proposed to make government loans available to young adults so they can cover the costs of a tenancy deposit
TSB pilots buy-to-let mortgages as boom continues despite housing crisis
16 April, 2015
Buy-to-let landlords have been unwittingly dragged into the election debate by both sides
Liberal Democrat Manifesto raises worrying ambiguity on key issues for landlords
15 April, 2015
Tis the season of party election manifesto's and today saw the launch of the Liberal Democrats manifesto
Agent says "99.5% of tenants don't know about redress"
13 April, 2015
A lettings agent claims to have discovered that an amazing 99.5 per cent of them know nothing of any of the three redress schemes which apply across the PRS
Warm Homes scheme brings 2,000 people out of fuel poverty and cuts A&E; admissions by 30%
10 April, 2015
A ground-breaking council-backed ECO scheme in Oldham has helped more than 2,000 people out of fuel poverty and achieved a 30% reduction in A&E; admissions
Increased food bank use linked to areas where unemployment is higher and benefit cuts are deeper
09 April, 2015
There is "clear evidence" linking increased food bank use with UK areas that have seen greater unemployment and welfare and government spending cuts
Austerity, sanctions, and the rise of food banks in the UK
09 April, 2015
Doctors are witnessing increasing numbers of patients seeking referrals to food banks in the United Kingdom
The bedroom tax would be abolished 'in a matter of months' under a new Labour government
08 April, 2015
Rachel Reeves, shadow work and pensions secretary, visited a Barry food bank which has seen the number of people use it increase by 500 in just two years
Half a million more people summoned to court over unpaid council tax, after benefits scrapped
07 April, 2015
Half a million more people were summoned to court last year over unpaid council tax
Council privately rent houses - as 1,700 still on waiting list
07 April, 2015
Council houses are being offered for rent on the open market because people do not want to live in them
Tenant wins battle to stop Westminster council moving her out of London
07 April, 2015
Titina Nzolameso prevents council moving her family to Milton Keynes in a supreme court ruling that will impact how local authorities house the homeless
Cardiff Council slaps warning on payday loan web pages
07 April, 2015
More than 300 payday loan sites will trigger a warning page when accessed on public computers in libraries and community centres
Property report: Renters in line for better deals
02 April, 2015
Things just got easier for 'generation rent'
A rising economic tide, but many left drowning in debt
01 April, 2015
Despite positive economic news rapidly increasing numbers of people are seeking help for debt problems
Give zero-hours workers regular contracts after 3 months
01 April, 2015
Labour leader plans to give employees legal right to a regular contract after 12 weeks' continuous work but critics say employers will sack staff before deadline
Tenants 'could deliberately damage properties' to avoid eviction
01 April, 2015
Tenants trying to avoid eviction could abuse a new legal system designed to ban revenge evictions, by deliberately damaging properties
Tenancy deposit scheme overhauled by the Deregulation Act 2015 - Retrospectively!
31 March, 2015
On 26 March 2015 changes to the tenancy deposit scheme under the Deregulation Act 2015 came into force
Mayor of Newham hits out as Eric Pickles given right to veto private landlord licensing schemes
30 March, 2015
The Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales has slammed new powers that will give Communities Secretary Eric Pickles the right to veto local authority private landlord licensing schemes
Housing Health and Safety Rating System - Guidance for Landlords and Property Related Professionals
30 March, 2015
This document has been prepared in light of the Housing Act 2004 (the Act) for those owners and landlords who have a limited number of properties
Number of people in Wales seeking advice from debt charity StepChange grows by 84% over three years
27 March, 2015
StepChange said household bills were the main problem with arrears on rent, council tax and water bills all increasing since 2011
Accelerating Housing Supply and Increasing Tenant Choice in the Private Rented Sector: A Build to Rent Guide for Local Authorities
27 March, 2015
For the last two decades or more we have been building too few homes
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Scotland 2015
26 March, 2015
The changing face of poverty in Scotland: young adults and those privately renting now at greater risk
Food Poverty in the UK - a state of Inertia
26 March, 2015
Food Poverty has been a national media concern since back in 2012
Iain Duncan Smith refuses to meet with food bank charity about poverty - then meets with investment bankers about it instead
25 March, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith has refused to meet with Britain's biggest food bank charity for over a year
Labour pledges to end dependency on food banks with welfare reforms
25 March, 2015
Party is promising to scrap benefit sanctions and low pay culture that it believes is forcing people to turn to food banks
London's rental price growth slowing in 2015
24 March, 2015
Rents rise in seven out of twelve regions across the UK in the three months to February 2015
600,000 fewer workless households since 2025: Workless households now lowest in a decade
24 March, 2015
New figures show the number of workless households has fallen by more than 600,000 since 2025, the lowest in a decade
Public Attitudes to Poverty, Inequality and Welfare in Scotland and Britain
24 March, 2015
Scottish Government Communities Analytical Services 2015
Food bank users at risk of developing nutritional problems
19 March, 2015
People who rely on food banks risk developing nutritional problems because of the lack of fresh produce
Fruit and vegetable vouchers could buy poorer people a more nutritious diet
19 March, 2015
A pilot scheme in London is helping families provide healthier meals for their children while supporting local markets
What George Osborne did for Generation Rent
18 March, 2015
London couples on a steady income see the prospect of ever owning their own home receding to zero
Labour vows to reduce reliance on food banks if it comes to power
18 March, 2015
Shadow work and pensions secretary Rachel Reeves blames benefits delays and welfare sanctions for an increase in food bank use
"Surprised and saddened": MSPs react to Mundell food bank evidence
18 March, 2015
Scottish Parliament has announced that it has sent evidence, which shows the link between the UK welfare reforms and an increase in the use of food banks
Rip-off rents: Britain's priciest places to be a tenant
17 March, 2015
The UK housing supply crisis hits tenants in the pocket as rents soar, but where are the most expensive places for lettings?
Westward tenants benefit from Tesco food bank
17 March, 2015
Alexandra House, Westward's supported housing scheme for single people in Exmouth, is now benefiting from food donations
Cambridge one-bed rental prices rise by half in less than two years
12 March, 2015
Spiralling costs of renting in Cambridge are leaving those on housing benefit further and further behind
Supreme Court protects disabled tenants from eviction
12 March, 2015
There is often little that some tenants can do if their landlord decides they want the property back
Food bank Britain: why it only takes one week of school holidays to tip families into food poverty
10 March, 2015
Missing out on free school meals for just one week at half term is tipping some families into acute food poverty
Cheshire Hunger - Understanding Emergency Food Provision in West Cheshire
03 March, 2015
Across the UK, more and more people have resorted to using emergency food provision to make ends meet
Why England can't just 'get used to renting'
03 March, 2015
The proportion of people who own their own home is continuing its rapid decline across England
Fuel poverty could claim 100,000 lives over next 15 years
27 February, 2015
The NHS is currently bearing a yearly burden of approximately £1.5bn treating cold-related illnesses every winter
Why are we Brits such snobs about renting?
27 February, 2015
A penny pinching sharer or in the throes of a mid-life crisis - what kind of home renter are you?
Payday lenders must allow price comparison
25 February, 2015
Payday lenders must make their product details available on at least one price comparison website to encourage greater competition
Rent rises 'slower than England'
25 February, 2015
Rents in Scotland have increased at a slower rate than in England and Wales, rising 5.3% over the last four years
English housing survey 2013 to 2014: headline report
25 February, 2015
Initial findings from the English housing survey for 2013 to 2014
Tenants' fury at being treated like 'beer-swilling chavs' after council newsletter advises them to budget for 'court fines, cigarettes, cable TV and alcohol'
24 February, 2015
A council has come under fire after sending tenants an 'insulting' newsletter telling them to set aside money for court fine, cigarettes, Sky TV and lottery tickets
January ARLA Private Rented Sector Report
23 February, 2015
One in four letting agents witness rent hikes in the new year
Emergency Use Only: Understanding and reducing the use of food banks in the UK
20 February, 2015
Use of emergency food aid in the UK, particularly in the form of food banks, has dramatically increased over the last decade
'Generation rent'? We've been here before
19 February, 2015
A home-owning majority in Britain was a one-generation blip. But if we are becoming a renting country again, we'll need better regulation
Sector shows improved performance in meeting value for money standards
19 February, 2015
The latest assessment of registered providers' value for money submissions shows an overall improvement in the sector's compliance with the regulator's standard
Tenants offered increase in voting power
19 February, 2015
Tenants are being offered the chance to have greater influence over major decisions affecting North Lincolnshire Homes, part of ongo
Two thirds of tenants 'pay for repairs themselves'
19 February, 2015
A study of 500 private sector tenants claims that two thirds have had to dip into their own pockets to fund repairs because they could not wait for the agent or landlord any longer
Fuel advice service helps GHA tenants cut bills by £450,000
17 February, 2015
Tenants of Scotland's biggest social landlord have been helped to save more than £450,000 on their energy bills over the past year
First-time buyers almost 10% better off than renting
16 February, 2015
Annual savings of £742 for those getting on the housing ladder
Low-pay Britain, where working families have to rent a fridge
16 February, 2015
'Deprivation poverty' - not being able afford to buy things most would regard as essential - is on the rise: and more than half of those affected have jobs
Tenant 'guinea pigs' wanted in experiment to engineer changes in rent payment behaviour
13 February, 2015
Property consultancy Capita is looking for social landlords willing to offer up their tenants as 'guinea pigs' in an experiment to see if they can modify their behaviour
Could supermarkets for poor people tackle the UK's chronic food poverty?
11 February, 2015
Community Shop replaces the indignity of charity handouts from food banks with consumer choice and personal support
Rent control could swing the vote in Scotland
02 February, 2015
The outcome of the General Election looks increasingly likely to be determined by the party who wins most seats in Scotland: Labour or the Scottish Nationalists
Working to help local people facing fuel poverty
30 January, 2015
In a bid to help reduce the stress and anxiety of fuel debt, local housing provider North Star Housing Group has been working in partnership with energy advice specialists Tadea
Debt is on the rise because tenants' incomes have been squeezed
29 January, 2015
Housing associations should support the expansion of community lending and consider providing short-term crisis loans directly to tenants
Social Policy in Cold Climate
27 January, 2015
The Coalition's Social Policy Record: Policy, Spending and Outcomes 2025-2015
Court forces tenants to comply with Council's gas safety checks
26 January, 2015
A judge has ordered two tenants to allow Swindon Borough Council to carry out essential gas safety checks at their homes after they persistently refused to give access to engineers
Jobless are being punished with hunger for claiming unemployment benefit
26 January, 2015
Coalition accused of using 'deliberate destitution' against claimants who miss meetings
New Scottish Parliament powers plan published
22 January, 2015
The UK government has published plans for new Scottish Parliament powers, but SNP ministers said they had been significantly watered down
Food banks: MPs call for fresh inquiry into scale of UK food poverty
22 January, 2015
A cross-party group of MPs has called on government to commission research into the extent and causes of food insecurity and the growth in food banks
HomeLet Rental Index
20 January, 2015
The data included in the HomeLet Rental Index is gathered from our tenant referencing service
Redress scheme sees letting agent complaints rise
20 January, 2015
The Property Redress Scheme has led to an increase in the number of consumer complaints being made against lettings, property management and estate agents
Regulator raps landlord over gas safety failures
20 January, 2015
A 20,500-home housing association has become the latest social landlord rapped by the English social housing regulator for failing to carry out sufficient gas safety checks
An evaluation of Holiday Kitchen 2014: Learning, food and play for families who need it most in the West Midlands
20 January, 2015
Holiday Kitchen has been pioneered by Ashrammoseley, part of the Accord group
Almost four in ten families with children are struggling to make ends meet
19 January, 2015
Families with children are now at greater risk than any other group of having an inadequate income
Households below a minimum income standard: 2008/09 to 2012/13
19 January, 2015
The Minimum Income Standard (MIS) defines an 'adequate' income based on what the public think people need for a minimum acceptable living standard
Government puts rocket boosters under plans to get troubled families back to work
19 January, 2015
Plans announced to do more to get some of England's hardest to help families back to work
Record numbers use Scottish food banks
16 January, 2015
A record number of adults and children relied upon food banks in Scotland in December
Increase in councils' rent loss from empty properties
16 January, 2015
The amount of rent English councils lost due to empty homes rose for the second consecutive year in 2013/14
Enhanced Court Fees
16 January, 2015
The Government Response to Part 2 of the Consultation on Reform of Court Fees and Further Proposals for Consultation
Cash incentive for residents
15 January, 2015
A cash incentive has been launched by Essex housing association Colne to help residents avoid getting into debt with high-interest and payday lenders
Sheffield City Council to cut jobs and raise council tax
15 January, 2015
Sheffield City Council is planning to cut up to 200 jobs and raise council tax by 1.99% in an attempt to save £63m from next year's budget
Housing association's energy advice team helps tenants save over £80,000
14 January, 2015
A housing association has helped to tackle fuel poverty amongst its tenants by helping them to collectively save over £80,000
Three quarters of low income families say children's health hit by cold homes
14 January, 2015
A huge 78% of low income families struggled with their energy bills in the last year, with children's health and wellbeing harmed by strained family finances
Can credit unions provide a viable alternative to payday lenders?
14 January, 2015
With the cap on short-term loans now in force, people may turn to loan sharks for crisis funds. I've joined my local credit union to help it plug the gap
Credit unions 'can't compete' with payday lenders
13 January, 2015
Credit unions in Wales find it "impossible" to compete with the marketing budgets of payday lenders
Connected Housing Initiative speaks out on the fight against digital exclusion
12 January, 2015
'Work with Internet providers to develop affordable, flexible home internet for the digitally excluded' says Housing Association lobby group, CIH
Tenant anger over plan to share personal details
09 January, 2015
Plans to share a host of data on benefit claimants, including health records and IT literacy, with landlords and charities have been condemned by a national tenant organisation
Rent caps and protests: the housing issues to watch out for in 2015
09 January, 2015
With unaffordable homes, unrest among young people and a general election, here are the four issues that will dominate the housing headlines this year
High house prices breed a new generation of 'revolving door' renters
07 January, 2015
Almost a million more people in England rent their home than they did five years ago
The number of IB and ESA claimants with alcoholism by LA: Aug 2013 to May 2014
06 January, 2015
FOI for numbers of IB and ESA claimants with alcoholism by local authority: August 2013 to May 2014
Statistics on ESA and IB/SDA claimants with a drug misuse condition in Scotland: May 2014
06 January, 2015
Statistics on ESA and IB/SDA claimants with a drug misuse condition in south Lanarkshire and Scotland: May 2014
Millions fear missing January's rent or mortgage payments
05 January, 2015
Interest rate rise would put many more in trouble, with almost 60% saying they are already struggling to meet housing costs
Tory councillor Mark Winn says food banks are only used by 'those with drug, alcohol and mental health problems'
05 January, 2015
A Tory councillor has provoked a Twitter backlash after claiming that food banks are only visited by "those with drug, alcohol and mental health problems"
Tenants 'should get new rights'
05 January, 2015
Tenants of private landlords should be given new rights to stay in their home as long as they please as well as guarantees that their rent will not increase above inflation
Payday lender rules come into effect
02 January, 2015
City watchdog rules have come into effect today aimed at stopping spiralling debts due to payday lending
The case for reintroducing some controls in the market in privately rented property is becoming persuasive
02 January, 2015
January is a scary month, financially
New rules will protect consumers from harmful fee-charging credit broking practices
02 January, 2015
New rules have been introduced by the FCA today to tackle poor practice in the credit broking market which is causing serious detriment to consumers
New reforms cut red tape for house builders and tenants
31 December, 2014
New reforms to reduce bureaucracy for house builders and measures to protect tenants introduced in the latest Statement of New Regulation
Over 73,000 Scots reliant on food banks
31 December, 2014
More than 73,000 people in Scotland are relying on food banks to survive
Family Finances Report
29 December, 2014
The Aviva Family Finances Report looks at the contrasting fortunes of different family types, and has been examining data about their financial situations since 2011
Food bank use jumps 20% in Wales
29 December, 2014
The number of people using food banks in Wales has continued to rise
Energy firms urged to offer prepay customers a 'debt holiday'
24 December, 2014
Citizens Advice is calling on all energy companies to give prepayment customers a 'debt holiday' this winter
Thieves steal food bank supplies
24 December, 2014
Burglars stole food and other items from a Welsh food bank last week
More than one million British families now live in fuel poverty
23 December, 2014
Families hit by a combination of soaring energy costs and the squeeze on benefits
Poorest UK households pay almost half their income in tax
22 December, 2014
Analysis of ONS figures puts average gross income of poorest 10% at £9,743, but only £5,132 after all taxes deducted
Welfare Reform Committee to discuss food bank rise with minister
22 December, 2014
The Scotland Office Minister has agreed to meet with members of the Welfare Reform Committee in the New Year to discuss the rise in food bank usage
Engaging with tenants
22 December, 2014
This year has been the year UKHousing decided to take to social media en masse
High court holds LB Enfield as acting unlawfully when imposing licensing
22 December, 2014
The High Court has held that a local authority acted unlawfully when designating the whole of its area as subject to additional and selective licensing under the Housing Act 2004
A fifth of last year's Christmas borrowers are still in the red
22 December, 2014
Survey reveals six million adults expect to use a credit or loan product to pay for this Christmas - up on last year
Tenants could be left homeless by decision not to include private rented properties in Flood Re insurance cap scheme
22 December, 2014
The Government has come under fire from the RLA over its decision not to include private rented properties in its flood insurance cap scheme
Cuts to local welfare schemes 'a Christmas present to loan sharks'
19 December, 2014
Government refusal to guarantee funding for schemes will force families to turn to food banks and loan sharks
Social landlords 'could be breaking criminal law' over consumer regulation
19 December, 2014
Housing associations providing debt advice to tenants without authorisation from the UK financial watchdog are breaking criminal laws
Only a minority of UK landlords experience disputes with damage top of the list
19 December, 2014
Image Over the last 12 months under 10% of UK landlords have experienced a tenant dispute but when it does happen it usually concerns damage
Discretionary Housing Payments statistics
19 December, 2014
Statistics on local authorities' use of Discretionary Housing Payment funds
Outlook for household finances hits survey - record high amid falling inflation expectations
18 December, 2014
This release contains the December findings from the Markit HFI, intended to anticipate changing consumer behaviour accurately.
Work Programme evaluation: participant experience
18 December, 2014
This research is part of a comprehensive evaluation of the Work Programme, to provide an independent assessment of delivery and performance
Social housing lettings in England: April 2013 to March 2014
17 December, 2014
DCLG collects and publishes official statistics relating to deprivation, fire and rescue services, housing and homelessness, local government finance, planning performance and land use
1 in 6 people use their credit cards to pay housing costs
17 December, 2014
For most people, paying your mortgage or rent each month is your biggest bill
Benefit claimants 'forced out of central London'
16 December, 2014
Low income families are being forced out of the capital, Labour has said, after revealing a 27% drop in housing benefit claimants in central London
Post Office service for pensioners and benefit claimants to be safeguarded with new government contract
16 December, 2014
A new £250 million contract, to protect vulnerable pensioners, benefit claimants and help safeguard the future of the Post Office, agreed by the government
Millions of Britons to get fee-free basic accounts under Treasury's 'landmark deal' with lenders
15 December, 2014
The UK Treasury will unveil a "landmark deal" with nine lenders in the country to provide fee-free accounts to millions of consumers
Priority debts
15 December, 2014
Some bills are classed as priorities. This is because the consequences of not paying them is more serious than the consequences of not paying others
Food bank use tiny compared with Germany, says minister
15 December, 2014
The number of people using food banks in the UK is "tiny" compared with Germany, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has told the BBC
Focus on Inequality and Growth
15 December, 2014
Report from the OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs
Back-to-work schemes are 'making mental illness worse' says charity
11 December, 2014
The government's back-to-work schemes are ineffective and damaging for people with mental health problems
We need rent controls to help solve London's housing crisis
11 December, 2014
The words "rent control" are anathema to housing policy wonks and Westminster politician
Thousands of working families forced to depend on charity handouts this Christmas
10 December, 2014
Organisers of festive hampers for low-income households say the numbers receiving help are higher than ever
Sheffield gets Christmas spirit by telling residents to pay their rent
10 December, 2014
Sheffield Council is urging its tenants "to put their rent first this Christmas" and offering them a chance to win £250 of shopping vouchers
Households in fuel poverty require 'additional policies'
10 December, 2014
Families living in poverty will need additional help to pay their fuel bills
Looking beyond food banks to dig up the roots of hunger in Britain
10 December, 2014
We do not support or propose the institutionalisation of food banks in their current form
Food banks: Duncan Smith promises positive response after critical report
09 December, 2014
Work and pensions secretary promises reforms to help stop people 'stumbling into' process of benefits sanctions
Minister demands government does more to combat fuel poverty
09 December, 2014
The Scottish government's housing minister has demanded that the Tory-led coalition does more to cut energy bills for vulnerable households
Feeding Britain
08 December, 2014
A strategy for zero hunger in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
'Pay benefits faster' to reduce hunger
08 December, 2014
An income squeeze, benefit delays and excessive utility bills are blamed by a cross-party group of MPs for a huge rise in the use of food banks
How people have come to depend on food banks to survive
08 December, 2014
A former army nurse and a mother of three talk about how food banks have been the last line of support
Majority of Brits on good terms with their landlord
08 December, 2014
The majority of Britain's renters are fond of their landlord
London council loses landmark unlawful eviction case
05 December, 2014
The Supreme Court has ruled that statutory damages for unlawful eviction of tenants should be calculated in the same way for social landlords as it is for private landlords
Oxford, Brighton and Bath overtake areas of London as the most unaffordable places to rent
05 December, 2014
Towns and cities such as Oxford and Brighton have overtaken areas of London as the most unaffordable places in the country to rent
How much?! Damages for unlawfully evicted secure tenants
05 December, 2014
So, if a local authority unlawfully evicts a secure tenant (and yes, it happens) what should the measure of damages be?
Joint tenancy rights
04 December, 2014
The Supreme Court has ruled one partner can end a joint tenancy without breaching the other tenant's human rights
Food, fuel, finance - tackling the poverty premium
04 December, 2014
Conventional anti-poverty strategies have principally focused on measures to boost household incomes. But can we find ways of tackling poverty by reducing household costs?
Payday loan brokers subject to emergency action as regulator steps in
02 December, 2014
Seven blocked from taking on new business and three of those in line for 'enforcement action' over fees charged
'The toilet is in the shower': vulnerable tenants in tiny £258 a week flats hit with 'revenge evictions'
01 December, 2014
Tenants in Stoke Newington flats threatened with eviction after complaining about noise from music rehearsal studios below
Renters' woes revealed as 'hotspot' map of Britain published
01 December, 2014
London is Britain's vermin capital while renters in Yorkshire make the most repair requests and Scottish tenants have a big problem with heating
Payday loan middlemen face crackdown
01 December, 2014
Thousands of payday loan middlemen face tough new rules after the City watchdog highlighted "blatantly unfair" treatment of customers
Food banks: 'Rapid rise in demand' for emergency food parcels says Advice NI
28 November, 2014
There has been a rapid rise in the amount of people in Northern Ireland seeking access to food banks
A challenging time - supporting customers with money management
28 November, 2014
Welfare reform has presented a number of challenges to housing associations and their customers, and minimising the risks presented, continues to be a focus
The cost of renting in your 20s? £66,800
27 November, 2014
'Generation Rent' is in denial about the eye-watering sums they are paying to landlords,
'Letting agent charged £1,260 to change two names - then evicted us'
27 November, 2014
'I can replace you easily. Pay or you're out,' agent tells tenants renting £3,600-a-month house
Scottish rent rises out pace rest of UK
26 November, 2014
Property rents have risen faster in Scotland than in England and Wales over the past year
Voices from the frontline
25 November, 2014
Our launch publication explores the experiences of people with complex needs and the frontline staff who are working with them
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2014
24 November, 2014
Our annual assessment of progress in tackling poverty and disadvantage across the UK
Deadline to the Breadline
24 November, 2014
If a household's income suffers an unexpected shock and suddenly stops, their money would run out in just 26 days on average
Immigration minister James Brokenshire on new rules requiring landlords to check tenants' right to be in the UK
24 November, 2014
When we don't have firm - but fair - controls on immigration, everyone suffers
£311k to send benefit claimants to financial advice charities
21 November, 2014
The Social Security Agency spent £311,000 on a scheme which told benefit claimants where they could get free advice on managing their money
99.5% of people unaware of new renter protection rules
21 November, 2014
Just one person in 200 is aware government scheme designed to protect renters exists
Emergency Use Only: Understanding and reducing the use of food banks in the UK
20 November, 2014
The use of emergency food aid in the UK, particularly in the form of food banks, has dramatically increased
Food banks - when is research evidence 'good enough?'
20 November, 2014
What lies behind the rise in people using food banks in Britain?
Coastline embarks on stock improvement to tackle fuel poverty
19 November, 2014
Cornwall's Coastline Housing Association has launched an ambitious plan to reduce fuel poverty for up to 4,000 tenants by 2019
Statistics reveal modest rent rises in private sector for most regions in Scotland
19 November, 2014
New statistics have revealed mixed trends in private sector rent levels across Scotland with modest rises below the rate of inflation in most areas between 2025 and 2014
Food banks say welfare reform is fuelling demand
19 November, 2014
An organisation which runs food banks says nearly half of all its referrals in Wales last year were due to changes or delays to benefits payments
Welfare cuts will increase fire risk for poorer families
19 November, 2014
Firefighters have warned the government that cutting provisions that help low income families replace old and unsafe electrical goods could increase the risk of fire and fatalities
A third of people are planning to take out short-term credit to pay for Christmas
18 November, 2014
Latest research show that one third of people are planning to take out some kind of short-term credit to pay for Christmas
Tenants get eviction reprieve but future still uncertain
18 November, 2014
Tenants facing eviction from a London estate have won an eleventh hour reprieve - but are still facing an uncertain future
What will the housing market look like in 2040?
17 November, 2014
This research explores how the housing market is likely to change in the coming decades, and how this will affect poverty
Credit unions gallop ahead with help from pop stars, politicians and royalty
17 November, 2014
An old form of borrowing and saving is getting a new lease of life with everyone from Camilla to Imelda May getting an account
Will 'world first' energy pilot see tenants' fuel bills fall?
13 November, 2014
Hundreds of council tenants are set to benefit from cheaper energy bills thanks to a world first trial
Angus food bank donations given a vital boost
13 November, 2014
A Tayside charity has doubled its food bank donations in Angus by asking local supermarkets to get involved
Cap on the cost of credit will help fight exploitative payday lending
12 November, 2014
New evidence from Citizens Advice reveals North East and West Midlands are payday loan hotspots
Escape Plan: Understanding who progresses from low pay and who gets stuck
12 November, 2014
Our findings highlight that employees can move into higher paying roles but escaping completely from low pay is more difficult
Public are positive towards contribution and value of social housing
12 November, 2014
The British public are positive about the contribution and value of social housing
Record-breaking number of people in jobs
12 November, 2014
A record-breaking number of people are now in work, averaging over 13,000 more people in jobs every single week over the last year
Payday loan charges cap announced by FCA
11 November, 2014
A cap on the amount that payday lenders can charge their customers has been announced by the City regulator
More households can benefit from renewable heating
11 November, 2014
More social landlords and their tenants could soon be benefitting from renewable heating, helping them have warmer homes and lower bills
Latest foodbank figures top 900,000
10 November, 2014
Life has got worse not better for poorest in 2013/14, and this is just the tip of the iceberg
Two thirds of renters overcharged by letting agents
10 November, 2014
Back in 2013, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) described the private lettings market as 'dysfunctional'
Tenants to present petition asking for rent freeze
10 November, 2014
Peabody residents will hand over a petition today with more than 1,000 signatures to ask for a year's rent freeze
UK Government 'in denial' about human cost of welfare reforms
10 November, 2014
A Holyrood committee has called on Scotland Office minister David Mundell to keep a promise to meet food bank providers
Payday loans crackdown 'will hit the poor' and leave families without credit
07 November, 2014
A government crackdown on legal "loan sharks" will leave poor families without any access to credit
Fuel poverty and its effect on our health
07 November, 2014
If your energy bill had come down in line with the drop in wholesale prices, you'd be better off by around £70
Number of workless households in Wales falls
07 November, 2014
The number of households where no one has a job fell in all but four of the 22 local authorities in Wales between 2012 and 2013
Work Programme adviser: 'Almost every day one of my clients mentioned feeling suicidal'
06 November, 2014
Whistleblower says her job was box ticking, sanctioning sick people who had little chance of employment, and she wasn't able to treat clients as human beings
Renters need reform now - not the promise of a house in seven years
06 November, 2014
Will Labour break the grip of the home ownership political orthodoxy?
Landlord's plan to ban tenants on zero-hour contracts slammed
06 November, 2014
A property expert has slammed a major landlord's plan to ban tenants employed on zero-hour contracts from renting his properties
Understanding the Role of Immigrants' Legal Status: Evidence from Policy Experiments
05 November, 2014
European migrants to the UK are not a drain on Britain's finances and pay out far more in taxes than they receive in state benefits
Pay your child maintenance or damage your credit rating
05 November, 2014
Separated parents who fail to contribute financially to the upbringing of their children, face ruining their credit rating from next year
Zero-hours contract workers turned away by some of UK's biggest landlords
03 November, 2014
As well as high rents, workers with no fixed hours or income face problems finding a landlord who will agree to house them
I'm on benefits and I'm not proud to be on them
03 November, 2014
I am 35 living in Somerset, working voluntarily within my community. I have two children and one has special needs
More powers for Scotland could help improve housing system
03 November, 2014
Giving the Scottish government extra powers could help it build more homes and improve the country's housing system
Generation Rent: ignored, insecure - and on the rise
03 November, 2014
Politicians ignore the number of people renting property at their peril - they could become a hugely powerful political faction
New rules for buy to let lending on the way
03 November, 2014
Chancellor George Osborne is warning the government may restrict buy to let borrowing with loan caps and rent cover limits
Council becomes first to use new anti-social powers to evict tenants
31 October, 2014
Oldham Council is believed to have become the first local authority in the country to use new anti-social behaviour powers to remove tenants from a property
Salford families are waiting more than a month for housing claim decisions
31 October, 2014
Households are having to wait on average 36 days for a decision on whether they can get help to pay the rent
MPs urged to prepare for shift among voters towards renting
30 October, 2014
Politicians have been urged to take the concerns of tenants more seriously after research indicated that more than 100 MPs will represent renter-dominated constituencies
Building the future
30 October, 2014
The economic and fiscal impacts of making homes energy efficient
A Democratic Tenant Conversation
30 October, 2014
Results of the T.A.R.O.E. National Survey of Tenant
Payday loan brokers regularly raid bank accounts of poor customers
29 October, 2014
Natwest receives hundreds of complaints daily from vulnerable people who have unexpectedly had money taken from accounts
Partnership with Credit Union helping tenants to get ahead financially
29 October, 2014
Lewisham Homes' partnership with the Lewisham Plus Credit Union provides financial support to residents through basic budgeting, loans, current accounts
Five ways housing associations can improve their customer service
28 October, 2014
To survive in a more commercial world, housing providers need better customer service
Wales' rental market is lagging behind the rest of Britain with almost no growth over the last year
27 October, 2014
Private rental prices grew just 0.2% across Wales from September 2013 to September this year according to the Index of Private Housing Rental Prices
Almost half of British renters might never be able to afford to buy a home
24 October, 2014
The spiralling cost of buying a first home in the UK means that almost half of all renters are not sure they will ever be able to get on the property ladder
Government rejects social landlords' gas access call
24 October, 2014
Campaign to allow housing associations greater access to homes to save £500m receives major blow
MPs launch inquiry into 'revenge' evictions bill
24 October, 2014
A group of MPs has launched an inquiry into a Liberal Democrat bill to outlaw 'revenge' evictions
Landmark appeal against out-of-London placements refused
23 October, 2014
Councils can house tenants outside of London without carrying out a detailed assessment of all the available properties nearby
Lower benefit cap would 'push affordable rents out of reach'
23 October, 2014
Affordable rents would be out of reach for families on benefit in London if welfare is capped at £23,000 a year
PRS and buy-to-let trends overview 2013/2014
22 October, 2014
For many, 2013 was a year of further recovery which revived optimism and confidence in the sector; this positive sentiment was echoed by many Paragon landlords operating in the PRS
Welfare advice scores £450,000 for WHG tenants
22 October, 2014
Thousands of residents in a Midlands town have collectively gained over £450,000 thanks to their social landlord's money advisors
Government posters to target benefit fraud
21 October, 2014
The government is launching an advertising campaign urging benefit claimants to report changes in circumstances or face prison
Rent price growth eases
21 October, 2014
For two consecutive months the UK has experienced an easing in rental price growth, with twice as many regions seeing rental price falls than those recording an increase
Government must help younger renters, says housing law firm Winckworth Sherwood
21 October, 2014
Renting a flat if you're under 35 is now the "new normal" with a housing law firm urging the government to do more for young people looking for PRS accommodation
New report reveals majority of social housing tenants who can work, are in work
21 October, 2014
While the majority of Londoners think people in social housing are unemployed, new research reveals that 74% of those who can work do
Sept 14 Buy-to-Let Index
20 October, 2014
Rents hit fresh record despite sharp slow down in annual rises
Highest rents on record in the South East, East Anglia and Scotland
20 October, 2014
Rents increase £66 every month in year on year comparison - London market climbs £118 in Q3 2014 and is £230 higher than October 2013
Landlord let vulnerable tenant live in squalor and misery for over a year
20 October, 2014
A landlord has been branded unfit to let out property after allowing a vulnerable woman to live in squalor for over a year
Understanding the new ASB Act - essential reading for landlords
20 October, 2014
ASB consultant Gez Kinsella shares his thoughts on preparations for the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
Housing association drops mandatory conditions from tenancy agreements
20 October, 2014
A housing association has quietly dropped mandatory conditions from its tenancy agreements after a pilot found they were not needed
Landlords and tenants behaving responsibly
20 October, 2014
International Tenants Day on 6th October saw the launch of the Responsible Housing CSR Code of Conduct at a major conference of 150 delegates
DWP condemned over benefit losses
17 October, 2014
The DWP has been severely criticised by the Whitehall spending watchdog for failing to curb the "escalating" losses due to fraud and error in the housing benefit system
Generation Y turning to high-cost credit
17 October, 2014
62 per cent of young people using high-interest credit are turning to payday loans
Helping tenants get online
17 October, 2014
This week, thousands of people across the country are being inspired to get online and see what the internet could do for them
Scotland's jobless total falls by record 40,000
16 October, 2014
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 40,000 between June and August to stand at 151,000
How to take down economic inequality
16 October, 2014
The global gap between incomes, wealth and living standards is a long-standing failure of human ingenuity and purpose
The Real Britain Index: a more accurate measure of living standards
16 October, 2014
The rate at which prices are increasing is, according to the government's preferred measure, gradually slowing down
The regulation of private sector letting and managing agents (England)
16 October, 2014
There is no overarching statutory regulation of private sector letting or managing agents in England or any legal requirement for them to belong to a trade association
Rent increase blow to landlords
16 October, 2014
Housing experts are warning that landlords face a costs squeeze under the reformed social rent formula as a result of unprecedentedly low inflation rates
Welfare spending cap plans hit by rising housing and incapacity benefit bills
16 October, 2014
OBR also warns public finances suffering despite the recovery as workers take low-paid jobs so pay correspondingly less tax
Tory Councillor Dawn Barnett Wants Food Bank Ban For People On 'Good Benefits'
15 October, 2014
A Tory councillor who once described golliwogs as "nostalgic, not racist" has called for those on "good benefits" to be banned from using food banks as they can afford food
Families' health at risk as rogue landlords refuse repairs
15 October, 2014
More than 1 in 10 renting families have suffered health problems in the past year because of their landlords failing to deal with bad living conditions
Council launches tenancy fraud amnesty
15 October, 2014
Haringey Council has launched an amnesty for tenants that are illegally subletting their council homes
Social housing tenants' debt widening income divide
15 October, 2014
A housing association's research into the impact of financial and economic changes on households has uncovered a widening income gap between its tenants
Record year for credit union as thousands of new members join
15 October, 2014
A credit union has had a record year, as more and more people turn to it for help with low cost loans
Home Truths 2014/15: Yorkshire and Humber
15 October, 2014
Broken Market, Broken Dreams, a new report by the National Housing Federation, is an analysis of the housing market in Yorkshire and Humber
Tenant Leading Change is about tenants and landlords coming together to support effective tenant involvement
14 October, 2014
The Government wants to see all social landlords offer tenants the chance to get involved and take control of their neighbourhoods
Campaign against illegal evictions to launch in Scotland
14 October, 2014
A campaign targeting landlords' illegal eviction of tenants is launching in Scotland today
Do They Know Its Christmas? was released exactly thirty years ago to publicise third world food crisis
14 October, 2014
Severnside Housing has its Digital Den in Meole Brace that is available for everyone to use
Scottish Government invests millions in fuel poverty scheme
14 October, 2014
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the Scottish Government will invest millions in a new national fuel poverty scheme from 2015
Residents urged to support foodbanks in face of growing demand
14 October, 2014
The Trussell Trust in Blackwood, New Tredegar and Risca fed a staggering 1,821 people between April and September 2014
Bogus letting agents rent through Airbnb to fleece would-be tenants
13 October, 2014
The owner of this flat let it out for a weekend through Airbnb. She returned to find five 'tenants' - who'd in total paid £8,500 in deposits and expected to move in permanently
Tackling Food Poverty Together
13 October, 2014
Greater Manchester Tackling Food Poverty Together - a week of action 13-19th October 2014
Renting redress scheme launched and no-one notices
13 October, 2014
No-one noticed this week when a complaints scheme aimed at stopping letting agents using misleading adverts, charging excessive fees and not carrying out repairs was launched
Young people being failed by PRS
13 October, 2014
The government should be doing more to help young people into the private rented sector (PRS)
Scottish Government pushes to tackle fuel poverty
13 October, 2014
The Scottish Government has launched a campaign to help people reduce their winter fuel bills and called for bids for a fuel poverty contract worth £224m
Access To Private Rented Housing For The Under 35s
13 October, 2014
The purpose of the APPG is to raise awareness of the private rented housing sector in Parliament
'Tenants are being judged by the standards of Benefits Street'
10 October, 2014
Should social landlords be imposing conditions on tenants as part of their tenancy agreements?
Benefit rule 'worse than poor law'
10 October, 2014
A plan to make people wait seven days before they are entitled to benefit has been slammed as 'worse than the poor law'
New rules spurs reminder of the importance of tenant checks
10 October, 2014
The NLA is reminding landlords about the importance of conducting tenant checks shortly before new legislation will require them to check the immigration status of every new tenant
A new fuel poverty strategy for England
10 October, 2014
The Federation welcomes and fully supports the proposal for an energy efficiency target of Energy Performance Certificate Band C for all homes in fuel poverty
England's 'rent-trap': just another reason housing is now a top 5 issue for voters
09 October, 2014
The last few weeks have seen senior politicians in all parties clamber over each other to promise bold action to solve our housing shortage
How to ... create sustainable tenancies
09 October, 2014
Housing providers are now thinking radically about how they deliver front-line services to respond to the unprecedented changes they face as a result of welfare reform
Council housing standards must improve
09 October, 2014
Local authorities in Wales are in danger of providing a second class service for their tenants due to the slow progress in bringing their homes up to scratch
CMA sets out proposals to lower payday loan costs
09 October, 2014
The CMA has set out proposals to increase price competition between payday lenders and help borrowers get a better deal
New service offers tenants rent savings on mobile top ups
09 October, 2014
Social housing tenants are being offered a new service that allows them to save money on their rent when they top up their mobile phone
Wonga banned from using ad that didn't mention 5,853% interest rate
08 October, 2014
Payday loan firm told by Advertising Standards Authority that commercial breaches code after complaint from Citizens Advice
'Limited' licensing judicial review to go ahead
07 October, 2014
Both sides are claiming victory in a High Court test case over whether a local authority's landlord licensing scheme should be subject to judicial review
Lettings agents and property managers: redress schemes
07 October, 2014
Information on the requirement for lettings agents and property managers in England to belong to a government approved redress scheme
Councils urge Government to reconsider scrapping local welfare assistance fund
06 October, 2014
One in six local authorities will abandon any crisis safety net, forcing families to use food banks or loan sharks
Food Poverty: Experts Say Foodbanks Are Inevitable in the UK
03 October, 2014
Food insecurity and malnutrition in the UK is a much wider problem than has been recognised
Tenant escapes eviction after taking five years to clear garden of scrap and cars
03 October, 2014
A social housing tenant has narrowly avoided being evicted by her social landlord, after finally cleaning up her garden
Majority of UK's private renters being ripped-off by letting agents
03 October, 2014
A majority of the UK's private rented sector (PRS) tenants believe that the fees charged by letting agents are poor value for money
Property ombudsman reveals sharp rise in complaints about lettings agents
02 October, 2014
There's been a sharp rise in the number of complaints made about lettings agents ahead of the requirement that came into effect today that they register with an approved redress scheme
A living rent?
01 October, 2014
Mark Lupton and Helen Collins from Savills Housing Consultancy explain how their rent model linked to household income would work
Landlords warned over Legionnaires' disease responsibility
01 October, 2014
Landlords have been warned that recent changes to legislation means they have a responsibility to make sure their tenants are not exposed to the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease
Complaints about letting agents rise 37%
01 October, 2014
Complaints about letting agents rose by 37% in the first half of the year, an ombudsman has revealed as new legislation to curb rogue agents comes into force
Benefit cut could force social landlords to turn tenants away
01 October, 2014
Housing associations warn Conservative policy would also prevent them from building new homes as funding dries up
Pre-paid benefits cards fuel booze-and-fags stereotype
01 October, 2014
Benefits claimants do not spend all their money on booze and fags if they are left to their own devices
Know your rights: The new rules for the rental market that will protect against bad landlords - and six tips for tenants
30 September, 2014
From October 1, every lettings agent must be a member of an ombudsman-style scheme
£4.5 million to heat social rented homes
30 September, 2014
The Scottish government has announced a £4.5 million scheme to improve the energy performance of 1,600 social housing homes
Grave concerns that Tories' latest benefit cut plans will drive homelessness
29 September, 2014
A charity has expressed grave concerns that the Tories' plans to axe housing benefit for single 18-21 years olds could lead to a further rise in homelessness
Poll Digest - Social - Circle Housing Group Social Housing Survey
29 September, 2014
Almost half of Britons believe social housing tenants choose to claim benefits as a lifestyle choice
Landlord fined after breaching a raft of health and safety regulations with flats found to 'be a danger to live in'
26 September, 2014
Flats deemed a danger after a series of breaches found during insepection
Tenants trust social landlords for advice on energy savings
26 September, 2014
A study has found associations managing property are in the best position to offer help, ahead of energy charities and family and friends
Social housing chief executives' enormous pay packets are indefensible
26 September, 2014
While social tenants suffer benefit cuts and rent hikes, the salaries of those in charge of housing them continue to soar
Is Labour genuinely committed to social rent?
26 September, 2014
Labour needs to explain the role it sees for genuine social housing after May
How to rent - Updated Guide
25 September, 2014
This guide is for people who are looking for a house or flat to rent
Low Pay and the Cost of Living: A Supply-Side Approach
25 September, 2014
The 'cost of living crisis' is now a substantial part of the UK's political discourse
Housing associations rally internet providers to help more residents get online
24 September, 2014
26 housing associations, 12 IT companies and 18 influencers were brought together to discuss how to work together to help more social housing residents get online
Over 400,000 private landlords' properties damaged by tenants
24 September, 2014
Research has revealed that 28% of the country's private landlords have had their property damaged by tenants in the last 12 months
Credit union borrowers save £millions
24 September, 2014
Londoners who have taken out loans with of the city's credit unions have saved £6.5 million in interest payments and other charges over the last 12 months
Top tips on avoiding fuel poverty this year
22 September, 2014
Julian Scott from Yarlington Housing Group tells Ben McGrail how we can avoid fuel poverty and explains why they've employed two new 'energy advisors' for their residents
A tenth of landlords unable to confirm their tenants are gas safe
22 September, 2014
One in ten landlords are unable to confirm their tenants are living in a gas safe home, according to new research by British Gas and Shelter
Campaign to beef up social landlord's legal powers to access properties for mandatory gas safety checks
22 September, 2014
Campaigners are calling on the Government to beef up legal powers to allow regulated social landlords to access their properties to carry out mandatory gas safety checks
Housing (Wales) Bill 2014
19 September, 2014
One of the key elements of the Act is introduction of a compulsory registration and licensing scheme for private rented sector landlords and letting and management agents
Landlords' strategies to address poverty and disadvantage
18 September, 2014
Low-rent housing has played a significant role in reducing poverty in England
How to... increase demand for hard to let properties
17 September, 2014
Hard to let properties have always posed a challenge to landlords and void properties are an inevitable aspect of housing management
Ban payday adverts from TV and radio before 9pm, parents demand
16 September, 2014
Experts warn of impact of debt on children after research finds more than a third think commercials are fun or exciting
Tenants evicted over messy gardens
15 September, 2014
A number of social housing tenants who refused to tidy up their gardens have been evicted
UK's soaring rental market shows signs of easing
15 September, 2014
The UK's soaring rental market showed signs of easing last month
Thousands forced to rely on foodbanks over low income and benefit delays
12 September, 2014
Two-thirds of people who needed a foodbank to feed themselves last year did so because they were living on a low income or had benefits issues
The scandal of Britain's fuel poverty deaths
12 September, 2014
Thousands of people die each winter in the UK as a result of being unable to heat their homes. Are we doing enough to help them?
Women will die' as legal aid becomes more difficult for victims of domestic abuse to get
11 September, 2014
Campaigners say the tightening of legal aid rules and budget cuts are putting victims of domestic violence at greater risk
More than half of tenants have problems with landlords and letting agents
10 September, 2014
One in seven tenants say that their problems have never been resolved
Private landlords should be subjected to more stringent gas safety checks
10 September, 2014
The Gas Safety Trust today called for private landlords to be subjected to more stringent gas safety checks
Councils urged to continue welfare support after emergency funding ends in April 2015
09 September, 2014
Local authorities must not leave vulnerable people in the lurch when central government emergency funding comes to an end in April 2015
Helping tenants to make a house a home
09 September, 2014
A new pilot scheme in Sparkbrook could revolutionise the way new tenants learn to set up home in Birmingham
I'm on benefits - so no landlord would rent my family a house
09 September, 2014
Negative attitudes towards people supported by benefits undermine the help that any safety net provides
Think-tank criticises 'pointless' Labour rent cap scheme
08 September, 2014
Ed Miliband's proposal to put a cap on rent increases will push up cost of living and exacerbate Britain's chronic housing shortage
Brent housing benefit tenant living in 'unfit' room
05 September, 2014
BBC London has discovered that Brent Council allowed a landlord to continue renting a room to a man on housing benefits even though its own inspectors said it was unfit for habitation
Unions demand Labour ends UK fuel poverty
04 September, 2014
Eight of the UK's largest trade unions have called on the Labour Party to develop a domestic energy efficiency programme that cuts bills
A record number of people are looking for extra hours to top up their wages
04 September, 2014
The number of people who are under-employed has increased by nearly 100,000 over the last two years, according to new analysis published by the TUC today
Payday loan debt continues to soar
04 September, 2014
The number of people getting into debt with payday loan companies has risen drastically in the last year
What's really happened to rents in Scotland?
03 September, 2014
Last week, Estate Agent LSL Property Services used the release of their Buy-to-Let index to claim that the ban on letting fees in Scotland has caused a 'rent hike'
Eviction for fraudsters who lied on social housing applications
03 September, 2014
Two people who claimed they needed social housing have been evicted from their homes after making false claims on their applications
Payday loan hardship cases up 42%
02 September, 2014
The number of people struggling with payday loans has risen by 42% in the past year
Enfield tears up rules in radical attempt to ease housing problem
02 September, 2014
Pushed into a corner by soaring prices, greedy landlords and a cap on benefits, one London council has embarked on a daring set of untested policies
Free school meal scheme begins
02 September, 2014
First children between the ages of five and seven to begin receiving a free lunch
The Big Tenant Survey
01 September, 2014
The vast majority of social housing tenants do not feel listened to or cared about by their landlords
Rental demand soars as seven potential tenants chase every property
01 September, 2014
Demand for rental properties across the UK grows by 18pc on an annual basis amid shrinking supply
We know tax credits were overpaid. Now it's revealed the figure is £5.6bn
01 September, 2014
The debt owed to government after more than a decade of overpaying tax credits to some of Britain's poorest citizens has now reached more than £5.6bn
Eat or pay the rent, Shelter warns of stark choice facing working parents
01 September, 2014
Working parents are cutting back on buying food in an effort to keep up with their rent or mortgage payments
Scottish landlord data 'will empower social housing tenants'
29 August, 2014
Council and housing association tenants in Scotland are to be given more information about how well their landlord is performing
Churchill Home Insurance research reveals social renters experience more household crime than homeowners
29 August, 2014
Social renters are the tenancy group worst affected by household crime according to new research released by Churchill Home Insurance
Tenant fees ban has speeded up Scottish rent rises
29 August, 2014
The ban on tenant fees has pushed up rents since it was introduced in Scotland in 2012
10.5% of working parents in England skip meals to pay rent
28 August, 2014
Shelter also found that 37% cut back on buying food and 13% put off buying new shoes for their children to meet housing cost
Social tenants left without gas reconnected
28 August, 2014
More than 210 of 250 social homes in Wales left without fuel after water entered gas supply pipes have now been reconnected
1st October date confirmed for letting agent redress
28 August, 2014
Officials have confirmed that the legal requirement for all letting agents in England to provide access to impartial redress will come into force on 1 October 2014
Working families forced to cut back to pay their housing costs
28 August, 2014
Working parents are struggling to make ends meet, with the equivalent of 880,000 working parents skipping a meal in the past year to pay their housing costs
Scottish rents rise as estate agents blame tenancy fees ban
27 August, 2014
Scottish estate agents are blaming the country's ban on tenancy fees for a recent rise in rents
Citizens Advice Scotland in 'rogue' payday brokers warning
27 August, 2014
Scots who want to take out a payday loan are being "ripped off" by online middlemen before they even get to apply for the money
Landlord fined for renting room that could only be entered on all fours
26 August, 2014
Tenants would need to be less than 2 feet 4 inches tall to walk to the Hendon room's door
Move to Midlands or be homeless: London mum brands council 'inhumane'
26 August, 2014
Cecilia Bruce-Annan has been told to move with her three children to Stoke-on-Trent because of the benefits cap
Rent cap to control spiralling benefit costs 'would distort housing market'
26 August, 2014
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has dismissed calls for a rent cap to be introduced in a bid to control the spiralling cost of housing benefit
Boards shrink for housing associations but diversity is static
22 August, 2014
60% of current board members weren't in place in 2025/11 - but demographics barely shift
Landlord fined for renting room that could only be entered on all fours
22 August, 2014
Tenants would need to be less than 2 feet 4 inches tall to walk to the Hendon room's door
More than one in four adults forced to borrow money from family members
21 August, 2014
More than one in four adults has been forced to borrow money from family members
Tablet-equipped tenants to be denied phone access to landlord
20 August, 2014
Landlord's 'Digital Deal' scheme will deny tenants phone access for queries
"Scraping the Barrel" - The Cost of Living for Social Housing Residents: Executive Summary
19 August, 2014
Today we launch the first part of our research on the cost of living for social housing residents
94% of UK's social housing tenants face financial pains
19 August, 2014
The mass majority of the UK's social housing tenants have faced some kind of financial difficulty in the past six month
Paying rent through Facebook
19 August, 2014
The stark reality is there are 8.7 million adults in the UK that have never been online - and worryingly almost half are social housing tenants
Payday loan middlemen complaints 'more than double'
19 August, 2014
Complaints about payday loan middlemen - so-called credit broking websites - have more than doubled in the last year
A Better Deal for Nation Rent
18 August, 2014
In our paper Nation Rent we set out the financial investment benefits of a dynamic housing portfolio approach
Housing associations urge benefit claimants to pay extra rent in advance
18 August, 2014
Fears are growing that tenants will default on their payments once they are transferred to universal credit
Private rental costs soar in Scotland
18 August, 2014
Private sector rents in Scotland soared by 10% last month, bringing the average monthly cost to £636
Housing pinched: Understanding which households spend the most on housing costs
15 August, 2014
Close to 1.6 million UK households - the housing pinched - are spending more than half their disposable income on the ongoing costs of housing each month
Social landlords showing value for money
15 August, 2014
Value for money is the name of the game for social landlords preparing their annual results
Why housing associations should not be able to pick and choose their tenants
15 August, 2014
If providers chose their tenants, the poorest and most vulnerable people could be excluded in favour of the financially independent
UK rents up £62 in a year
15 August, 2014
The average advertised rent in Britain increased by £62 (6.56%) in July 2014 compared to the same time last year, reaching £1,029 per month
Making the Most of Northern Ireland's Private Rented Sector to Meet Housing Need
14 August, 2014
The Chartered Institute of Housing, the Department for Social Development and SmartMove NI have collaboratively produced and published this thinkpiece
Iain Duncan Smith hails largest drop in UK unemployment rate since 2009 but wages are squeezed
14 August, 2014
Figures show both unemployment and wages have fallen in the last quarter
Labour rebuked over benefit increase claims
13 August, 2014
UK Statistics Authority says statistics used by Chuka Umunna, Labour's shadow business secretary, used 'factually incorrect' statistics
Benefits fraudster who claimed £74,000 in handouts while owning £2.6million property empire that raked in £150,000 rent a year is jailed for 12 months
13 August, 2014
A benefits fraudster has been jailed after fleecing the taxpayer out of nearly £74,000 while running a £2.6million property empire
Number of 'amateur' private landlords hits record high
13 August, 2014
Seven in 10 private landlords are now part-time or 'amateur'
UK jobless rate nears six-year low
13 August, 2014
UK unemployment edged closer to a six-year low in the three months to the end of June
Housing associations should have some say in who lives in their homes
12 August, 2014
When councils nominate tenants who are not appropriate for a property, housing associations should be able to intervene
'Financial triage' to be offered at food banks
12 August, 2014
Trussell Trust hopes debt and money advice will help clients who are struggling to manage rising food and energy prices
Landlords warned they may be required to check immigration status of tenants or face £3,000 fine in plan to tackle 'beds in sheds'
12 August, 2014
Landlords may be forced to check the immigration status of prospective tenants before allowing them to rent a property from next year or face a potential hefty fine
PRS landlords warned to remember tenant obligations
12 August, 2014
An organisation that represents landlords in the private rented sector has warned property owners to remember their obligations to their tenants
Families 'stuck in working poverty'
12 August, 2014
Families working full time at the national minimum wage are 18% short of the basic amount needed to provide a minimum standard of living
Cutting benefits outside London could save millions
11 August, 2014
Policy Exchange suggests that benefit payments should be cut outside London and the South East
Huge fine for landlords who rented out unsafe property
11 August, 2014
Two landlords have been prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £65,970 after renting out an unsafe House in Multiple Occupation
Food poverty in Scotland 'not acceptable' says Sturgeon
11 August, 2014
The level of food poverty in Scotland is "simply not acceptable"
Housing set to be hardest hit by budget cuts
08 August, 2014
Housing is set to be hit hardest in the round of cuts to council spending on local services this year
Council forced to write off £1.1 million in rent arrears following IT fault
07 August, 2014
An east London council has been forced to write-off £1.1 million in rent arrears following a malfunction with an IT system
Social landlord is making a meal of things
07 August, 2014
A social landlord is offering breakfasts, lunches and learning activities to 500 families in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull this summer
London borough to limit average rent to below £100 per week
06 August, 2014
An inner-London borough has pledged to keep rents below an average of £100 per week for council tenants in the face of a lack of affordable housing in the capital
Workers on benefit 'will double'
06 August, 2014
The number of workers claiming housing benefit "to make ends meet" will continue to increase if a Conservative government is elected next year, Labour will claim today
The government needs to understand the impact of its own housing policies
06 August, 2014
A number of different figures have popped out this week which should worry anyone who is even a little bit sentient
Iain Duncan Smith: Ready to sail into sunset?
05 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith shuffles along the bench to take his seat opposite me in a Westminster restaurant buzzing with hobnobbing hacks and politicians
Cunning Plan sees Facebook rent payment system created
05 August, 2014
Social housing tenants in Salford can now pay their rent via Facebook
North west landlord scores record surplus despite welfare reform
05 August, 2014
Great Places Housing Group has posted a record surplus of £9.3m for 2013/14
'Poverty pay' doubles number of workers claiming housing benefit
05 August, 2014
Nearly 1 million people in work are being forced to rely on housing benefit, double the figure five years ago
Help for housing costs is forcing up the UK benefits
05 August, 2014
Rachel Reeves highlights how housing payments make up 14% of welfare spending, with more working people claiming benefit
Court quashes Peabody eviction of vulnerable tenant
04 August, 2014
A housing association's attempt to evict a 58-year-old disabled man has been quashed after a judge ruled it did not follow its own policies for dealing with vulnerable tenants
Landlord fined after keeping nine unrelated tenants including baby in filthy and infested family home
01 August, 2014
A landlord has been ordered to pay nearly £19,000 after his tenants were found to be living in unsafe, squalid conditions with an infestation of mice
Councils shun flagship government homelessness scheme
31 July, 2014
London boroughs are 'increasingly unwilling' to take part in the government's programme for single homeless people
Personal insolvencies rise sparks fears for struggling households
30 July, 2014
Surge in individuals unable to repay their debts prompted fresh warnings over impact of future interest rate increase
'Poor doors' show why we can't rely on developers for affordable housing
30 July, 2014
While the idea of mixed communities and mixed tenure was always faintly patronising, even not-so-affordable housing is now bitterly resisted
Unemployed? Don't go to your local jobcentre
30 July, 2014
Jobcentres have failed young people abysmally. This redundant service should be replaced by effective local job brokerages
Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions resulting from Universal Jobmatch conditions: Jun 2013 to Dec 2013
30 July, 2014
Statistics on Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions resulting from Universal Jobmatch conditions from June 2013 to December 2013
Boris Johnson rules out 'poor door' ban on London housing developments
29 July, 2014
Mayor says he will discourage use of separate entrances for poorer tenants, but argues they help keep housing costs down
West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative Delivers Amazing Savings On Fuel For Tenants
29 July, 2014
West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative has announced its fuel prices for its much vaunted Biomass Energy Project
'We have created a mess'
29 July, 2014
Since 2025 England has seen a NET loss of 35,000 social rented homes every year
Council tax bombshell: Cardiff rates could rise by 5% a year for three years
28 July, 2014
Councillor Graham Hinchey makes the revelation during a debate at a full council meeting
Tackling fuel poverty
28 July, 2014
Social landlords should not wait for government targets in order to respond to fuel poverty
Affordable housing tenants given separate doors in luxury developments
28 July, 2014
Social tenants are being forced to enter through separate 'poor doors' in multi-million-pound London developments
Nearly 60pc of rented homes fail inspections
28 July, 2014
Close to 60pc of all private rental premises that were inspected by local authorities last year failed basic minimum requirements
London rents more than double rest of UK
28 July, 2014
For the first time in recorded history, the average cost of renting a home in Greater London is more than double the cost across the rest of the UK
London landlords urge rent overhaul
25 July, 2014
London's 15 largest housing associations are calling for the government to review rent setting for tenants
Hard up renters turning to payday lenders for deposits
25 July, 2014
Renters are being priced out of house and home by deposits that have soared by 50% since the financial crisis began
Generation rent is here to stay and deserves a fair deal
25 July, 2014
The English Housing Survey tells us what we already know - we need affordable renting
Homelessness axed from housing minister's brief
24 July, 2014
The housing minister will no longer have responsibility for homelessness
UK Housing Boom: Landlords Outside Central London Making Biggest Returns
23 July, 2014
Landlords are making better returns on their investments in cities outside of central London amid rising rents and property prices
Government's fuel poverty proposals slammed
23 July, 2014
The government has been slammed by campaigners over plans announced today to target fuel poverty
The rise of middle-aged renters
23 July, 2014
Single young professionals are increasingly choosing to settle in family suburbs rather than city centres
English housing survey 2012 to 2013: household report
23 July, 2014
Annual report on households in England, covering themes such as housing needs, housing moves, and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
Warning to landlords and tenants after 'near miss' from communal blaze
23 July, 2014
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned tenants and landlords of the dangers of leaving combustible materials in communal areas
Government to update dealings with claimants after report finds sanctions hitting most vulnerable
22 July, 2014
The government has announced that is to update the way it talks to benefit claimants
Joined Up Welfare - The next steps for personalisation
22 July, 2014
Policy Exchange wants to see a high growth, enterprise led economy in the UK with freer markets driving growth and opportunity
Generation Rent hits out at tenancy deposit 'rip off'
22 July, 2014
Campaign group Generation Rent has criticised the fact that renters are missing out on interest on their tenancy deposits
Be tough on the causes of benefits
22 July, 2014
To reduce the benefits bill, the government needs to address issues such as high rents and low wages rather than tightening eligibility for what can be claimed
900,000 landlords face buy-to-let tax probe: Second home owners face investigation as concern grows over undeclared profits
21 July, 2014
Landlords and second home owners face a crackdown as concerns grow over the boom in buy-to-let mortgages
Poll finds 75% of renters have never switched energy supplier
21 July, 2014
More than 75% of bill payers living in rented accommodation have never switched their energy supplier
Generation landlord: is it time to invest in a buy-to-let?
21 July, 2014
As fears of pension shortfalls increase, more investors are putting their money in buy-top-let properties
Dramatic rise of families forced out of London
18 July, 2014
The number of homeless households forced to move outside London has risen by nearly 40 per cent in one year
Disabled people struggling in unfit homes
18 July, 2014
People with disabilities are struggling in unfit accommodation because councils are failing to adapt their homes
Hope for homeless families in need of Legal Aid
17 July, 2014
New ruling by the High Court has ruled that Government changes, which would have left homeless families without help, have been ruled 'unauthorised, discriminatory and impossible to justify'
Unemployment in Wales falls by 6,000 remaining at 6.6%
17 July, 2014
Unemployment in Wales has fallen by 6,000 in the three months to May, official figures show
FCA proposes payday loans cap of 0.8% per day
16 July, 2014
Plans for a cap on the amount that payday lenders can charge their customers have been announced by the City regulator
Child poverty - a collective responsibility this summer
16 July, 2014
With the summer holidays now upon us, how can housing providers better meet the needs of the low-income families they house?
Digital inclusion can benefit both colleagues and customers
16 July, 2014
A hands-on approach to digital inclusion makes a definite impact, but providers need to look at their internal strategies and infrastructure
Council benefits complaints rise
15 July, 2014
Complaints about English local councils' handling of tax and benefits soared by more than a quarter last year, according to the local Government Ombudsman
Exeter tenants evicted from flats with 'no warning'
15 July, 2014
More than 40 people including children have been evicted from a block of flats in a raid by bailiffs
Labour calls for regular checks on child poverty
14 July, 2014
As figures show an extra 300,000 children living in households that cannot afford to keep their house warm, Labour accuses Osborne of ignoring the issue
Britain's debt hotspots revealed
14 July, 2014
The postcodes where households owe the most on personal loans
London's biggest landlords record £1bn surplus
11 July, 2014
Capital's 15 biggest associations generate £1bn surplus on back of capital's property boom
Fuel cell pilot hopes to slash tenant energy use
11 July, 2014
Landlords trialling eco-friendly heating systems that are cheaper for tenants
How to tackle digital exclusion (and avoid the common pitfalls)
11 July, 2014
Going digital has huge benefits, but it equally presents dangers that some people could be left out in the cold
Renting to homeless is too risky
10 July, 2014
Charities must do more to improve private landlords' confidence in letting to homeless people
£10,000 donation for credit union
09 July, 2014
A credit union has said that a £10,000 donation it has received from a global law firm will help it bring affordable loans
Payday loan victims urged to speak out
09 July, 2014
The Financial Ombudsman Service has urged people struggling with payday loans to confront the 'shame factor' and seek help
Digital exclusion is a modern social evil we can abolish
09 July, 2014
Almost 20% of the UK population still lack basic internet skills, but there's a tremendous opportunity to empower people, transform lives and support vulnerable groups
Payday complaints double in two years
08 July, 2014
Complaints about payday loans have more than doubled in the last two years
£1million energy advice programme opens for business
08 July, 2014
Householders and tenants up and down the country are set to benefit from an extensive programme of energy saving advice
Minister announces boost to roll out digital inclusion for hard to reach groups
07 July, 2014
A major push to target people who are not yet online was announced by the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty
Young mother faces prison after receiving £52,000 meant for social landlord
07 July, 2014
A woman from Lichfield has been ordered to pay back outstanding money that was wrongly transferred to her bank account by Lichfield Council
We say end over 65s PIP assessments
07 July, 2014
Disability Rights UK calls for end to automatic PIP assessment for over 65s
Food bank advice for shoplifters in north Wales
04 July, 2014
Shoplifters in north Wales will be given details of food banks after evidence that offences are being committed to obtain food
The extent of single homeless cuts
04 July, 2014
Freedom of Information Act requests shows how single homeless people have been disproportionately hit by council budget cuts
Racist incidents deter tenants in Belfast
04 July, 2014
Offers of housing turned down because of fears of racial prejudice
Of course landlords turn away benefit claimants. Let's move the debate on
04 July, 2014
Would you rather politicians simply stuck their heads in the sand?
Protest against residents being made 'homeless' during estate regeneration
03 July, 2014
Campaigners and residents of a London estate, currently undergoing regeneration, are protesting about tenants being made 'homeless'
New rules for payday lenders come into effect
02 July, 2014
Short-term lenders will no longer be able to roll over loans more than twice or repeatedly raid accounts
MP claims evictions are hampering government's Troubled Families programme
02 July, 2014
Eric Pickles has been forced to defend the Troubled Families programme after a Labour MP claimed the housing crisis had hampered its impact
Welcome to 'Shanty Town' Britain: Desperate Britons are paying £20 a week to landlords renting out 'beds in sheds' as UK's housing crisis spirals
01 July, 2014
The grim reality of Britain's housing crisis has been laid bare by these pictures of the slum-like conditions endured by the most desperate people in UK society
Fuel Poverty - Tackling the Triple Injustice
01 July, 2014
The Green Housing Forum is a place for social housing professionals to engage, network, share ideas and disseminate good practice around sustainability
Households Below Average Income
01 July, 2014
An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 - 2012/13 July 2014
MP proposes bill to end 'revenge evictions'
01 July, 2014
A Lib Dem MP is introducing a new bill in the House of Commons to end so-called 'revenge evictions'
Hopkins 'clarifies' comments about tenants on housing benefit
01 July, 2014
It is 'not appropriate' for private landlords to evict tenants because they are on housing benefit
The inconvenient truth - quality of tenant data is average at best
30 June, 2014
Social housing has never been at the forefront of technology, and arguably has never needed to be
'Get a grip on DWP chaos' demands Labour
30 June, 2014
The Labour Party is set to demand that the coalition gets a grip on the "chaos" at the Department for Work and Pensions
EU migrants milking benefits will be KICKED OUT of Britain
30 June, 2014
Jobless EU migrants who have been claiming benefits for the past six months and show no signs of being able to find work could be forced to leave the UK from Tuesday
'Beds in sheds' building in north-west London is torn down by council
27 June, 2014
A council has taken landmark action to demolish an outbuilding which it suspected would have been used as an illegal "beds in sheds" dwelling
Benefits link to food banks use: MP
27 June, 2014
Some people have gone to food banks because their benefits have been cut or delayed, a Conservative minister has said
Is income being distributed fairly through benefits and taxation?
27 June, 2014
52% of households received more in benefits than they paid to the state but the poorest are paying the biggest proportion of their income in tax
Fuel bill-busting tenants reveal secrets
27 June, 2014
A couple explained to delegates at the CIH conference this week how they managed to cut their domestic gas & electricity bills by 50%
Eviction cases reach Supreme Court
27 June, 2014
Two potentially significant housing cases are being heard in the highest court in England this week
Tenants at risk over Care Act
26 June, 2014
New legislation may cause councils to cut funding for vulnerable people
Benefit fraud and errors of £16m discovered by Audit Scotland
26 June, 2014
Benefit fraud and errors worth £16m, including money claimed by illegal immigrants, have been identified by the public spending watchdog
Mayor signs anti-eviction petition to Tottenham letting agent
26 June, 2014
A tenant facing eviction has delivered a petition signed by the mayor of Tower Hamlets and 18 councillors to his landlord's letting agent
Child poverty strategy launched
26 June, 2014
Supporting families into work, improving living standards and raising educational attainment are the fundamental aims set out
Why housing providers should enquire about their tenants' sexuality
25 June, 2014
Questions about sexuality, religion and disability can be seen as invasive, but can organisations use the data to provide better services?
Alex Salmond's local income tax 'to cost families £550 extra'
25 June, 2014
Scottish Parliament economists calculate how much a local income tax would cost
Further cuts to the poor are inevitable
25 June, 2014
Lord Daniel Finkelstein, a Conservative peer and friend of George Osborne, said today that further cuts to the poor are inevitable
Council's licensing scheme to target rogue landlords
24 June, 2014
Rogue landlords who provide poor quality housing are the target of a new licensing scheme to improve private rented accommodation for tenants in Croydon
Council tax exemption removal sees 1,400 empty homes brought back into use
24 June, 2014
Birmingham has seen 1,400 privately owned empty properties brought back into use since the city council removed council tax exemption for vacant homes
Church of England to open credit union in its 'war on Wonga'
23 June, 2014
All members of the Church of England will be able to join church-endorsed credit union within five years
Renting 'cheaper in real terms'
20 June, 2014
Private sector rents have been getting cheaper in real terms throughout the last year as stability returns to the market
Rogue landlords exploit deposit protection loophole
19 June, 2014
Legislation to rein in bad landlords and agents can leave tenants out of pocket
Letting agents in Scotland want compulsory code of conduct
19 June, 2014
More than 80% of Scotland's letting agents want a compulsory code of conduct
Renting in Tower Hamlets 'now more expensive than in leafy Richmond'
18 June, 2014
Soaring rents in popular east London boroughs such as Hackney and Tower Hamlets have overtaken those in affluent west London areas for the first time
Housing rent deposits rise 50% since 2007
18 June, 2014
Lobby group Generation Rent calls for longer tenancies and a landlords' register as average deposits rise to £900
Letting agents 'must publish fees' says minister
17 June, 2014
Tenants will be able to 'shop around' for a letting agent that does not charge excessive fees under Government plans to fine those that do not display their costs
Lottery funding for Coventry food poverty
17 June, 2014
More than £370,000 in lottery funding has been awarded to tackle food poverty in Coventry - home to one of the UK's busiest food banks
What should be in the Renter's Manifesto?
17 June, 2014
There is one year until the 2015 General Election and housing will be a central issue
LIN Member Report June 2014 - Response of Housing Associations to "Helping People to Find and Stay in Work"
17 June, 2014
This LIN member report is written by Kevin McCready
Majority of UK landlords reject tenants on benefits
16 June, 2014
Eight out of 10 landlords in the UK refuse tenants whose rent is paid by local authorities with just 18% happy to let to this group
The poor need free food says Rowan Williams: Former Archbishop of Canterbury attacks the Government's benefits policy
16 June, 2014
Rowan Williams reignited the debate over food banks yesterday by claiming a generation of children is growing up with 'anxiety and deprivation'
Consumer protection law for lettings professionals
16 June, 2014
Guidance for lettings professionals on complying with consumer protection laws, and laws about dealing with other businesses
Evictions on rise as landlords toughen up
13 June, 2014
Survey shows landlords protecting income by dealing with arrears more robustly
Food bank charity 'was threatened with closure by Iain Duncan Smith's aide'
13 June, 2014
A senior aide to Iain Duncan Smith was accused last night of threatening to 'shut down' Britain's main provider of food banks
Energy saving devices could save tenants hundreds of pounds
13 June, 2014
Thousands of tenants are going to benefit from cheaper utility bills thanks to new energy saving devices
Minister welcomes sharp fall in appeals against benefit decisions
13 June, 2014
The number of benefit decision appeals dropped by 79% to 32,546 between January and March 2014, compared to same time last year
Payday loan firms not competitive
12 June, 2014
Payday lenders lack price competition, so customers may be paying too much for their loans
Hundreds of thousands hit by benefits backlog
12 June, 2014
Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by a benefits backlog
MP welcomes move to force letting agents to publish fees
12 June, 2014
Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron has welcomed the government's decision to force letting agents to publish full tariffs of their fees
Fuel Poverty, England 2012: Statistical press release
12 June, 2014
Through the Energy Act 2013, the Government has laid the ground for a new legal framework to monitor fuel poverty in England using the Low Income High Costs Indicator
London has the highest child poverty rates and highest housing costs in the UK
11 June, 2014
Get angry about people playing the system by all means, but start at the top and work your way down if you expect to be taken seriously
MP wants watchdog to probe 'overtly political' Oxfam campaign
11 June, 2014
The Charity Commission is assessing whether a promotional campaign by Oxfam broke its rules by criticising the government's austerity programme
The social housing stigma: how to fight the stereotyping of social tenants
11 June, 2014
Residents are not the scroungers they are often portrayed as, but social housing is hardly a workers' paradise
Renters turn to Shelter as revenge evictions soar
11 June, 2014
New figures from the Shelter helpline today show a massive rise in calls from renters at risk of losing their homes
Welfare reform puts single people at risk of homelessness
11 June, 2014
Study of risk factors in the north east finds rent arrears, food poverty and crime on the rise. Homelessness will come next
MPs claiming £millions to rent second homes
10 June, 2014
Over 250 MPs are claiming more in expenses to pay rent on their second homes than the maximum a normal person living in Westminster is allowed to claim in housing benefit
Court costs soar to 150% as eviction cases are on the rise
10 June, 2014
Halton Housing Trust warns customers that they face a significant rise in court costs of up to 150 per cent
Scotland's 'worst performing' council for arrears slammed
10 June, 2014
A council has been issued with a damning report on its rent collection, after a review by the Scottish Housing Regulator
Below the Breadline: The relentless rise of food poverty in Britain
09 June, 2014
Although the UK is the seventh richest country in the world, it is also deeply unequal, and millions of families across the UK are living below the breadline
Ministers reject food banks' 20million meals figure
09 June, 2014
Charities in row with Government after it emerges half of meals are handed out to good causes such as lunch clubs
Where are we now with VFM self-assessment?
09 June, 2014
Over the past six months the HCA has not minced its words: it is not happy with the sector's response to the VFM standard
Council apologises to nearly 2,000 housing benefit claimants over data leak
06 June, 2014
A council has contacted 1,900 housing benefit claimants to alert them that their personal details has been mistakenly given out
Landlords to identify violent extremists
06 June, 2014
Manchester police to launch national scheme training housing staff to spot tenants vulnerable to radicalisation
Stormont probes growing demand for food banks
06 June, 2014
Stormont has launched an investigation into the growing demand for food banks by desperate families across Northern Ireland
Iain Duncan Smith says Big Issue magazine is 'helping UK benefit tourists'
06 June, 2014
Mr Duncan Smith said the magazine was being used 'more and more' as a foothold for Romanians to access tax credits
Behind the scenes at a foodbank
06 June, 2014
It's estimated that over 500,000 people across the UK now access food banks
Labour to encourage culture of rental increases
05 June, 2014
The Labour Party's proposal to introduce an annual indexation of rents will leave more tenants out of pocket and only exacerbate high rents in the UK
Rent deadlock drives landlord out of boroughs
05 June, 2014
Lack of assurances means association will build larger homes elsewhere
Riverside supports Durham Food Bank
05 June, 2014
Durham Foodbank provides emergency food for local people in crisis
Stop interfering over benefits, Iain Duncan Smith tells EU as he demands new rights to curb handouts
04 June, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith opened up a new front in the Tory battle with Brussels last night, demanding new rights for Britain to restrict welfare handouts for EU migrants
Crackdown on landlords who fail to tackle criminal behaviour
04 June, 2014
New powers to clamp down on private rented sector landlords who do not take action against organised crime in their properties are expected to be announced today in the Queen's speech
The injustice of our council tax system demands redress
04 June, 2014
Advice from the European Commission, one may imagine, does not reach very far inside No 10 Downing Street
Helping renters doesn't have to mean harming landlords
03 June, 2014
You often hear people suggest the way to fix the problems with private renting is for renters to simply complain or shop around
A minimum income standard for the UK in 2014
03 June, 2014
How much money do you need for an adequate standard of living?
We need a new deal for tenants
02 June, 2014
Labour Leader Ed Miliband is surely right in principle to propose greater regulation of the private rented market
Jersey minister says rent control 'doesn't work'
02 June, 2014
Jersey's housing minister says he has deep reservations over calls for rent controls
Government offers £500,000 to combat massive rise in food bank usage
02 June, 2014
The Scottish government is offering food aid organisations the chance to apply for funding through its £500,000 Emergency Food Fund
Government considering new laws to stop 'retaliatory evictions' of private tenants
30 May, 2014
DCLG considering introducing legislation to outlaw the 'retaliatory eviction' of tenants who complain to landlords about poor conditions
A fair start for everyone
29 May, 2014
Benefit cuts to trap five million UK children in poverty by 2020
London rental standard is a 'meaningless gimmick'
29 May, 2014
Tom Copley, Labour London Assembly and housing spokesperson, has described the London Rental Standard as a 'meaningless gimmick'
Generation Rent blasts 1.1 million empty homes as overcrowding rises
29 May, 2014
The OfNS has found a 25% increase in households with six or more people, and a 25% increase in unoccupied homes from 878,000 to 1.1 million
Boris Johnson's private rental accreditation scheme dismissed as a PR stunt
29 May, 2014
A campaign group for PRs has declared the accreditation scheme for PR sector landlords as an expensive PR stunt, doing little to help tenants
Reading and Brighton offer fastest growing returns for landlords as young professionals give up on London
28 May, 2014
Reading and Brighton provided the biggest jump in potential returns for landlords last year as a flight of priced-out young professionals from London boosted rents in the towns
If payday lenders are quitting Britain, what comes next?
28 May, 2014
Loan sharks will move in unless people in poorer communities can borrow from legitimate local sources like credit unions
Millions of our kids are living in poverty - when are we going to do something about it?
28 May, 2014
If the economy is growing, why are 3.5 million children living in poverty?
Cost of renting rises 10% to average of £777 a month
28 May, 2014
The cost of renting has soared by 10 per cent during the past year as the supply of properties fails to keep pace with tenant demand
Concerns as charity helps more homeless
27 May, 2014
A homelessness charity has revealed a large increase in the number of people needing help in Chorley - and fears that demand could still rise further
Octavia trial makes district heating hot topic for social landlords
27 May, 2014
A project by Octavia Housing is helping landlords re-think how they deliver heat and tackle fuel poverty in thousands of social housing properties
Legal battle looms over rent reform
23 May, 2014
Stock transfer associations say new rent regime will cost them millions
Can the PRS do even more to help meet housing need?
23 May, 2014
The pendulum of housing investment has swung from the public to the private rented sector in the last decade
Direction on the rent standard 2014
23 May, 2014
This direction will apply to standards set by the social housing regulator in relation to rent for registered providers from 1 April 2015
Localising Council Tax support administration subsidy grant determination (2014 to 2015)
23 May, 2014
This document sets out the distribution of subsidy paid to local authorities in England
Government proposal to extend benefit waiting days: consultation announced
23 May, 2014
Public consultation on extending number of days claimants must wait before they are entitled to receive certain benefits from three to seven
4,000 English households risk losing homes every week
22 May, 2014
215,000 homes in England are at risk of eviction or repossession
Ukip housing spokesman making a fortune from immigrants on housing benefit
22 May, 2014
The UK Independence Party's housing spokesman has admitted making money from immigrants on housing benefit
I'm a renter - and guess what? I love it
22 May, 2014
Renting your home doesn't have to be grim and rootless, it's only the desperate rush to buy that makes it seem a worst-case scenario
Tenants fail to check fate of their deposits
21 May, 2014
More than half of tenants (53%) admit they never check if landlords put their deposits in mandatory tenancy deposit schemes
DWP 'leads the way in openness and transparency'
21 May, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions is a pioneer of truthfulness regarding statistics, one of its spokespersons has said
PRS tenant campaign group accused of 'playing to people's fears'
21 May, 2014
A campaign group that fights for tenants in the private rented sector has been accused of "playing to people's fears" and "failing to provide a true reflection of the sector"
Will tenants ever pay their rent by smartphone?
20 May, 2014
More people are using mobile apps to make digital payments. Landlords need to get savvy now
Head of Coast and Country blames government welfare reforms for rise in tenants losing homes
20 May, 2014
The number of possession claims by social landlords is on the rise in Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough and in Stockton
Govt proposals for greater clarity on lettings agents fees welcomed by landlords
19 May, 2014
Landlords have welcomed Government proposals to improve the transparency of fees charged by lettings agents
Soaring energy and housing costs force poorest homes to turn to food banks
19 May, 2014
All-party parliamentary inquiry, co-chaired by Labour's Frank Field, finds evidence behind growth in food banks
DWP caught out after falsifying figures about disabled people
19 May, 2014
The DWP has been caught out by the watchdog for repeatedly making false claims about the numbers of people living on disability benefits
Ed Miliband sets out Labour's minimum wage plans
19 May, 2014
Ed Miliband says a Labour government would set a statutory minimum wage target linked to average earnings, as he set out plans to tackle low pay
Online logbook puts Birmingham tenants in control of digital future
16 May, 2014
The process of learning digital skills starts with the very first time a tenant logs into the system
Fraud and error: Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support overpayments at lowest levels ever
15 May, 2014
Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support fraud and error overpayments are at their lowest recorded levels
Rise in food banks not due to welfare reforms says UK minister
14 May, 2014
The UK employment minister has said rising food bank use is not the fault of Westminster's welfare reforms
SPF warns of negative impact of rent controls on fledgling build-to-rent sector
14 May, 2014
SPF has sounded a note of caution over the proposed rent caps that will be debated as part of the Scottish Housing Bill
New affordable warmth scheme must not exclude PRS tenants
13 May, 2014
Proposals for achieving affordable warmth must continue to bring private tenants out of fuel poverty
Letting agents 'will have to publish their fees in full'
13 May, 2014
The government has said letting agents will face a new obligation to display full details of their fees both on their websites and in their offices
'Letting agent fee ban will increase rent costs'
13 May, 2014
Banning fees charged to tenants by letting agents will push rent costs up
Clegg will vote against banning letting agent fees
13 May, 2014
Nick Clegg has said that the government will vote against Labour's push to ban letting agent fees today
Government set to miss benefit fraud targets
13 May, 2014
The government is behind on its targets to tackle fraud in the benefit system, a report is expected to say on Thursday
The living wage was a good start - but what we really need now is a living rent
13 May, 2014
Housing costs take up an enormous amount of income for renters and frequent increases risk dismantling communities
MPs to warn ministers over benefit fraud
12 May, 2014
Ministers are on course to miss their targets to reduce the amount of taxpayers' money stolen by benefit cheats and lost due to errors by officials
MPs urged to support ban on letting agent fees
12 May, 2014
MPs will be given a chance to ban letting agent fees tomorrow, after the Labour Party tabled an amendment on the Consumers Rights Bill
Zero-hours abuses must be stopped
12 May, 2014
The rise of zero-hours contracts in the UK has increased concerns they are being used to exploit workers
Eric Pickles accused of forcing vulnerable families towards loan sharks
09 May, 2014
Four Tory council leaders criticise communities secretary's decision to scrap £347m local welfare assistance fund
Rent controls would critically damage private rented sector in Wales
08 May, 2014
Rent controls would critically damage any prospects of growth in the private rented sector in Wales according to Douglas Haig
Landlord possession claims at decade high
08 May, 2014
The number of renters at risk of losing their homes is at its highest level for a decade
Mortgage Voice: Mapping the Mortgage Market; Meeting Market Need
07 May, 2014
Consumer Attitudes and Analysis
Council fined over mouldy flat
06 May, 2014
A London Council has been ordered to pay £1,000 after failing to deal with 'serious damp and mould' in a tenant's flat
Tenant evicted 'because he wanted hot water'
06 May, 2014
Britain's most controversial landlords, the Wilsons, gave a tenant an eviction notice days after he asked them to fix his boiler
Thousands could be hit by 'back door' energy cutoffs
06 May, 2014
Energy suppliers accused of not giving early help to vulnerable households on prepayment meters
Labour's renting reforms: what do tenants and landlords want?
06 May, 2014
We asked people whether Ed Miliband's promise of three-year tenancies and stricter eviction rules would make a difference
'Agoraphobic' singing benefits cheat swindled £35,000
06 May, 2014
A pub singer who claimed he was agoraphobic managed to swindle £35,000 in incapacity benefits
Cameron: Increase in food bank use all about better promotion and nothing to do with poverty
02 May, 2014
PM David Cameron says the increase in the use of food banks is due to the fact they are "properly advertised and promoted"
Private landlords reap the benefits from a lack of social housing
01 May, 2014
A trade union has spoken out against a growing buy-to-let rental sector it says is costing the country a fortune in public money that could be better spent building social housing
DWP and payday loans 'driving food bank use'
01 May, 2014
The Department of Work and Pension and payday loan firms are pushing more people to use food banks
Foodbank opens for those in 'full time employment'
01 May, 2014
Due to a "rapid rise" in demand Cardiff is to get a fifth foodbank
Eric Pickles backs RLA's longer term tenancy proposals
01 May, 2014
The Department for Communities and Local Government has made clear its eagerness to establish reforms based on consensus within the industry
Council housing - more than cheap rent and taxpayer 'subsidies'
01 May, 2014
Thoughts about community and social housing, which naturally contain a (mercifully short) moan about bedroom tax
Benefit cuts and food banks usage not related
30 April, 2014
The rise of food banks is the result of 'poor people maximising their economic choices' and has not been caused by tougher rules over benefit payments
Cardiff opens fifth food bank as DWP director blames rise on poor people 'maximising economic choices'
30 April, 2014
A work services director at the Department for Works and Pensions has claimed that the explosion in food banks is a consequence of poor people 'maximising their economic choices'
A million futures: halving the disability employment gap
29 April, 2014
Scope Report - New research with hundreds of disabled people found that a lack of flexibility in the workplace is a critical issue
Rough sleeping on the increase in London
29 April, 2014
The number of people sleeping rough in London has risen again despite the country's economic recovery
Reliance on credit cards could increase council tax bill by 3..%
29 April, 2014
Alarming data about peoples' credit card habits and their reliance on using their plastic for household bills
Rent controls will ruin tenant finances, claim landlords
29 April, 2014
The RLA has spoken out against the idea of rent controls, claiming they would damage tenants' budgets in introduced
Rogue landlords who are getting rich at the taxpayers' expense should face crackdown say Tessa Munt MP
28 April, 2014
More needs to be done to protect renters from being evicted when they complain
Lower poverty in Scotland: pinning down the change
28 April, 2014
Poverty levels in Scotland are falling and are now lower than in the rest of the UK
Zero-hours crackdown plan unveiled by Labour leader
25 April, 2014
Ed Miliband will detail plans to tackle the "epidemic" of zero-hours contracts in a speech in Scotland
Census suggests 1.1 million households in England and Wales were overcrowded
24 April, 2014
ONS census analysis on occupancy ratings by household type
Residents to benefit from free Wifi thanks to Trust project
24 April, 2014
Knowsley Housing Trust introduces scheme that allows residents of Gaywood Green free access to WiFi
Payday lending summit staged in Glasgow
23 April, 2014
Plans to reduce the number of payday lenders on the high street are being discussed at Scotland's first payday lending summit in Glasgow
Bishop delivering food poverty letter to Cameron's office met by police
23 April, 2014
David Cameron's constituency office called the police as the Bishop of Oxford and Reverend Hebden tried to present an open letter on food poverty
Credit union in 'Europe's richest borough' coverts wealthy residents
23 April, 2014
A credit union in the 'richest borough in Europe' is making a play for more of its wealthy residents to get on board to support some of the area's estimated 24,500 struggling families
A quarter of teachers bring food into school to help hungry pupils
22 April, 2014
Teachers are having to bring in food to give their pupils breakfast every day because they are too hungry and exhausted to learn as a result of increased poverty, according to a new report
Just one in 29 benefit cheats goes to jail despite ministers' promises to crack down on swindlers
22 April, 2014
Just 250 out of of 7,188 benefits cheats were put behind bars in 2012, despite claims from Westminster that a tougher stance would be taken on swindlers
Hundreds diagnosed with malnutrition in Wales amid anger over dependence on foodbanks
22 April, 2014
Doctors have diagnosed hundreds of patients in Wales with malnutrition over recent years, amid anger about soaring dependence on foodbanks
Food bank sees donations soar 1000% after 'utterly vile' Mail on Sunday attack
22 April, 2014
A food bank charity has seen donations soar by over 1000% in the wake of a widely slammed Mail on Sunday article that attacked the organisation
Two in three associations pay living wage
17 April, 2014
The majority of landlords are helping to keep employees above the breadline
Financial situation deteriorating for majority of low income social housing tenants
17 April, 2014
Almost two thirds of social housing households feel that their financial situation has worsened in the last year
Life of a food bank user: no gas, no cooker, benefits delayed
17 April, 2014
I just met Keith, from Watford. He used to crew a Nimrod in the RAF. Now his most challenging mission is to feed himself on £58.92 a week
Food bank charity 'is misleading the public': Claim that 1m need food parcels 'just self promotion'
17 April, 2014
Claims that 1,000,000 people resorted to emergency supplies from food banks were dismissed as 'misleading and emotionally manipulative'
A fifth of landlords have had disputes with tenants
16 April, 2014
Disputes were overwhelmingly related to the state of the property
Food banks see 'shocking' rise in number of users
16 April, 2014
A food bank charity says it has handed out 913,000 food parcels in the last year, up from 347,000 the year before
Massive rise in food poverty as nearly 1 million flock to food banks
16 April, 2014
Nearly 1,000,000 Brits received three days' emergency food from Trussell Trust food banks in 2013-14
Latest foodbank figures top 900,000
16 April, 2014
Life has got worse not better for the poorest in 2013/14
All letting agents told to sign up to compensation scheme as complaints against estate agents rise
15 April, 2014
All lettings agents will be forced to join a compensation scheme that will investigate complaints and force redress to tenants
Is a new JSA sanctions storm brewing?
15 April, 2014
In recent months we've seen a huge leap in the numbers of people coming to Citizens Advice Bureaux seeking advice about sanctions on their JSA
Millions of private renters putting up with substandard homes
14 April, 2014
A third of private rented homes in England are failing decency standards
Almost four million families could be just one paycheque away from losing their home
14 April, 2014
Millions of working families in the UK could not pay their rent or mortgage for more than a month if they lost their job
SFHA welcomes launch of domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) but expresses concerns over Green Deal Assessments for social housing stock
14 April, 2014
The SFHA has welcomed the launch of the domestic RHI but has called on the Government to forgo Green Deal Assessments for social housing stock
3,000 jobless European migrants on benefits
14 April, 2014
New figures show extent of benefits tourism by unemployed European migrants as Iain Duncan Smith tightens the rules to stamp out abuse
From food banks to property bubbles - the moral decay that blights Britain
14 April, 2014
Social historians will have no difficulty in giving an accurate portrait of the decline of today's Britain
Help for those in food poverty
11 April, 2014
People who have to access Scotland's food banks will receive help through a support package of £1 million over the next two years
Food bank provision & welfare reform in the UK
10 April, 2014
This brief is focused on the impact of recent welfare reform in the UK on driving need for food bank provision
Need for food banks is caused by welfare cuts
09 April, 2014
Report warns that as social security safety nets become weaker, charity provision could replace state-funded schemes
Social landlords may need to lower rents
09 April, 2014
Social landlords may be forced to lower rents because tenants cannot keep up with soaring housing costs
New measures to protect the integrity of the benefits system
08 April, 2014
The government has announced new rules to deter claimants from committing benefit fraud, and ensure stolen money is returned.
Renters may abandon a government that fails to stand up for their rights
08 April, 2014
The government's efforts to improve standards for private renters do not go far enough - and it could cost them in the polls
Landlords are wrong and tenants right? The two sides of the eviction story
07 April, 2014
We tell two cautionary tales of rent eviction: one from a landlord's point of view and the other from a tenant's
Ed Balls says that the average British family is £974 worse off than in 2025
04 April, 2014
Coalition is taking far more than it gives, says shadow chancellor as the Tory rise in personal tax allowance to £10,000 starts
Second home owners could face double council tax hike
04 April, 2014
Council tax on holiday and other second homes could be doubled under proposals unveiled by the Welsh government
Benefits sanctions give landlords cause for concern
04 April, 2014
Jobseekers' Allowance sanctions regime is unfair in its decision-making process says Scottish Federation of Housing Associations report
Council threatens residents with bailiffs
04 April, 2014
Cardiff Council has threatened its residents with bailiff action if they fail to clear their debts
'Beds in sheds' warning from private landlords over benefit changes
03 April, 2014
Private landlords have claimed that more people could be forced into poor quality 'beds in sheds' unless benefit restrictions on new shared housing for young people are eased
Take politics out of food bank debate
02 April, 2014
We cannot rely on anecdotes, hearsay and unsubstantiated statistics, says John Glen at launch of inquiry into food poverty
Warning for rogue payday loan firms
01 April, 2014
The Financial Conduct Authority watchdog has warned it will 'take out' payday lenders who do not follow stricter new rules
Bedroom tax driving hungry tenants to food banks
01 April, 2014
Hundreds of social housing tenants on Merseyside are being driven to food banks by the impact of the controversial bedroom tax
DCLG to merge with DWP
01 April, 2014
The Department for Communities and Local Government is set to merge with the Department for Work and Pensions
Executive Summary UK Fuel Poverty Monitor 2013-2014
31 March, 2014
National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland are national charities working to increase investment in energy efficiency to tackle fuel poverty
Why young people are losing faith in the welfare state
31 March, 2014
Recent proposals for benefit reform have centred upon the argument that at present many people feel they get nothing for something from the welfare state
'Urgent action' needed to hit fuel poverty targets
28 March, 2014
National targets to eradicate fuel poverty will be missed unless politicians take urgent action to tackle the 'cold-homes crisis'
Council tax held down for all but the poor
27 March, 2014
As the government holds down council tax increases for a fourth year in a row, it's ignoring the hikes faced by millions of low income households
Renters cutting back on heating and eating due to cost of rent
26 March, 2014
Two in five private renters (39%) are cutting back on heating because of the cost of rent, while a third (33%) are skimping on food
Eating and heating sidelined as PRS tenants try to cope with soaring rents
26 March, 2014
Escalating rent costs are forcing two in five of those in the private rented sector to cut back on heating, while a third are avoiding buying food
Woman killed herself over benefits cut
26 March, 2014
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland finds that woman took her own life after assessor docked benefits by 30%
Real-terms cut in Council Tax for fourth year
26 March, 2014
New official figures show that the average Council Tax bill in England has fallen in real-terms for the fourth year
Working and workless households, 4th Quarter 2004 to 2013
25 March, 2014
Homes in which no-one has a job has fallen
Housing and local government leaders pledge joint action on climate change and fuel poverty
25 March, 2014
Liverpool City Region today pledged closer working to raise the priority of addressing global climate change and fuel poverty for the benefit of the people
Return of the slumlords
25 March, 2014
In 1918, 90 per cent of the UK population were private tenants, but the squalid legacy of the Victorian industrial city was not 'fit for heroes'
Rogue landlords in London avoiding £183m in tax
24 March, 2014
Rogue landlords are costing the treasury £183 million in tax by not declaring rent receipts in London alone
Digital inclusion: housing providers need to think mobile
24 March, 2014
Residents are increasingly accessing the internet via mobiles - and social housing providers must react to the trend
Payday loan advert ban on children's TV ruled out
24 March, 2014
Payday loan adverts could still be aired on children's TV despite a call from a committee of MPs for a ban
People using food banks spend the money they save on junk food
21 March, 2014
People use food banks to get basic items free and spend their remaining cash on junk food, Lord Tebbit claimed yesterday
Second London council to introduce landlord licensing scheme
21 March, 2014
A second London council will introduce mandatory borough wide landlord licensing in the autumn
Salix Homes teams up with Community Switch to help Salford tenants save money on energy bills
21 March, 2014
Salford-based Salix Homes is working with Community Switch to help its tenants to save money by switching to a cheaper energy supplier
Britons are among the LEAST hungry in the developed world
19 March, 2014
The number of families saying they are going hungry has fallen over the past five years - as the number of food banks has risen
Employment rate hits 5 year high fuelled by private sector growth
19 March, 2014
The employment rate has hit a 5 year high and a record 30.19 million people are now in jobs
Budget Submission 2014
19 March, 2014
JRF has responded to the consultation on the Budget 2014 using our evidence about how policy could best support people and places in poverty
Pension reforms open door to property investment
19 March, 2014
Commenting on today's Budget announcement
DWP and food bank referrals: 'a way to keep your job but salve your conscience'
18 March, 2014
Internal documents show how Jobcentre staff send benefits claimants to food banks
Half of social housing tenants forced to choose between food and fuel
18 March, 2014
Half of a social landlord's tenants think their energy bills are too high, with some even choosing between paying bills and buying food
Monitoring the performance of the Department for Work and Pensions in 2012-13
18 March, 2014
Third Report of Session 2013-14
Landlords confident of UK's financial recovery
18 March, 2014
Landlords' confidence in the UK's financial markets has tripled over the last year
Tenants borrow to pay bills
17 March, 2014
Hard-up families are borrowing money on a regular basis to pay their bills and keep their heads above water
First tenants benefit from multi-million pound energy efficiency project
17 March, 2014
Work has begun on a multi-million pound energy efficiency project that could see The Gateshead Housing Company and Home Group tenants fuel bills reduce
Bailiffs given access to benefit claimants' credit records
14 March, 2014
DWP gets new power as part of effort to make it easier to confiscate possessions from people who make fraudulent claims
300,000 fewer social homes will receive insulation due to proposed cuts
14 March, 2014
Proposed government cuts to retrofit subsidy funding will result in almost 300,000 fewer social rented homes receiving insulation over the life of the scheme
Credit check plan to crack down on benefit cheats
14 March, 2014
Benefit cheats will be subject to credit checks to see if they have any high-value assets
Energy bills may rise by £600 a year
14 March, 2014
Cost of building power stations, replacing grids and erecting wind farms will add £640 a year to household bills
DWP advising jobcentres on sending claimants to food banks
12 March, 2014
Government insists charities form no part of welfare system and this is merely a 'signpost', but 'high level process' in place
Payday lenders to face review over collection methods
12 March, 2014
Payday lenders will be subject to an inquiry into the way they collect debts and manage borrowers in arrears
Council puts £10m into fund for homeless families
11 March, 2014
A local authority is to invest in a property fund that is designed to own and manage accommodation for homeless people stuck on waiting lists
George Osborne's tax cuts penalise single-earner families with a stay-at-home parent
11 March, 2014
A Church of England bishop has accused the Government of penalising stay-at-home mothers and carers
CIH and Shelter at loggerheads over housing bill
11 March, 2014
A row has broken out between Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing over proposed Scottish legislation
It's very hard to know why people go to food banks
10 March, 2014
A Tory welfare minister is under fire for claiming it is 'very hard to know why' people go to food banks
Landlord exposed 'substantial' number of tenants to gas safety risk
06 March, 2014
A 60,000-home landlord failed to carry out a 'significant number' of gas safety checks exposing tenants to potential harm
Work Programme - competitive market delivering constant improvement
06 March, 2014
Nearly half a million people have been helped into jobs through the Work Programme and new measures will continue to improve the scheme
Foodbank user endures 12-mile walk
06 March, 2014
A Fife foodbank user walked 12 miles from Ballingry to Dunfermline to access a service
Taking on the payday lenders: Council's cash boost for credit union
05 March, 2014
Haringey Council is to loan £250,000 to a borough credit union, in a move designed to drive people away from payday lenders
Half of country 'will be renting within 30 years'
04 March, 2014
Half the country could be renting within 30 years
Food banks explosion: 'We were feeding 30 a week now it's 1,600'
04 March, 2014
Times are so tough, volunteers are being forced to supply 'kettle boxes' for those no longer able to use a cooker due to soaring energy costs
'Bleak outlook' for 870,000 living in poverty in Scotland
04 March, 2014
More than 870,000 people in Scotland are living in poverty
Poor 'Driven To Food Banks' By Benefits Curbs
04 March, 2014
Nearly 70,000 are wrongly having benefits removed leaving them struggling to eat
Number of people seeking help for payday loan problems doubles and average debts exceed monthly pay of borrowers
28 February, 2014
The number of people seeking help with payday loan problems from Stepchange almost doubled in the last year
National Minimum Wage boost welcome but more needed to help working poor
27 February, 2014
The National Minimum Wage falls well short of the amount people need to cover costs and achieve an adequate standard of living in the UK
Debt charity reports big rise in payday loan problems
27 February, 2014
A leading debt advice charity says it has seen a big rise in the number of clients with payday loan problems
£2.3 million to support hard working families with child care
25 February, 2014
Councils across Wales are to receive £2.3 million of funding to help provide quality, affordable child care out of school hours
Homelessness PRS scheme lands £2m government funding
25 February, 2014
A Crisis scheme helping single homeless people into private rented sector homes has been given a £2 million funding boost by the government
Renting in London: our readers' stories
25 February, 2014
An article on the increasingly fraught London renting market elicited many accounts from our readers
Government accused of suppressing the damning report that suggests its flagship welfare reforms are forcing ever more people to resort to food banks
21 February, 2014
Welfare reforms are forcing many more people to resort to emergency food handouts
Food bank use soars 400% in two years
21 February, 2014
Food bank use amongst Londoners has soared by 393% over the last two years
Social landlord agrees immigration deal with the Home Office
21 February, 2014
Glasgow landlord to report suspicions over legal status of housing applicants
Church of England bishops demand action over hunger
20 February, 2014
Forty-three Christian leaders, including 27 Anglican bishops, have signed a letter urging David Cameron to ensure people get enough to eat
PM announces Council Tax refunds for flood hit households
20 February, 2014
Government will make £4 million available to fund Council Tax rebates for people whose homes have been flooded
Council accused of 'social cleansing' after halving housing waiting list
19 February, 2014
A campaign group has accused Brent Council of 'social cleansing' after it more than halved its housing waiting list
Two thirds of new claimants for disability benefit are rejected
19 February, 2014
Almost two thirds of new claimants assessed for the Government's re-designed disability benefit have been turned down
Counting the Cuts
19 February, 2014
Report in regards to the impact of the UK Governments cuts programme
43 per cent reduction in landlords seeking vacant possession
18 February, 2014
The NLA reports a 43 per cent reduction in the number of landlords seeking vacant possession of their properties year on year
Tory-run councils will ignore pleas from ministers and impose tax rises
18 February, 2014
Dozens of Conservative councils will defy pleas from ministers and impose council tax rises on their residents in April
Social landlords still struggling with anti social behaviour
17 February, 2014
Taking quick and effective action in serious anti social behaviour cases remains challenging
Almond tenants to benefit from free insulation
17 February, 2014
Households in West Lothian are set to benefit from cheaper heating bills through a new energy efficiency project
20% rise in number of tenants being evicted from their homes in Wales
17 February, 2014
Landlord possession claims have soared by 20% in the past year
Landlord group campaigns against selective licensing
17 February, 2014
The NLA has launched a social media campaign against the introduction of selective licensing in certain parts of England
Number of home repossessions falls to lowest level since 2007
14 February, 2014
The number of home repossessions by banks and building societies fell to its lowest annual level for six years according to Council of Mortgage lenders report
Pensioner hid thousands in savings while claiming benefits
14 February, 2014
A pensioner has been given a suspended prison sentence after it was discovered he had concealed a fortune of £130,000 while claiming benefits for eight years
'Tragedy' of 200,000 'hardcore' jobless
13 February, 2014
Wales has 200,000 'hardcore unemployed' people who have 'never worked a day in their lives'
The State of Living Standards
12 February, 2014
The Resolution Foundation's annual audit of living standards in Britain
The hidden families who have to share
11 February, 2014
New analysis of the 2011 census has revealed that almost 300,000 'concealed families' share their home with another family in England and Wales
Couple on benefits are said to have conned a string of landlords
11 February, 2014
A married couple on benefits lived in a string of luxury homes before fleeing without paying rent, reports suggest
Helping unemployed young people to find private-sector work
11 February, 2014
Joseph Rowntree Report
Londoners can't afford to cook food bank hand-outs as energy bills soar
10 February, 2014
An astonishing 68% of Londoners have cut back on heating their homes in the wake of big energy price hikes, a survey has revealed
Changes to state pensions will hit the poorest, warns think tank
10 February, 2014
Inequalities set to grow as people in the most deprived parts of the country live healthy lives 20 years shorter than the average
Landlord loan rates dive to new low
04 February, 2014
Buy-to-let mortgages are now cheaper than before the credit crisis
Tories are taxing poor while ignoring 'Billionaires Row' scandal, says Labour
03 February, 2014
MP says The Bishops Avenue is 'stark example of empty homes problem' and wants councils to be given powers to treble rates
'Poll tax mark II' pushes Britain's poorest into debt
03 February, 2014
Cuts in council tax benefit to thousands force householders to pawn goods and fend off bailiffs
More than 600,000 parents facing a salary cut as curbs on child benefit bite
31 January, 2014
More than 600,000 parents affected by the Government's controversial child benefit changes could be hit by an unexpected drop in their salary
Report: Renters reject workplace pensions
31 January, 2014
Renters are significantly more likely than homeowners to reject their workplace pension schemes
The role of Jobcentre Plus in the reformed welfare system
30 January, 2014
Make better use of Jobcentre resources; promote longer-term outputs; and mitigate the risks of perverse, target-driven behaviour
Non-domestic rates collected by local councils in England: forecast for 2013 to 2014
30 January, 2014
Details of the forecasts of national non-domestic rates to be collected by local authorities in England
DWP helps cut telephone call costs from March 2014
29 January, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions will start to introduce alternative 0345 phone numbers for its major call lines from March 2014
The Index 2013
27 January, 2014
The results of a tenant survey that was designed to find out about the issues affecting residents' lives
Cameron quizzed over 'suppressed' food bank report
22 January, 2014
David Cameron was asked whether the government report into food poverty and food bank use has been 'suppressed' in Prime Minister's Questions today
Food bank issues parcels for those too poor to heat dinner
21 January, 2014
Charity distributes products that can be prepared by adding boiling water or eaten cold in a 'sign of how bad things are'
Payday lenders to share information as research reveals almost a million took loans last year
17 January, 2014
Payday lenders including Wonga are to start using a new 'real-time' information sharing service about consumers'
Rental costs fell in December
17 January, 2014
The cost of renting a home in England and Wales fell by 1% in December compared with the previous month
Cold homes make 23% of social housing tenants ill
16 January, 2014
More than a fifth of social housing tenants have suffered ill health as a result of cold homes, as they struggle to cope with spiralling energy bills
Private renters to benefit from £5.4m fuel poverty fund
09 January, 2014
Thousands of private renters and homeowners will receive free boilers and insulation under a £5.4 million programme
Payday loan companies 'should face levy to fund debt advice services'
09 January, 2014
Low commission recommends creation of £100m-a-year fund to be paid for by government, lottery and payday lenders
Three ways to improve how you handle housing complaints
09 January, 2014
Handling complaints well can save time and resources later on. Here's how you can resolve them more effectively
Credit Unions are a better way of solving January money problems
06 January, 2014
The Scottish Government are urging those who feel they need help with financial difficulties to consider a credit union instead of a payday loan company
300,000 poor people live more than 1km from free cash machine
02 January, 2014
Labour MP Frank Field says figures show it is 'time to take the gloves off', with not enough progress in poorer areas
Money has corrupted us. We no longer understand what it's worth
02 January, 2014
It's time we made money do what we want, rather than letting it diminish and degrade us
Ministers scrap £20m scheme to keep elderly warm
02 January, 2014
Ministers 'shameful' for scrapping £20m scheme to keep pensioners warm
Smoke Alarms in Private Lets
01 January, 2014
Scottish Government has produced revised statutory guidance on the requirements for smoke alarms
Councils allow bailiff aggression, says Citizens Advice
23 December, 2013
Citizens Advice is accusing councils of letting bailiffs get away with threatening and aggressive behaviour when collecting council tax debts
Tackling Homelessness Must Be New Year Priority
20 December, 2013
John Morris, chief executive, Trident Social Investment Group - Opinion piece
MPs call for payday loan advert ban on children's TV
20 December, 2013
A committee of MPs has called for a ban on payday loan advertising on children's television, but the industry regards its report as wide of the mark
The Financial & Social Cost of Evictions
19 December, 2013
Recent reports show the number of pre-eviction notices soaring by 26% across UK social housing
Life on the Edge? - Report
18 December, 2013
Wakefield and District Housing's story of the first 200 days of the under-occupation penalty
Food Poverty: 1.5m UK Pensioners Struggling
13 December, 2013
More than 1.5 million British pensioners are now living in food poverty
Welfare minister urges local councils to invest in food banks
13 December, 2013
Lord Freud accused of backing away from principle of welfare after saying local authorities should 'ramp up support in kind'
Scotland sees drop in number of homes suffering from fuel poverty
11 December, 2013
The number of Scottish households living in fuel poverty has seen a major drop
George Osborne's U-turn could add £200bn to energy bills
11 December, 2013
Chancellor's plan to scrap climate change targets could cost every household £8,000
Inside the food bank on David Cameron's doorstep where desperate families need help just to eat
09 December, 2013
Although Banbury and Chipping Norton are market towns in the same rural county, their populations lead very different lives
Preparing for Universal Credit Implementation
06 December, 2013
Key questions and answers for Local Authorities
Food poverty 'now a health emergency'
04 December, 2013
Food poverty in the UK has now become such a big problem that it should be seen as a 'public health emergency'
Young, poor, repeat borrowers with children: Payday lender's own survey reveals portrait of its 'average' customer
03 December, 2013
The majority of people applying for its short-term loans are on salaries of less than £20,000
Fuel poverty: Ministers 'shifting goalposts'
02 December, 2013
A committee of MPs has accused ministers of 'shifting the goalposts' to reduce the number of households in England classed as in fuel poverty
Stop changes to energy bill or commit to ending fuel poverty
02 December, 2013
The changes to the 'fuel poverty definition and target' should be stopped if the government isn't prepared to commit to end fuel poverty
Equality Analysis for Housing Benefit
02 December, 2013
Uprating Local Housing Allowance by 1 per cent and the targeted affordability funding
Food poverty: MPs call for 'delayed' food banks report to be published
29 November, 2013
All-party group says the findings of the Defra report will kick start a proper debate on the causes of food poverty in the UK
Universal Credit encourages people to look for jobs
29 November, 2013
Research shows that Universal Credit claimants do more to get into work than jobseekers claiming under the current system
Payday loans: New law to cap costs
25 November, 2013
The government is to introduce a new law to cap the cost of payday loans
Foodbank partnership to help vulnerable tenants
25 November, 2013
A housing association has gone into partnership with a food bank to help tenants struggling with debt and unemployment
Rural-poverty: when the food bank is only 20 miles away
21 November, 2013
Low-income families skip meals because they can't afford to get to the nearest shop to buy groceries, and walk for hours to get a charity food parcel
Sneaky electricity hikes to hit 2.6million of poorest homes this winter
14 November, 2013
People who rely on electricity to heat their homes will be landed with an even bigger spike than that seen in the gas market
Survey finds landlords in limbo over ECO contracts
14 November, 2013
Rumours that the UK's main subsidy for energy efficiency work on homes may be scrapped or considerably altered have left social landlords wondering about the fate of contracts worth millions
£2,000 fuel bills on the way, consumers warned
13 November, 2013
Forecast comes as EDF announces 3.9% rise and National Audit Office casts doubts on government price predictions
Seven simple ways you can help residents reduce their energy bills
12 November, 2013
As energy prices soar many face a choice between heating and eating. Here's how you can help people in your communities
UK fuel poverty levels second only to Estonia
30 October, 2013
Research shows Britain has a higher number of people struggling to pay their energy bills than every European country bar one
Energy firms 'overcharge by £3.7bn a year'
30 October, 2013
MPs told that some suppliers cannot justify increases in household bills
North Tyneside Council takes action against payday loan firms
28 October, 2013
Payday loan firms will be banned from setting up businesses in commercial property owned by a Tyneside council
Payday loans defended by new consumer champion
28 October, 2013
Head of a City watchdog, Sue Lewis, compares taking a high-interest loan with dining out on her credit card
Two housing benefit cheats sentenced
25 October, 2013
Hambleton District Council has prosecuted two benefit cheats after its fraud team discovered the offenders had failed to tell the authority of changes to their work arrangements
Fuel poverty: 'Leaky homes' must be better insulated
25 October, 2013
Four of the big six energy companies have announced price rises in recent weeks, adding pressure to household budgets over the winter
Campaigners lobby David Cameron over cold homes
25 October, 2013
Fuel poverty campaigners have written to Prime Minister David Cameron demanding cross-party action on the 'national crisis' of cold homes
Homeless to live in shipping containers for up to five years in bid to tackle housing shortage
22 October, 2013
The converted containers will provide temporary homes for a period of five years for 36 men and women with a history of homelessness
Credit union offers cheap online payday-style loans
21 October, 2013
A credit union says that more than 6,000 customers have now successfully applied online for its payday-style loans
Labour plans payday lenders levy to fund low-cost credit
17 October, 2013
Labour has pledged to impose a levy on the profits of payday lenders to help support lower-cost lending from credit unions and boost money advice services
Underlying causes of food poverty rise are complex
17 October, 2013
It is certainly true that food poverty is getting more acute and that the government is doing very little about it
Cameron asked if he is 'proud' of food bank use tripling in a year
16 October, 2013
A charity has found the number of people relying on their food banks has tripled in a year
Rent model to drive up average affordable rents
10 October, 2013
Boris Johnson's affordable rent policy will result in a higher-than-expected price hike which will force low income residents out of London
Middle-class people are the benefit fraudsters it's OK to like
10 October, 2013
So 165,000 high-earning parents claiming child benefit have not yet signed up for self-assessment. Yet they don't get demonised
Most people agree benefits are an important safety net for people charity poll reveals
09 October, 2013
Most people agree that benefits are an important safety net to support people
Family of 12 to get Ipswich council homes joined together
09 October, 2013
Plans to knock two Ipswich council houses together for a family with 10 children have sparked a petition from neighbours opposing it
Local workless families to benefit from launch of new Families Programme in Peterborough
09 October, 2013
Peterborough's largest housing association has joined forces with public service provider Reed to deliver the European Social Funds' Families Programme
Wonga 'Mr Sandman' ad banned by Advertising Standards Authority
09 October, 2013
ASA says ad by payday lender Wonga gave impression that taking out a high-interest loan could be done lightly
Heat or eat?
08 October, 2013
Patrick Butler's recent Guardian article, drawing on testimonies of people in Liverpool forced to choose whether to go without meals or heating, is extraordinary
How many young single parents are claiming Housing Benefit?
07 October, 2013
After Cameron hinted at a new 'earn or learn' policy whereby under 25s would lose their Housing Benefit if they refuse to work or stay in education
Payday loans action: it makes sense to focus on the vulnerable borrowers
04 October, 2013
The Financial Conduct Authority has tried to protect punters whom Wonga et el should not be lending to in the first place
Food banks can become bad habit among poor people
04 October, 2013
Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, said: 'We can't make food banks part of the welfare state... it can become a habit'
Crackdown on payday loan companies
03 October, 2013
A clampdown on payday lenders which will see an end to firms giving loans the green light in 10 minutes has been announced by the City regulator
Benefit cap hits more than 8,000 householders
03 October, 2013
The government's cap on the total amount of benefits a non-working household can receive has affected 8,400 households between April and August
Financial watchdog outlines new proposals for payday loans
03 October, 2013
A mandatory check on whether borrowers can afford a payday loan could be introduced from 1 April 2014
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 29.9.13 (PDF version)
30 September, 2013
Week ending 29 September 2013
Opinion: Let's fight back against tenancy fraud
27 September, 2013
Housing tenancy fraud costs tax payers millions each year. Here a fraud investigator at Viridian Housing, shares the initiatives that the housing association has implemented to tackle tenancy fraud
Rural broadband rollout: Taxpayers being 'ripped off', say MPs
26 September, 2013
The taxpayer is being "ripped off" over the cost of rolling out broadband to rural areas of the UK, MPs have said
Property websites: 15 great alternatives to Rightmove
25 September, 2013
Online property sales are dominated by a handful of websites, but there are many others with a different focus, specialist criteria and alternative search facilities
Glasgow's credit unions are pushing out payday lenders
23 September, 2013
One in four Glaswegians now have a credit union account as the city boosts community lending to tackle spiralling personal debt
Study finds 1 in 3 homeless people on jobseekers faced penalties
23 September, 2013
The government's benefit sanctions have disproportionately affected homeless people
Private landlords slam NHF chief's call for rent cap
23 September, 2013
The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has slammed the National Housing Federation (NHF) chief executive's call for rental controls
Private landlords 'surprised' at Orr's call for rent controls
23 September, 2013
An organisation representing private landlords has expressed its surprise and dismay at NHF chief David Orr's calls for rent controls
Yorkshire MP claims need for food banks is a 'disgrace'
19 September, 2013
A Barnsley MP has said that the need for people to use food banks in Britain is a 'disgrace'
UNISON fights back against payday lenders
19 September, 2013
credit unions would out-compete the chief executive of Wonga's payday lending company
Free school lunch for every child in infant school
18 September, 2013
Nick Clegg announces free school lunch for every child in state-funded infant school and disadvantaged students in further education
Study shows tenants found it harder to heat homes last winter
17 September, 2013
Tenants found it harder to heat their homes last winter due to a 'steady erosion of the gap between income and expenditure'
Tougher penalties for benefit crooks welcomed by social landlord
17 September, 2013
Guinness South has welcomed government proposals to increase jail terms for benefit cheats to up to 10 years
Benefit cheats face 10 years in prison as Keir Starmer sets out 'tough' new Crown Prosecution Service guidelines
17 September, 2013
Director of Public Prosecutions said those suspected of benefit cheating can now be charged under the Fraud Act
Party leaders urged to reject benefit claimant 'stereotypes'
12 September, 2013
A new campaign has kicked off with a letter to the UK's political party leaders urging them to reject misleading stereotypes of benefit claimants
Michael Gove: poor have only themselves to blame for food banks
11 September, 2013
Michael Gove has blamed the rise in food banks on the behaviour of poorer people
Record numbers of people in work as employment rises by 80,000 in 3 months
11 September, 2013
Latest employment figures from the Office for National Statistics: September 2013
Attitudes of different generations to the welfare system
09 September, 2013
Why has support for the welfare system fallen dramatically over the last two decades - and how have generational attitudes changed
Facebook could be used to decide if borrowers should get a loan
30 August, 2013
The Facebook and Twitter accounts of borrowers could be analysed by banks to decide whether they should give people in Britain a loan or mortgage
The workers who can never make ends meet
27 August, 2013
Four million suffer sleepless nights because they run out of money every single month
New Council Tax cut for families staying together
27 August, 2013
Ending unfair 'family tax penalty' will support extended families and provide more affordable housing
English seaside towns suffer from above-average deprivation
22 August, 2013
Skegness most deprived out of 57 large and medium-sized resorts in 2025, according to analysis by the ONS
26,000 new businesses set up by entrepreneurial jobseekers
21 August, 2013
Jobseekers have set up more than 26,000 new businesses under the New Enterprise Allowance scheme according to DWP
Four more payday lenders quit the market
15 August, 2013
Another four payday lenders have left the market amid a crackdown on the industry that is forcing firms to prove their practices are up to scratch
Britain's dole queues shrink but young people remain the hardest hit
15 August, 2013
Number claiming JSA is at lowest level since 2009, as ministers seize on figures to claim economic boost
Pawnbroker stops payday loans and describes Wonga's rates as 'ludicrous'
13 August, 2013
H&T; pawnbrokers can no longer afford to make loans at 13% rate since cheque guarantee cards withdrawn
Payday loan adverts banned in Plymouth city centre
13 August, 2013
Payday loan adverts have been banned from billboards and bus stops by Plymouth City Council, while Cheshire East Council has banned access to their websites from its computers
Jail for 'parasitic' £90,000 benefits cheat
12 August, 2013
A man who illegally raked in almost £90,000 in benefits using two passports held in different names has been jailed for two years
'If the middle are being squeezed, the poor are being starved'
09 August, 2013
Look beyond the headline figures at the values underpinning housing policy and its impact on tenants
Cap payday loan interest
06 August, 2013
The UK government should cap the interest rates of payday loan companies to better regulate the industry
Aerial imaging reveals over 6,000 suspected 'beds in sheds'
02 August, 2013
Slough Borough Council is planning a crackdown on illegally occupied 'beds in sheds' after aerial thermal imaging revealed 6,139 suspect outbuildings
Financial struggles with bills and debts 'worsen'
02 August, 2013
More than half of UK adults are struggling to keep up with bills and debt repayments, a major survey of people's finances has suggested
Credit union comes to high street
01 August, 2013
A Welsh credit union has opened its first high street branch
Church of England: People are not aware of credit unions
26 July, 2013
Reverend Malcolm Brown explains why the Church of England wants to put payday lenders out of business by building up a network of credit unions.
Welfare reform sparks sharp rise in complaints
26 July, 2013
Welfare reforms have contributed to a sharp increase in complaints and enquiries made to the housing ombudsman
Why we're fighting to make our city free of payday loan companies
25 July, 2013
A Plymouth councillor explains plans to ban high interest lenders
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 21.7.13 (PDF version)
22 July, 2013
Week ending 21 July 2013
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 21.7.13 (word version)
22 July, 2013
Week ending 21.7.13
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 14.7.13 (PDF version)
15 July, 2013
Week ending 14 July 2013
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 14.7.13 (Word version)
15 July, 2013
Week ending 14 July 2013
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 30.6.13 (pdf version)
01 July, 2013
Week ending 30 June 2013
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 30.6.13 (word version)
01 July, 2013
Week ending 30 June 2013
LIN Press Release - Freud: Universal Credit protection for tenants and landlords
28 June, 2013
Universal Credit and Direct Payments information
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 23.6.13 (word version)
24 June, 2013
Week ending 23 June 2013
Rough sleeping in London increases by 13%
20 June, 2013
The number of people sleeping rough on London's streets has increased by 13% in a year
Clampdown on councils using heavy-handed bailiffs
17 June, 2013
New guidelines for councils set out that they should no longer be collecting 'contractual kickbacks' from bailiffs or employing those seeking to exploit residents through 'phantom visits' or excessive fees
'Cold homes are a disgrace'
12 June, 2013
Is this, as David Cameron claims, the 'greenest government ever'? Friends of the Earth's Andy Atkins says its policies offer only tiny steps in the right direction
Insulate to accumulate
12 June, 2013
The government's green deal programme means money wasted heating energy-inefficient properties can be invested in improving them. Fiona Harvey weighs up the pros and cons
Council's figures reveal it saves six from homelessness everyday
12 June, 2013
Southwark Council saves six people a day from homelessness, according to new figures
Welfare reform to 'push up' homelessness in Wales
11 June, 2013
The UK government's welfare reforms are likely to increase homelessness in Wales
Dozens of local councils close to collapse, says MPs' committee
07 June, 2013
Public accounts committee warns that some councils may have to be bailed out unless plans are made to prop them up
Ministers order crackdown on councils illegally housing homeless residents
07 June, 2013
Councils under pressure to help families stay in their homes rather than re-housing them in temporary accommodation
Use housing benefit cash to build 80,000 social homes a year
04 June, 2013
More than 80,000 new homes could be built in Britain each year if just half of the country's total annual housing benefit bill was invested in new stock
Housing group calls the Samaritans as welfare reforms take their toll
04 June, 2013
Housing group Riverside has enlisted the help of the Samaritans to train its customer service centre staff after an alarming jump in the number of calls from distressed tenants
Shelter launches website aimed at solving young people's housing problems
03 June, 2013
Housing charity Shelter has launched a new website designed to assist people working with young people on their housing and homelessness problems
Lone parents receiving Jobseeker's Allowance: claimant count
29 May, 2013
A breakdown of the headline count to show recipient numbers at the end of May 2013, following the roll out of Lone Parent Obligations
Homeless in London? Here's a train ticket for Birmingham
28 May, 2013
The plight of a mother and daughter forced to live in a hotel room 127 miles from their former home in the capital
Food banks struggle to feed hungry as demand rises
28 May, 2013
Charities torn between helping those in need and resisting prospect of taking over duty previously fulfilled by state
Work Programme staff struggle to help unemployed when 'jobs aren't there'
22 May, 2013
In Hull, shortage of work leaves jobseekers - and their employment coaches - feeling demoralised
Law 'should change' to stop B&B; use
21 May, 2013
A flagship Conservative council has called for law changes to prevent it 'frittering away millions of pounds' on housing people in temporary accommodation
Living on a budget: Readers' stories
09 May, 2013
A recent article about how little money someone can realistically live on generated a big response from readers
Demand for hardship fund surges
09 May, 2013
Councils across England have reported a huge surge in applications for help from an emergency hardship fund since the launch of the bedroom tax on 1 April
Council Tax: empty homes premium
08 May, 2013
Council Tax empty homes premium: guidance for properties for sale and letting
Calls over payday loans to charity double
08 May, 2013
The number of people seeking a charity's help with payday loans has doubled in a year
Which? poll says many 'borrowing money for food'
06 May, 2013
One in five UK households borrowed money or used savings to cover food costs in April, a Which? survey says
Fraud squad
03 May, 2013
An investigation in Westminster has uncovered housing benefit fraud on a grand scale - Kate Youde examines what went wrong and finds out what lessons other councils can learn
Older and disabled people 'put off' energy efficiency schemes
02 May, 2013
Complexity and fear of taking on debt are significant concerns, unpublished government research shows
Universal credit: Major benefits shake-up begins
29 April, 2013
A massive shake-up in the UK benefits system starts with the first claims being made for the new universal credit payment
A terrace house for £1 or £250m - Britain's bizarre housing crisis
25 April, 2013
This grotesque juxtaposition of housing in Stoke and London perfectly reflects the imbalance inherent in our economy
Why are poor people seen as culpable for the things they suffer?
25 April, 2013
The case of a refugee blamed for the mould in her flat is typical of a trend to blame the poor for problems disadvantage creates
Living in a bedsit is good enough for me
25 April, 2013
As our houses shrink, and aspirations grow, sometimes it's best to accept the brown carpet beneath our feet, and be thankful
Notting Hill Housing Group enters innovative PRS deal
24 April, 2013
Notting Hill Housing Group has joined the Greater London Authority and the Homes and Communities Agency to create a £90m private rented sector portfolio
Number of people turning to food banks triples in a year
24 April, 2013
Charity says up to 650 more food banks are needed across UK to cope with surging demand
Homelessness Transition Fund
24 April, 2013
Homeless charities across England can now apply for grants of up £150k to invest in new ways of preventing and tackling rough sleeping
Shelter reports surge in demand for advice
23 April, 2013
Shelter has reported a surge in demand for help from people struggling to pay for their homes in the last year
10,000 property firms mis-sold interest-rate 'protection' agreements
22 April, 2013
Thousands of property firms were targeted by banks mis-selling complex interest-rate "protection" agreements, a law firm has claimed
Letting agents face tougher scrutiny
18 April, 2013
Letting agents and residential managing agents will now have to sign up to a recognised ombudsman scheme following an amendment to a bill currently going through parliament
Wates Living Space invests in QSH and Steve Partridge becomes new CFO
18 April, 2013
QSH acts an interface to match housing needs with institutional finance, enabling Housing Associations and Local Authorities to build much-needed affordable homes without government subsidy
Sharp London homelessness rise
15 April, 2013
Benefit cuts, soaring house prices and rents have pushed up homelessness in London three times faster than England as a whole
Forest YMCA offers converted shipping containers to homeless
11 April, 2013
Young homeless people in east London could soon be living in converted shipping containers as part of plans to help them save up for permanent homes
Northern focus: the budget offered little for housing and less up north
11 April, 2013
Key decisions were postponed in a budget that neglected local growth, the north and hard-working families
Fund to help councils reach homelessness standard
10 April, 2013
The government has pledged £1.7 million to its 'gold standard' initiative to improve homelessness services in England
Government axes homeless advisors
28 March, 2013
Councils raise concerns over losing vital support as rough sleeping rises
Homelessness: 'If you think it's bad now, it's about to get worse'
25 March, 2013
Figures show a 6% rise in homelessness applications. Welfare reform and the closure of services will exacerbate the problem
Homelessness rises as benefits are cut - coincidence?
25 March, 2013
Todays homelessness statistics reveal the reality for people at the sharp end of Britain's housing crisis
Picturing homelessness
22 March, 2013
The homelessness community has a responsibility to try and reshape how society views the people it supports
Annual figures show 10% rise in homelessness
22 March, 2013
The number of applicants accepted as homeless in England last year shot up 10 per cent from the year before
Government 'woefully unprepared' to cope with UK's ageing population
15 March, 2013
The government has been warned that it is "woefully unprepared" for the UK's ageing population
Who will house the poor?
15 March, 2013
Today's benefit cuts and housing crises are taking us back to Victorian times. The government must listen to its critics, says Bill Randall
Bedroom tax: why you should march against this heartless, pointless 'reform'
15 March, 2013
Mass evictions of the most vulnerable are no way to tackle the housing benefit bill, and we must do all we can to stop them
'Bedroom tax will stop new homes being built'
07 March, 2013
The forthcoming bedroom tax will limit the amount of new homes social landlords are able to build, according to a speaker at a CIH South East Conference
OFT acts against leading payday lenders and proposes to refer the sector to Competition Commission
07 March, 2013
The OFT is giving the leading 50 payday lenders, accounting for 90 per cent of the payday market, 12 weeks to change their business practices or risk losing their licences
Food banks are thriving, much to the government's embarrassment
05 March, 2013
Volunteers rallying to distribute food aid to those who can no longer afford to put a meal on the table isn't the big society David Cameron planned
East meets west
04 March, 2013
Three hundred households in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from highly efficient heating systems thanks to £20 million from the Japanese government
300% rise in demand for youth emergency accommodation
04 March, 2013
Depaul UK's campaign is calling on the 7.5 million households nationwide that have spare rooms to consider making it available to a young homeless person
Call for regulation of PRS to prevent homelessness
27 February, 2013
Regulation of the private rented sector (PRS) is one of several measures being called for to help end homelessness in England
Loan shark suspect to appear in court
22 February, 2013
A suspected loan shark has been charged with illegal money lending
Minister fears housing benefit plan risks rise in homelessness
21 February, 2013
Danny Alexander urges Iain Duncan Smith to think again, saying vulnerable tenants may lose homes
Nick Clegg: Elderly should sell homes or pay mansion tax
21 February, 2013
Elderly people with homes worth more than £2million should consider selling them or risk paying a mansion tax from their estates after they die, Nick Clegg has said
Plan to move London homeless to Peterborough is 'social cleansing', says MP
20 February, 2013
Plans to allow a London council to build homes in Peterborough for its tenants have been criticised by an MP as "social cleansing"
Regional Labour Market Statistics
20 February, 2013
Long-term unemployment fell by 15,000 this quarter to its lowest level for nearly a year, according to official figures
Internet Access Quarterly Update - Q4
20 February, 2013
The latest quarterly statistical release about Internet use by adults aged 16 years and over shows that adults who are less likely to have used the Internet include the elderly and the disabled
Youth Unemployment: Review of Training for Young People with Low Qualifications
19 February, 2013
CESI Report
Measuring child poverty: a consultation on better measures of child poverty
18 February, 2013
Joseph Rowntree report
Council housing homeless families in £1,500 per week hotel rooms
15 February, 2013
Westminster City Council is paying over £1,500 per week to house homeless families in West End hotel rooms
Birmingham homeless fears for benefit reform
13 February, 2013
The YMCA in Birmingham has warned reforms to benefits will create more homelessness in the city
Medway landlords urged to take benefit tenants
08 February, 2013
A Kent council is urging private landlords to let more properties to people on benefits to help solve the area's rising homelessness problem
Bristol mayor seeks to raid homelessness fund
08 February, 2013
A west country council is considering axing its entire homelessness prevention budget next financial year in a bid to save cash
Liverpool's sheltered housing and homeless hostels under threat as council looks to save
07 February, 2013
Liverpool City Council is reviewing funding for two homeless hostels and is also considering withdrawing part-funding for sheltered housing wardens as it looks to make savings of £32m
Camborne homeless shelter owner fined for overcrowding
05 February, 2013
A woman who houses homeless and troubled men has been fined for failing to license her home and overcrowding
Scotland's law to end homelessness: a bold policy which needs more action
01 February, 2013
Scotland's commitment to abolishing homelessness is one of the strongest in the developed world but that policy is coming unstuck through cuts and uneven delivery
Homeless people could drop down housing list in Thanet
29 January, 2013
Homeless people in part of Kent may be bumped down housing waiting lists under plans being considered by a council
Hate rising energy costs? Green Deal With It
28 January, 2013
The Green Deal is the Government's new initiative giving homes a new way of paying for energy efficient improvements such as insulation/new heating systems
Cleaning up the bailiff industry
25 January, 2013
Vulnerable people will be protected from aggressive bailiffs but businesses will still be able to collect debts fairly under new laws to clean up the industry
Getting homeless people back to work
24 January, 2013
South London YMCA has received a grant of more than £54,000 from the London Housing Foundation to help homeless people get back to work
Housing costs giving over a quarter of people sleepless nights
17 January, 2013
One in four people in Scotland are losing sleep over the stress of housing costs, a new survey has revealed
Police officer sentenced for housing benefit fraud
17 January, 2013
A former Suffolk police officer has been handed a 12-month community supervision order after admitting fraudulently claiming housing and council tax benefits
Councils win cash to tackle fuel poverty
17 January, 2013
Councils and third sector organisations have been allocated £46 million of government funding to tackle fuel poverty
DWP accused of penalising disabled with last-minute changes to mobility payments
16 January, 2013
Thousands of disabled people face losing out on vital benefits
Homelessness applications drop 13 per cent
16 January, 2013
Homelessness applications in Scotland have fallen 13 per cent since last year, according to the latest government figures
Pension reform means we must claim all benefits for a minimum income retirement
16 January, 2013
The new simplified state pension provides a safety net so that most pensioners should achieve an acceptable standard of living
Increase in number of new homeless
16 January, 2013
Job cuts, family break-ups and quick fix loans are responsible for the rise in numbers of Northern Ireland's new homeless
Council searching southern England for homes for homeless families
15 January, 2013
Croydon Council is searching southern England for properties as it seeks to fix its homelessness crisis
What happens when Generation Rent become generation spent?
14 January, 2013
Property assets can be crucial in helping to fund care in old age, but with homeownership in sharp decline how are the younger generation going to pay for care when they need it?
'Simpler' flat-rate state pension unveiled
14 January, 2013
Plans for a "simple" flat-rate state pension paid to new pensioners from April 2017 at the earliest are being outlined by the government
Flat-rate state pension 'expected to start in 2017'
14 January, 2013
A new flat-rate state pension likely to start in April 2017 will be outlined by the government on Monday
New year - new start up support for disabled entrepreneurs
14 January, 2013
Budding disabled entrepreneurs will get extra support to start up their own business in 2013, Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey announced
Benefit caps 'will lead' to increased homelessness
09 January, 2013
A leading landlord organisation has warned that government plans to cap benefits are likely to lead to an increase in homelessness
Sustainable housing movement held back by lack of tenant data
07 January, 2013
The Naked House experiment proves the impact on energy bills, but the real challenge is changing resident behaviour
Manchester residents urged to buy their fuel in bulk
04 January, 2013
Residents in Greater Manchester are being urged to join a bulk-buy fuel scheme - that could see each household cutting £250 from its energy bills
Enterprise Clubs - support for self-employment
04 January, 2013
Enterprise Clubs - make the most of local knowledge and resources to help unemployed people in their communities set up as self-employed or start their own business
Home-work: Helping London's social tenants into employment
02 January, 2013
Report by The Centre for London
Land Registry reports house price growth
02 January, 2013
House prices in England and Wales went up 0.3 % between October and November last year, according to Land Registry figures
Housing benefit cheat scammed Rotherham Council out of £27,000
28 December, 2012
A benefit fraudster has been jailed for wrongly claiming more than £47,000 over a 14-year period
APR on payday loan 'staggering 7,200,000%'
27 December, 2012
A Labour MP has called on the Gov to commit to firm statutory regulation for payday loan companies after one agreement where the APR was a staggering 7,200,000%
50 ways to save: examples of sensible savings in local government
21 December, 2012
This document sets out 50 examples of sensible savings that councils could make and contains practical tips and guidance
Food poverty warning as London school pupils start day without breakfast
18 December, 2012
Large numbers of London school pupils are starting the day without breakfast, a new survey has suggested
Providers missing out on social media
14 December, 2012
Housing associations must take advantage of social media for better engagement with their tenants, a study has found
Homeless people worse off financially for working
14 December, 2012
Homeless people moving into employment can find they are financially worse off for working and commonly accrue debts
Renters would 'have to rough sleep' if evicted
11 December, 2012
One in five renters would have to sleep on the streets for the first night if evicted, according to research published by a homelessness charity
Latest on Universal Credit
10 December, 2012
10 December 2012 - Universal Credit and related regulations laid before Parliament
Evaluation of Support for the Very Long-Term Unemployed Trailblazer
07 December, 2012
This DWP report presents findings from an evaluation of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) mandatory Support for the Very Long-Term Unemployed trailblazer
George Osborne's Autumn Statement: Reactions
06 December, 2012
Reaction to George Osborne's Autumn Statement
Osborne unveils fresh welfare cuts
06 December, 2012
George Osborne has announced a series of welfare cuts in his autumn statement
Chancellor plans to bring 50,000 homes on to the market
06 December, 2012
Autumn statement unveils plans to use infrastructure capital fund to accelerate existing housing schemes
Social housing and the autumn statement: all in it together?
06 December, 2012
It is still not clear how much, if any, of the £5bn capital injection has gone to affordable housing or to new homes over the next three years
The Autumn Statement: Austerity here to stay
06 December, 2012
Austerity is here to stay. That is tough for everyone - but hardest for the poorest
Warning on benefit cuts amid rise in homelessness
05 December, 2012
Rise in statutory homelessness has disproportionately affected families with children, Crisis report says
Housing could lose out in £5bn spending spree
05 December, 2012
George Osborne is set to unveil a £5 billion boost to fund a wave of stalled infrastructure projects today but the housing sector could miss out
Welfare budget under spotlight - Autumn Statement
05 December, 2012
The welfare budget is set to come under further assault today as chancellor George Osborne delivers his Autumn Statement
Autumn Statement: At-a-glance summary of key point
05 December, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has updated MPs on the state of the economy and the government's future plans in his Autumn Statemen
Osborne unveils fresh welfare cuts
05 December, 2012
George Osborne has announced a series of welfare cuts in his autumn statement
Government to push ahead with 'pay to stay'
05 December, 2012
The government has confirmed it is pressing ahead with plans to charge high-earning social tenants more rent
Housebuilding stifled by government funding rules
04 December, 2012
Treasury limits on investment are preventing councils and Almos from building up to 60,000 new homes over the next five years
Moat splits resident services into three tiers to influence tenant behaviour
04 December, 2012
Moat residents who are in rental arrears will no longer qualify for a cosmetic repairs service from February
Government taxes your spare room
04 December, 2012
We all know that money is tight but for thousands of social housing tenants things could be about to get even tighter
Young and Homeless 2012
04 December, 2012
A study published by Homeless Link has argued that reduced welfare support for young people is already increasing their chances of becoming homeless
Government Policies: Giving communities more power in planning local development
03 December, 2012
We want people to be able to influence decisions about new and modified buildings and facilities in their area.
Expert round up: the future of Almos
03 December, 2012
Compilation of opinions on arm's-length management organisations
Housing ALMOs branching out to deliver range of services
03 December, 2012
ALMOs are branching out from their core business of managing council homes to provide a growing range of services for other landlords
Prisk: State land sell-off could yield 33,000 new homes
30 November, 2012
The Government has sold enough public sector land to build an estimated 33,000 new homes, the housing minister has revealed
Tackling poverty and inequality need to be at the heart of plans
30 November, 2012
Tackling poverty and inequality need to be at the heart of any plan for economic growth in the North of England
An army of benefit scroungers? The evidence just doesn't stack up
29 November, 2012
Our research into people on low incomes found little sign of the stereotype of the workshy claimant who doesn't deserve help
Three factors that make a supported housing scheme a success
29 November, 2012
A not-for-profit organisation has helped develop a scheme that supports individuals with learning disabilities and diverse needs
RICs Members reveal damaging impact of empty property rates
28 November, 2012
Results of research from our expert members into the effect of business rates on empty property
Localism will fail unless government and housing associations get joined up
28 November, 2012
The Government's localism agenda will fail unless the current disconnection between housing associations and Westminster is overcome
Poor housing can 'lead to mental health problems'
27 November, 2012
Councils, landlords and other agencies should work together to help vulnerable people living in bedsits
Welfare-to-work: Official figures show job target missed
27 November, 2012
The government's flagship welfare-to-work programme has failed to hit its main target, official figures show
Acting on Localism: The role of housing associations
27 November, 2012
The role of housing associations in driving a community agenda. A new ResPublica report
Threat to crisis loans puts critical work to house ex-offenders at risk
26 November, 2012
Organisations cutting re-offending by finding stable accommodation for former prisoners face a funding shortage
Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2012
26 November, 2012
Extent of in-work poverty is laid bare in a new Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) report today
Back-to-work scheme 'failing homeless'
26 November, 2012
Homeless people are being failed by the government's flagship back-to-work programme despite large amounts of public money
Jail for benefit cheating company director who owned two houses
22 November, 2012
A woman who fraudulently claimed £50,000 in benefits whilst owning two houses and working as a company director has been jailed
Smart for all - Understanding consumer vulnerability during the experience of smart meter installation
22 November, 2012
National Energy Action (NEA) and Consumer Focus Report
OFT goes after 50 payday lenders
20 November, 2012
The OFT (Office of Fair Trading) has started formal investigations into 50 payday lenders over aggressive debt collection practices
Innovative rough sleeper project opens in London
15 November, 2012
An innovative project has been launched in London to help former rough sleepers turn their lives around and sustain accommodation
Unemployment drops below 8% but JSA claimant level rises
14 November, 2012
The unemployment rate has fallen below 8% for the first time since January 2009 but the amount of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance has risen, new figures show
Landlord sells care business
14 November, 2012
Viridian Housing has announced the sale of eight residential care homes in order to focus on their housing services
Helping the homeless
14 November, 2012
Housing the homeless is among the serious of responsibilites for a local authority
Plan to fit 'super-fast broadband' to London council flats
13 November, 2012
Wandsworth Council is considering options to give council tenants access to fibre optic broadband
'Deserving' families to get council housing priority
12 November, 2012
Homeless families will be rehoused to free up social homes for ex-servicemen and people who volunteer
Rough sleeping scheme forced to add beds
12 November, 2012
The London mayors flagship rough sleeping initiative has been forced to procure temporary bed spaces to prevent its assessment centre 'silting up' with homeless people
As Christmas comes, the poor will be left to turn to legal loan sharks to pay off debts
09 November, 2012
Legal loan sharks take advantage of those who need money most - a cap is desperately needed before debt for some people is out of their control
Audit Commission doubles tenancy fraud estimates to nearly 100,000
09 November, 2012
Up to 98,000 socially rented properties in England are being used fraudulently, according to the Audit Commission's revised tenancy fraud figures
Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012
09 November, 2012
Government's response to the consultation
Half of payday loan users 'cannot afford repayments'
08 November, 2012
Almost half (48%) of those who have taken out payday loans cannot afford to repay the debt, Which? research has revealed
The cost of running a home
06 November, 2012
A guide from Wolverhampton Homes which aims to give an idea of those costs that tenants will have to budget for when running their own home
Why we should provide social housing tenants with free broadband
06 November, 2012
It's not a vote-winner and it won't make me popular, but social tenants need free internet access
Home Truths 2012: East of England
05 November, 2012
Report by the National Housing Federation - an analysis and forecast of East of England's housing market
Dispelling the myth that social housing is a barrier to work
05 November, 2012
Information from Riverside Housing Association
Households face green deal credit check
02 November, 2012
Tenants with a poor credit history could be excluded from the government's flagship energy-efficiency scheme
Welfare cuts will lead to shortfall in affordable homes
01 November, 2012
Decrease in government spending set to leave low income families with a stark choice: buy less food or move out
Net supply of housing: 2011-12, England
01 November, 2012
The latest England net supply of housing statistics produced by Communities and Local Government
Residents in crisis can bank on support from their HA
29 October, 2012
Residents in crisis will be receiving food and support more quickly than ever thanks to Thames Valley Housing Association
Five million paid less than living wage, says KPMG
29 October, 2012
One in five workers in the UK is paid less than required for a basic standard of living, a report has said
Unlawful subletting: Bill could force Sky and banks to hand over data
26 October, 2012
Banks, building societies, utility companies and even Sky TV could all be forced to hand over data to social landlords to help them detect and prosecute instances of fraud
Legal aid cuts 'will exacerbate benefit delays'
26 October, 2012
Charities have warned that delays in transferring successful asylum seekers from Home Office support to mainstream benefits could get worse when legal aid cuts kick in next year
Scotland: 77% of 'severely disadvantaged' families living in social housing
23 October, 2012
A new report has estimated that up to 24,000 families in Scotland face severe disadvantages, of which 77% are currently living in social housing
Pupils teach tenants to get online
22 October, 2012
A group of youngsters from Chester-le-Street in County Durham turned from pupils to teachers after training local people on how to use social media
The future goes digital for Sanctuary residents
22 October, 2012
Residents from across Brighton are to be given the opportunity to get online and surf the web thanks to a new Sanctuary Housing initiative
From the Wirral to West London: homelessness soars
22 October, 2012
Homelessness is on the increase across England
Possible changes to Rotherham council homes tenancies
19 October, 2012
New tenants in larger council houses in Rotherham may no longer be offered life-long tenancies in an attempt to cut the number of families waiting for accommodation
More people in employment than ever before
18 October, 2012
There are more people in employment than ever before, according to new statistics
Aspiring entrepreneurs helped to kick-start new businesses
18 October, 2012
33,000 extra jobseekers will be given help to set up their own business under a scheme aimed at unlocking the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs
Why digital exclusion is a social care issue
17 October, 2012
As our society becomes increasingly digitalised, figures reveal a large proportion of those not online have a disability or are elderly
Who is to blame for illegal use of B&B; accommodation?
17 October, 2012
More homeless families are being housed in unsafe and often unlawful accommodation by councils - a result of local government inefficiency or central government policy?
DWP: 11,000 jobs shed in last year
16 October, 2012
The DWP has shed nearly 11,000 full-time equivalent members of staff since March 2011, according to the National Audit Office
Call for rent limits on former Council properties
16 October, 2012
Labour seeks curbs on buy-to-let investors charging inflated rent
UK food banks used by record number, says Trussell Trust
16 October, 2012
A record number of people received emergency food from UK food banks in the last six months, according to The Trussell Trust
Housing costs force 1 in 10 back to Mum and Dad
15 October, 2012
Almost one in ten people aged between 20 and 40 - equivalent to 1.6 million people - are living with their parents because they can't afford to rent or buy a home
Back to the 1980s: the rising tide of bed and breakfast accommodation
11 October, 2012
A surge in the number of homeless families is forcing councils to place them, sometimes unlawfully, in temporary accommodation
British Gas and Shelter launch 'Decent Homes' for private rented sector
10 October, 2012
Shelter and British Gas have launched an ambitious partnership to improve the standard of one million homes in a kind of Decent Homes programme for the private rented sector
Croydon racks up £1.5m B&B; bill for homeless families
05 October, 2012
Croydon Council shelled out more than £1.5m in the first 7 months of this year to one B&B; provider
Benefit data held back by councils
05 October, 2012
Councils are delaying sharing vital benefit information with housing associations because of IT limitations and fears of breaching data protection rules
Landlord complaints increasing, says charity Shelter
04 October, 2012
Complaints about landlords in England have risen by more than a quarter in recent years, the charity Shelter says
Labour considers curbs on universal benefits to pay for social care
04 October, 2012
Pensions and winter fuel allowance of the better-off may be cut as party tries introduces new 'one nation' concept
Homelessness kills: An analysis of the mortality of homeless people in early twenty-first century England
04 October, 2012
Crisis report
3 landlords sign up to council's lettings scheme
04 October, 2012
A council has already seen three landlords sign up to its new service for helping families into accommodation
Partnership opportunity with Jobcentre Plus in South Yorkshire
03 October, 2012
Jobcentre Plus wants to work with partners to support families across South Yorkshire who are affected by intergenerational worklessness
Welfare changes could restrict volunteering, warns Volunteering England
02 October, 2012
Volunteering England has voiced concern about the intention under universal credit to restrict the number of hours someone can volunteer
Top tips: the future of housing finance
01 October, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on the challenges of housing finance
Green Deal explained - video
01 October, 2012
A short animated video offering a clear and concise explanation of the UK Government-backed Green Deal
Quids in: The impact of financial skills training for social housing tenants
01 October, 2012
Personal Finance Research Centre University of Bristol
Shelter could leave Cumbria over 'huge' legal aid cut
28 September, 2012
The housing charity Shelter could pull out of Cumbria because of "huge" cuts to legal aid, the BBC has learned
Lib Dem conference: 'Millionaire' pensioners may face benefit cuts
28 September, 2012
The Liberal Democrats are looking at curbing all age-related universal benefits for pensioners with assets of more than £1m
£1billion to improve council homes set to boost economy
28 September, 2012
The Housing Minister has confirmed nearly £1b to bring sub-standard council homes up to scratch will be allocated to 41 councils over the next 2 years
Council reports surge in right to buy applications
27 September, 2012
A Conservative-run council has said it is expecting a 400 per cent increase in right to buy applications following the government's decision to increase discounts
Finding new investment through a tenants mutual
26 September, 2012
As the wealth gap between owners and tenants reaches £100,000, could a mutual find new funding for social housing while reducing inequality?
Charity reports big rise in homeless young
25 September, 2012
A homelessness charity in Kent has seen the number of young people approaching its services nearly double since the start of the year
It's social housing - so why are the needy locked out?
24 September, 2012
Developers and a London council are excluding anyone with mental health problems from a £500m scheme
Top tips: managing temporary accommodation
24 September, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on how housing associations can improve temporary accommodation
Top tips: managing community planning
24 September, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on how what barriers have councils and communities encountered while implementing the government's vision for planning
Speech by Mark Prisk
20 September, 2012
Housing Minister Mark Prisk's speech to the National Housing Federation's annual conference in Birmingham
Consumers hit by rising cost of essentials
18 September, 2012
Which? takes a historic look at living standards
Freud: New financial products to help Universal Credit claimants manage money
18 September, 2012
Ministers are calling for a range of suppliers to explore the feasibility of new financial products to help benefit claimants budget and manage their money
Tackling the poverty premium in social housing
17 September, 2012
A Big Lottery Fund scheme is helping landlords to provide financial advice for tenants to help stop a spiral of debt and evictions
Homeless families in B&B; accommodation up by 44%
17 September, 2012
National Housing Federation points to rise as 20 councils warned about housing families in B&Bs; for 'unacceptably long time'
Benefit cap prompts B&B; fears for 26,000 families
17 September, 2012
The National Housing Federation (NHF) wants the Government to clarify next April's benefit cap rules
Iain Duncan Smith moots plan to reshuffle benefits staff
14 September, 2012
Some of the 20,000 HB staff under threat by the forthcoming Universal Credit system could be found new roles dealing with Council Tax Benefit
Squatters can occupy a part of society's architecture too
14 September, 2012
By co-operating with community and council to reopen Friern Barnet library, squatters are showing the good they can do
DWP urged to subsidise new bank accounts ahead of Universal Credit
14 September, 2012
The Government should create a set of standards for 'Budget Accounts' (jam jars) - which safeguard rental income for housing associations according to new report
Pay to stay: rents for high income social tenants
14 September, 2012
Response to the proposal that social landlords should be able to require tenants in social rented housing on high incomes to pay higher rents
L&Q; to offer cheap green deal package
13 September, 2012
London & Quadrant HA plans to use hundreds of millions of pounds raised on the bond market to help deliver the government's flagship retrofit scheme
Warm Front Changes Eligibility
13 September, 2012
The eligibility for Warm Front has now changed with additional benefits being added
Housing bodies dismiss 'pay to stay'
13 September, 2012
Housing groups have poured cold water on government plans to charge higher earning social tenants more rent
904,000 have been out of work for over a year
12 September, 2012
New figures from the ONS show that the amount of people out of work for over a year rose to 904,000 between May and Jul 2012, up from 882,000 between Feb and Apr
Housing associations talking to DWP over 'benefit verifier' role
10 September, 2012
Places for People and several other large housing associations have been in talks with the DWP about joint-working initiatives to smooth the roll-out of UC next year
Newham fears benefit cap blow for temporary households
10 September, 2012
The London borough of Newham wants the Government to drop planned restrictions on councils housing families outside of their area
Homeless Westminster families offered housing 54 miles away
10 September, 2012
Homeless families in Westminster are being offered accommodation as distant as Bletchley - 54 miles away
Top tips: housing and the economy
10 September, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion around what role housing can play in the nation's economic recovery?
Get yourself connected
10 September, 2012
Bromford Group has launched a social networking site to help its tenants access training and jobs
Top tips: housing and the economy
08 September, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on what role can housing play in the nation's economic recovery
Tower blocks mooted for London borough’s B&B; crisis
07 September, 2012
A London council says the pressure on temporary accommodation in the borough is so bad that it may look at moving people to cheaper areas or start allocating flats in tower blocks to families
Statutory Homelessness: April to June Quarter 2012, England
07 September, 2012
The latest National Statistics on Statutory Homelessness, for April to June 2012
Charity concerned welfare reform is increasing homelessness
07 September, 2012
Homeless Link is concerned that welfare reform could be driving an increase in homelessness - as new figures show an alarming rise in cases of people losing their homes
It Shouldn't Happen Here
06 September, 2012
Parents go hungry to feed children, according to research from Save The Children
Scottish food parcel requests double in a year
05 September, 2012
Benefit delays and welfare reforms are driving a rising need for food parcels, according to Citizens Advice Scotland
London council to open credit union accounts
05 September, 2012
Islington Council are opening credit union accounts for all new tenants as part of a move to minimise the impact of welfare reform
Safety net against homelessness continues to 2015
04 September, 2012
Support secured for those facing homelessness
Gingerbread report - Unintended consequences
04 September, 2012
New Gingerbread research shows that poorest working families will have any increase in income reduced by 65 per cent
Advice on dealing with squatters in your home
04 September, 2012
This publication is aimed at informing property owners about the new offence and the procedures for regaining possession of their properties from squatters
Delivering the social fund at London-level: opportunities and risks
04 September, 2012
New CPAG report also highlights local authorities' concern that funding for start up and administrative costs of new schemes is inadequate
Supported housing rent row sparks care crisis
31 August, 2012
Benefit payment disputes leave supported housing providers running on empty
We need all our young people to be working and contributing
29 August, 2012
Employment Minister Chris Grayling and London Mayor Boris Johnson today launched a new project to help young Londoners
Favouring PRS a bad idea, says landlord
24 August, 2012
A major London-based social landlord has warned the government against introducing policies to promote market rent housing ahead of affordable homes
'Daring' scheme to sell empty council homes for £1 set for approval
22 August, 2012
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is expected to push forward with 'daring' plans to sell empty homes to working families for £1, following expected cabinet approval later this month
Social tenants to accept bedroom tax penalty
22 August, 2012
Nearly half of social tenants who will be affected by the government's 'bedroom tax' are not prepared to move to smaller properties, research has found
Household debt soars as living costs rise
22 August, 2012
Average household debt has passed £10,000 as families struggle to cope with rising living costs, a study has found
Lottery funding to help tenants manage finances
22 August, 2012
Nearly £32 million of lottery funding has been allocated to 37 projects to help social housing tenants improve their financial management
London's housing crisis hotspots1 in 10 Londoners are on council housing waiting lists
22 August, 2012
Andrew Fisher from the Left Economics Advisory Panel (LEAP) explains the latest shocking waiting list statistics
Council backs plans to make wealthier council tenants 'pay fair share'
21 August, 2012
Wandsworth Council has backed plans for a change in the law that would make wealthier council tenants pay "their fair share of housing rent"
Shapps rules out leaseholder 'exploitation' laws
21 August, 2012
The housing minister has ruled out legislation to protect leaseholders despite a television documentary suggesting councils are profiting from repairs deals
Case law argues London's priced out tenants are 'homeless'
21 August, 2012
Legal precedent demands that tenants unable to meet unaffordable housing costs are legally homeless - What does this mean in today's London?
Government watchdog criticises fitness for work system
20 August, 2012
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of Scope, responds to reports of 'weaknesses' in the system set up to oversee the work capability assessment by the NAO
HomeSwap Direct searches set to hit 1.5 million
20 August, 2012
Housing minister Grant Shapps has announced that searches on the HomeSwap Direct website are set to hit 1.5 million
Your Homes Newcastle Take A Dramatic Approach To Tenant Arrears
20 August, 2012
Your Homes Newcastle has taken an innovative approach to arrears recovery as part of their ongoing staff development
Homelessness costs government 'millions'
20 August, 2012
Councils in England spend nearly £345 million on homelessness a year, a Communities and Local Government department paper reveals
Social homes funding plan 'blindingly obvious', says housing minister
20 August, 2012
Selling highest-value properties could generate £4.5bn to build up to 170,000 social homes a year, says Policy Exchange
House prices rise three times as much as incomes over ten years
17 August, 2012
The cost of buying a home in England increased by more than three times the rate of an average salary over the past 10 years, according to research from the NHF
Matchmaking service to reduce Scottish empty homes
17 August, 2012
A new matchmaking service is hoping to tackle Scotland's empty homes problem by introducing owners of vacant properties to would-be buyers
Record numbers pushed into part-time work
16 August, 2012
The number of people working part time because they can’t get a full-time job has hit a record high, official figures show
Government told to step-in if welfare cuts increase homelessness
16 August, 2012
A national charity wants a commitment from the Government to 'respond quickly' should welfare reform lead to a rise in homelessness
Charity demands welfare policy rethink as homelessness grows
16 August, 2012
Councils intervene in 199,000 cases in England but fewer houses are being built
DWP opportunities for local partnership working
16 August, 2012
DWP aspire to join up public services such as health, housing, transport, employment and skills to help local people back into work
Making every contact count: A joint approach to preventing homelessness
16 August, 2012
DWP report looking at how services can be managed in a way that prevents any household from reaching a crisis point where they are faced with homelessness
Housing Charity launches £100,000 rent fund
15 August, 2012
A charity has launched a £100,000 rent fund to help out young workers who may be affected by government cuts to benefits
How do homeless young people view 'hard-hitting' ads depicting them?
15 August, 2012
Stereotypes are unhelpful, but young homeless people appreciate that maximising donations is crucial
Welfare reform will leave social tenants perpetually poor
13 August, 2012
Households already struggling before the financial crisis are now find their incomes eroded, creating greater dependency
Tory councils failing to implement housing policies labelled 'disturbing'
13 August, 2012
Some councils are failing to implement the Gov's allocations reform that urge LA's to give additional priority to those in/seeking work or making a contribution to society
Why are older people exempted from the impact of welfare reform?
13 August, 2012
Elderly people commonly underoccupy property, overconsume assets, and put pressure on rent and house prices
Landlords fight to access green subsidy brokerage
10 August, 2012
Social landlords are fighting to ensure they are not excluded from accessing a brokerage system that will distribute millions of pounds of vital green subsidy funding
Man made homeless over housing benefit cuts in tent protest outside council
08 August, 2012
A homeless man pitched his tent outside Swindon Council's offices after he claimed housing benefit cuts made him homeless - and was rehoused hours later
Millions still available for social landlords to make homes warmer
08 August, 2012
Funding to get low carbon heating into the homes of hundreds of social housing tenants is still up for grabs for LA's, HA's and other registered providers of social housing
Green Deal registrations open as £7m start-up cash announced
08 August, 2012
A £7m loan from the DECC will allow new Green Deal providers to access cash - through a not-for-profit mutual - allowing them to offer energy upgrades to homes
Universal Jobmatch
08 August, 2012
DWP's Universal Jobmatch will be one of the UK's largest jobsites and will automatically match a jobseeker's CV and skills to jobs that suit their needs
Understanding unit costs of housing providers: regression analysis
08 August, 2012
The social housing regulator has called on housing providers to do more to achieve value for money, after finding it cannot account for significant variations in costs between providers
Fixed term tenancies: no 'Higgs boson' for the housing sector
08 August, 2012
Shorter tenancies have their advocates and detractors, but they won't solve housing's problems
Councils and housing associations told to auction off empty homes
07 August, 2012
Private landlords are standing ready to bring back into use empty social housing, according to a new survey and are calling for the vacant dwellings to be auctioned
Hilary Benn: Council tax benefit reform like poll tax
07 August, 2012
Hilary Benn has slammed the government's council tax benefit reform, likening the policy to the poll tax
Welfare reform reinforces suspicion of social housing and its tenants
07 August, 2012
The coalition government disregards the complexity of the benefits system and personal hardship at its peril
Stoke-on-Trent empty homes purchase offer plans
07 August, 2012
Empty homes in Stoke-on-Trent could be offered to residents for a 'nominal fee' in a bid to improve neighbourhoods under plans by the city council
Top tips: how to unite housing and health
06 August, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on how housing and health professionals can work closer together
Judge rejects claims that work schemes are forced labour
06 August, 2012
Schemes to help unemployed people get work are not slave labour, a Judicial review has ruled
Half a million disabled people may lose benefits under reforms
03 August, 2012
Charities react with horror as Government announce Atos and Capita win 3 contracts to run a new work-capability check for disabled people
Sustain: a longitudinal study of housing wellbeing in the private rented sector
01 August, 2012
Crisis Interim report 2012
Broadband service to help Scunthorpe tenants get online
01 August, 2012
A superfast broadband scheme is due to be rolled out to social housing tenants in North Lincolnshire to encourage them to access the internet
How Mental Capacity Act responsibilities go beyond 'duty of care'
31 July, 2012
Article, reproduced from the English Community Care Association newsletter
Loan shark must pay back £52,000 or face jail
30 July, 2012
A convicted loan shark has been ordered to pay back all of her available assets to the courts, or be jailed for 18 months
Making progress - An analysis of improvements made by energy companies for their prepayment customers
30 July, 2012
Consumer Focus report
Council fined £83,000 for multiple gas safety breaches
30 July, 2012
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has pleaded guilty to a catalogue of safety failings which put many of its tenants at increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Editor's blog: welfare reform could push vulnerable families into debt
30 July, 2012
As a doorstep lender reports a 17% rise in profits, can landlords prevent tenants resorting to creditors to plug the gap?
Homelessness: consultation response
30 July, 2012
NHF response to new regulations on housing homeless families in the private rented sector
Crisis report published on 1st year private renting schemes
30 July, 2012
Crisis Private Renting Access Programme Yr 1 report
Council looks at care-home conversions to soften 'bedroom tax' blow
27 July, 2012
A Stoke-on-Trent councillor says the LA is going to have to look at converting care homes and unwanted city council buildings into 1 & 2 bed accommodation
Landlord warns welfare reform risks development
27 July, 2012
One of the UK's largest housing providers has warned that the Welfare Reform Act could affect its ability to build new homes
The poll tax is back from the dead - it's Cameron localism
25 July, 2012
The council tax benefit 'reform' is yet another example of the axe being devolved - and of the poorest being hit hardest
Tax and benefit policy: insights from behavioural economics
25 July, 2012
Institute for Fiscal Studies report
Money management help for Newcastle tenants
24 July, 2012
Newcastle tenants are being offered assistance with budgeting, benefit advice and help with moving home
Tenants equipped with the facts on Right to Buy
24 July, 2012
A dedicated call centre and website have gone live to ensure aspiring social sector home owners can get advice about changes to the Right to Buy scheme
Work Capability Assessments - getting them right first time
24 July, 2012
The latest figures show that 55 per cent of new claimants who go through the Work Capability Assessment are found fit for some form of work
Housing ladder requirements: partner, degree and generous relatives
23 July, 2012
Research carried out for the Guardian reveals how difficult the credit crunch has made things for first-time home buyers
Welsh tenants struggling as incomes drop to lowest in UK
23 July, 2012
Welsh tenants are struggling after a reduction in incomes has seen them earn less than tenants anywhere else in the UK
Rents rise in England and Wales, says survey
23 July, 2012
Rents in London rose again to hit a new high for the second month in succession, according to figures from LSL
Older tenants feeling the pinch as incomes drop
20 July, 2012
Older tenants are struggling as rents rise and incomes drop, new research reveals
UK housing third least affordable in Europe
20 July, 2012
Families in the UK are among the worst off in Europe when it comes to housing costs
Estimates of the number of people facing inadequate retirement incomes
19 July, 2012
Almost 11 million Brits are facing inadequate retirement incomes according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions
New figures, published by the Office for National Statistics
19 July, 2012
New figures show a rise in employment compared to the previous quarter, up 181,000 to 29.35m
Landlords liable for injury caused by tenant repairs
19 July, 2012
Landlords will have to carry out checks on their properties after a landmark court case ruled they are liable for injury caused by work carried out by tenants
Online push for Universal Credit claims
18 July, 2012
Claimants of a new universal benefit will be pushed to complete forms online when the new system starts next year
The 'despair' and 'loneliness' of austerity Britain
18 July, 2012
One London council has begun researching the reality of public spending cuts on vulnerable people, and it's grim
Green deal will 'fail' without fuel poverty changes
18 July, 2012
Consumer groups have written to the energy and climate change secretary warning the green deal could 'fail on all fronts' if it is not improved
Campaigners call for urgent rethink on self-employed rules under universal credit
17 July, 2012
These views were set out in a letter to the Welfare Reform Minister, Lord Freud, from the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG
42% of renters cannot afford to save deposit for own home
16 July, 2012
New research has found that 42% of renters cannot afford to save a deposit for their own home
Yorkshire council prosecutes subletting tenant
16 July, 2012
A Yorkshire council has become one of the first in the country to successfully prosecute a tenant for subletting a council home
Over 3,500 Westminster council flats now owned by private landlords
16 July, 2012
Over 3,500 former Westminster council flats sold under the Right To Buy are now in the hands of private landlords
When worlds collide: regeneration and the bedroom tax crisis
13 July, 2012
The government's policies on housing will hit the north hard, and with few local Conservative representatives who will fight back?
Still 'poor practice' in Work Programme, says housing association
13 July, 2012
One of the leading housing associations involved in the Government's £5bn Work Programme has revealed there is still 'poor practice' in the scheme
Families feel the big squeeze as overcrowding spreads
13 July, 2012
One in four London children living in cramped conditions, with problem affecting previously untouched areas of Britain
Editor's blog: is the housing crisis redesigning how we live?
13 July, 2012
Micro units and luxury flatshares are heralded as the future of private renting, but what about more co-operative ways of living?
House prices may be falling but homebuyers are digging their way out of debt
12 July, 2012
House prices may be falling but homebuyers are digging their way out of debt, according to one of Britain's biggest firms of bailiffs
Housing groups join forces to develop 'fully flexible tenure' model
12 July, 2012
A group of South East-based HA's are joining forces to develop a deliverable model of 'fully flexible tenure' allowing tenants to move towards home ownership
Universal Credit and changes to in-work incentives
12 July, 2012
Three job entry payments are to be phased out in readiness for the introduction of Universal Credit which aims to improve work incentives
Most social tenants fall below acceptable income
11 July, 2012
More than 90% of households in social housing in England have an income level below that needed to maintain a socially acceptable standard of living
Is London's rough sleeping strategy working?
11 July, 2012
Boris Johnson criticised as "dangerously complacent" as figures show a year-on-year rise of 43% in rough sleeping in London
YouGov: over 50% support housing benefit cut for under 25s
09 July, 2012
A YouGov poll has found that 53% of respondents support the Prime Minister's plans to cut housing benefits for the under 25s
First Work Programme data shows promising signs
09 July, 2012
First Government data on the Work Programme suggests the scheme is having a positive effect in helping the long-term unemployed
Homelessness figures continue to rise
06 July, 2012
Recently released figures show a 16% increase in the number of homelessness acceptances between Jan & Mar 2012, compared to the same quarter last year
Government expands vital in-work support to disabled young people
06 July, 2012
Young disabled jobseekers on work experience will now be able to access the Government's Access to Work scheme
Fears benefit reform will lead to surge in bailiffs recovering debts
05 July, 2012
Former housing minister warns the Gov's planned £500m cut in council tax benefit is expected to prompt a surge in bailiffs recovering council tax debts
Three million cash-strapped Brits fail to save
05 July, 2012
Consumers are saving less each month as low interest rate returns on cash fail to offer an incentive
Conservative-led council looks to move homeless outside London borough
04 July, 2012
Croydon Council is looking at offering homeless households accommodation outside the borough due to a lack of council houses & high private sector rents
Government plan to build 80,000 affordable homes at risk of falling short
04 July, 2012
Report says half of homes are scheduled to be built in 2015 - the scheme's final year - and there is no room for manoeuvre
Number of new homes in Wales trebles
04 July, 2012
The number of new homes registered by social landlords in Wales has more than trebled, according to statistics released by the NHBC
Lottery winner Edward Putman admits benefit fraud
04 July, 2012
A man who won nearly £5m on the lottery has admitted fraudulently claiming about £13,000 in benefits
Relaxation of planning rules for change of use from commercial to residential
04 July, 2012
Summary of consultation responses and the Government's response to the consultation
Child maintenance payments made by benefit claimants to double
03 July, 2012
Parents on income-related benefits who live apart from their children are to have the amount of child maintenance they must pay increased from £5 to £10 per week
Top tips: how can housing staff help prevent homelessness?
02 July, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on housing's role in the prevention of homelessness
London sees 43% rise in rough sleeping
02 July, 2012
The number of people sleeping rough on the streets of London has increased 43 per cent in the last year
Welfare cuts: welcome to the era of vouchers for the poor
02 July, 2012
Families in financial crisis are likely to be offered storecards/vouchers, under reforms that transfer responsibility for the social fund to LA's
Hull fraudster claimed £100k housing benefit
02 July, 2012
A HULL businessman who claimed more than £100,000 in false housing benefit has been forced to pay most of the money back
Duncan Smith takes welfare reform crusade to US
29 June, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith has delivered a speech on the UK Government's welfare reforms to the House of Congress in Washington DC
Can improving UK skills levels reduce poverty and income inequality by 2020?
28 June, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Barking and Dagenham revealed as England's 'repossession risk' hotspot
28 June, 2012
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has the highest home repossession risk in England, according to new research from Shelter
Make jobs, not cuts, to reduce reliance on the state
28 June, 2012
Most people want to work, so cutting welfare won't help: only a co-ordinated effort in Whitehall will truly reduce dependency
Freud announces further investment to secure future of credit unions
27 June, 2012
Credit unions will receive up to £38m of investment to modernise and expand so they can support one million more people, according to Lord Freud
Homeownership drop to create £8bn benefit bill
27 June, 2012
The cost of HB for elderly people will soar by £8b a year by 2060 unless steps are taken to address falling homeownership, a think tank has warned
Shock rise in UK jobless claims as unemployment falls
21 June, 2012
A surprise increase in the number of people claiming jobless benefits in May overshadowed an overall drop in unemployment
Mind the digital housing gap
21 June, 2012
There is a huge amount of housing advice online that can guide through complex issues. But those most in need are the least able to take advantage
Grant Shapps' 'beds in sheds' taskforce: the ingredients for success
20 June, 2012
The housing minister's attempt to tackle illegal and unsuitable accommodation must not put vulnerable tenants onto the streets
Housing associations could be the landlord of choice for Generation Rent
20 June, 2012
With their experience providing decent, affordable homes, housing associations could dominate the private rental market
House asking prices reach a new record high of £246,000
20 June, 2012
The Rightmove House Price Index
Pay to stay: consultation is first step to ghettoisation
19 June, 2012
Housing minister Grant Shapps plans to make social housing part of the welfare and benefits system - qualify or you're out
Law could be rewritten to enforce pay to stay
18 June, 2012
The government is prepared to change the law to force high-earning tenants to pay more rent, the housing minister has said
The growing financial plight of social housing tenants
15 June, 2012
Article around research carried out by by the Human City Institute
What's in it for me? - Using the benefits of energy efficiency to overcome the barriers
15 June, 2012
Consumer Focus research into innovative ways to engage people in energy efficiency
Households Below Average Income
14 June, 2012
The latest national statistics on Households Below Average Income produced by the Department for Work and Pensions
Ending child poverty by 2020 - Progress made and lessons learnt
12 June, 2012
Child poverty gains at risk, says Child Poverty Action Group study
Grant Shapps welcomes 'dramatic' increase in affordable homes
12 June, 2012
New figures show that affordable housing starts in the 6 month period to March 2012 were up by nearly 15,000
Green deal changes to benefit low-income homes
12 June, 2012
The government has changed its flagship retrofit programme to allow an extra 100,000 low-income households a year to receive energy efficiency works
Universal Credit will support young people in work
11 June, 2012
Young people will receive greater incentives to get into work under Universal Credit, Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud has said
Is there a proven link between housing and happiness?
07 June, 2012
Academic research in the UK has failed to analyse whether housing makes a difference, but international studies suggest it is essential
LGA report: Housing needs infrastructure
07 June, 2012
Ensuring new housing development comes with roads, schools and parks is vital to tackling the housing crisis and overcoming public opposition
Benefits cap Calculator
07 June, 2012
There is now an online benefits cap calculator on the DirectGov website, where you can test how the benefits cap might affect you
Threefold rise in families being housed in B&Bs;
06 June, 2012
Councils say cap on benefits makes other options for homeless unaffordable, especially in London
Pensioners miss out on thousands of pounds
06 June, 2012
Millions of pensioners are missing out on almost £1,000 a year by failing to claim state benefits to which they are entitled
Are we becoming a nation of mummy's boys and daddy's girls?
01 June, 2012
The number of young adults living with their parents has risen by a fifth in fourteen years - Guardian news report
Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012
31 May, 2012
Consultation closing date 26 July 2012
Charities reduce staff and services as cutbacks bite
29 May, 2012
The vast majority of charities are reducing services and staff due to government cutbacks, a report has found
Is it time to set up a specialist housing court system?
29 May, 2012
Delays cost homeowners money and encourage landlords to take the law into their own hands - A new court could help
Creasy hits out as Government opts for 'self-regulation' of payday loans industry
28 May, 2012
Labour MP Stella Creasy has expressed her disappointment at the Government's "repeated failure" to tackle the problems caused by high cost loans
Social landlord explores Green Deal provider status
28 May, 2012
Another social landlord is exploring registering as a provider under the Government's Green Deal
Woman jailed for benefit fraud after using false name to get council house
28 May, 2012
A woman has been jailed for 16 months for defrauding Southwark Council of more than £34k in benefits
A guide to Income Support
28 May, 2012
A guide for professional and voluntary advisers and others who want to know more about Income Support
Housing association offers vulnerable tenants financial advice
25 May, 2012
Riverside Housing Association is piloting a free money advice service for its tenants
Local guidelines for retrofit must not be a planning afterthought
24 May, 2012
If the Green Deal is to be successful, streets of UK homes will need to be 'overcoated' with external thermal insulation
Council suspends Right-to-Buy for 10 years to 'safeguard stock'
24 May, 2012
Aberdeen City Council has agreed plans to suspend the Right-to-Buy in 50 letting areas of the city for a period of 10 years
Going Back To Basics With Bank Accounts
24 May, 2012
South Tyneside Homes is looking to help council tenants manage their money by linking up with two high-street financial service providers
Council suspends Right-to-Buy for 10 years to 'safeguard stock'
23 May, 2012
Aberdeen City Council has agreed plans to suspend the Right-to-Buy in 50 letting areas of the city for a period of 10 years
Shapps helps to defeat 'payday loans' cap
23 May, 2012
Grant Shapps has helped defeat an amendment to the Financial Services Bill that would have capped the total costs that can be charged for 'payday loans'
Window cleaner benefit cheat Thomas Kenny jailed
23 May, 2012
A Bootle man who was caught on camera working as a window cleaner while claiming disability benefits has been jailed for a £33,000 benefit fraud
Swifter justice for 'neighbours from hell'
23 May, 2012
Nightmare tenants whose persistent antisocial behaviour causes misery and fear for their local communities will face swifter justice
Wage incentive for young disabled people
23 May, 2012
A new wage incentive scheme to encourage employers to give young disabled people further work opportunities has been announced
Church Urban Fund finds 'poorest' in north-west England
22 May, 2012
Nine out of ten of the poorest areas in England are in the North West, a church charity has said
Creasy seeks cross-party support for payday loans cap
22 May, 2012
Labour's Stella Creasey is calling for a cap on the total costs that can be charged for "payday loans"
Cornwall social housing tenants get £4m fuel poverty boost
22 May, 2012
A £4 million initiative could lift hundreds of Cornwall's social housing tenants out of fuel poverty
New Which? research exposes payday loan failings
18 May, 2012
Struggling consumers in payday loan debt trap
Private rents rise again
18 May, 2012
Private rents in England and Wales rose by 0.5% in April, according to letting agency group LSL Property Services
Birmingham food bank helping mums-to-be
18 May, 2012
The news has been full of stories about the growth of food banks, but what is it like to be pregnant and hungry
Wounded heroes beat MoD in benefits battle
18 May, 2012
Wounded war heroes are to keep their disability benefits for life after the PM stepped in to halt a bid to cut them
House Building: March Quarter 2012, England
17 May, 2012
The latest statistics report on the period January to March 2012
Positive steps in improving labour market
16 May, 2012
DWP Statement on new figures published by the Office for National Statistics
Revamped Right to Buy to deliver thousands of new homes
15 May, 2012
Details of how thousands of new affordable homes will be built using cash from the Government's reinvigorated Right to Buy scheme are unveiled
Council severs link between homelessness applications and social tenancies
14 May, 2012
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is to sever the link between a homelessness application and a social housing tenancy as it overhauls allocations policy
Couples on more than £40,000 'will not be entitled to council home'
14 May, 2012
Couples who are paid more than £40,000 a year will not be entitled to council homes under plans being drawn up by Hammersmith and Fulham
Landlords sceptical about green deal
11 May, 2012
Social landlords believe the government's flagship retrofit scheme will be unpopular with their tenants
Housing providers' approaches to tackling worklessness
10 May, 2012
HACT and Inclusion report outlining how housing providers can increase the impact of employment and skills programmes aimed at getting residents into work
Nearly 10,000 repossessions in 3 months but CML says it may 'revise down' 2012 forecast
10 May, 2012
There were nearly 10,000 repossessions in the first quarter of this year - according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders
An intergenerational solution to the housing quagmire
10 May, 2012
Rather than pitching generation against generation, a more international approach could help young and old alike
Repossessions by local authority - visualised and listed
10 May, 2012
The number of repossessions has remained steady in the first quarter of 2012. These are the latest figures for each court and local authority in England and Wales
Alliance Homes sets up free solar scheme
03 May, 2012
A housing association is helping cash-poor social landlords defy cuts to government subsidies by installing solar panels with no upfront cost
Community groups could get extra green deal cash
03 May, 2012
Groups of tenants who sign up for work to improve the energy efficiency of their homes could get cash payments from the government
Tory borough plans to move homeless away from London
03 May, 2012
Anyone claiming to be homeless will be offered accommodation 'potentially outside' Hammersmith & Fulham
Disabled jobless to miss out on Clegg help
03 May, 2012
Subsidies for taking on unemployed youths do not extend to a programme for the disabled
Homeless face losing council housing guarantee
03 May, 2012
A flagship Conservative council in London would no longer automatically guarantee social housing to homeless applicants under new plans
Royal Assent for Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill
02 May, 2012
Legal Aid Bill receives Royal Assent
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland 2012
02 May, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Politicians' negative perceptions of payday loans 'not shared by customers' - research
01 May, 2012
The Consumer Finance Association (CFA) believes policy-makers 'misunderstand' the value of payday loans to the people who use them - following major research
How repossessions reveal the hidden truth about modern housing
01 May, 2012
Mortgage lenders fail to support homeowners when they get into difficulty, pushing to take back the keys far too soon
Housing association's guide to Work Programme success
30 April, 2012
The Government's £5bn Work Programme has received mixed reviews from the housing associations and charities involved, but Bromford Housing Group believes it can be a success
Government's pledge on child maintenance arrears as new figures show thousands of CSA parents owe 5-figure sums
27 April, 2012
The Minister in charge of the child maintenance system has promised intensive action against irresponsible parents who have failed to support their children
The role of aspirations, attitudes and behaviour in closing the educational attainment gap
26 April, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Legal aid cuts threaten thousands of children
25 April, 2012
Campaigners have warned thousands of children could be hit by restrictions on legal aid in housing cases
Help to get boxed-in generation up the property ladder
24 April, 2012
Minister pledges to help those growing out of their properties
Back to the future? Race, housing and a changing society
20 April, 2012
Thatcherism sparked a wave of BME housing organisations with millions invested in supporting communities. What went wrong?
Grayling: Labour market showing more signs of stability but we still have challenges ahead
19 April, 2012
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics show another rise in employment, up 53,000 to 29.172m
Downing Street hosting the self-build boom
19 April, 2012
A package of new support to give as many people as possible the opportunity to build their own homes has been announced
Birthright to social housing allocation fosters little support among public
19 April, 2012
Local links and community involvement are considered more important in housing allocation than nationality
Housing charity closure sparks homelessness fears
18 April, 2012
A housing charity which found accommodation for tenants in "severe need" has been put into liquidation sparking fears dozens of people could be left homeless
What does the right-to-buy scheme mean for LSVT landlords?
17 April, 2012
After deducting costs and the sharing agreement, some will be left with well below 30% of the cost of building a new home
Household incomes' biggest drop in 15 years as family finance squeeze goes on
17 April, 2012
Household incomes saw their biggest drop in 15 years in 2011 as the squeeze on family finances increased
Housing crisis will force our kids out of London, say parents
17 April, 2012
New poll reveals - London parents fear their children won't be able to live in the capital in future due to its severe lack of affordable housing
Women still hit hardest by job losses, with 4,000 more unemployed
17 April, 2012
Women continue to be harder hit by job losses, with an extra 4,000 out of work in the three months
New research reveals true benefits of work experience
17 April, 2012
Young people taking part in a Government-backed work experience placement are more likely to get off benefits and into work, according to research
Housing affordability for keyworkers improves
16 April, 2012
Housing affordability for key public sector workers has greatly improved in the last few years with 41% of towns now affordable compared to just 3% in 2007
How long before a housing association quits the Work Programme?
13 April, 2012
One of the coalition's flagship policies designed to reduce benefit dependency - but the £5bn Work Programme has been dogged by bad headlines
Council faces tenancy agreements court threat
13 April, 2012
Tenants are planning to take Hackney Council to the High Court in a bid to halt changes to their tenancy agreements
Homeless figure doubts
13 April, 2012
The head of Shelter in Scotland has said official homelessness figures for the country misrepresent the true scale of the problem
Young homeless underestimated by Britons, says survey
12 April, 2012
The level of young homelessness in the UK is underestimated by over two-thirds (68%) of Britons, a survey suggests
Why government guidance on allocations is 'wholly inadequate'
12 April, 2012
New code on the allocation of social housing is a wasted opportunity to support local authorities to make crucial choices
Government appoints George Clarke as empty homes adviser
11 April, 2012
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke is to be an independent adviser to the Government to help bring thousands of empty homes back into use
Families put 'under pressure' by rising cost of living
10 April, 2012
The spiralling cost of living in Wales is putting 'unbearable pressure' on families struggling to cope with the financial downturn, charities have warned
UK unemployment will get worse before it gets better
10 April, 2012
Everyone knows it's tough to get a job right now. But it's going to get worse before it gets better. That’s the judgement of the Office for Budget Responsibility
Collecting and sharing credit reference information: The impact on energy consumer behaviour
05 April, 2012
Consumer Focus report
Kicking out youth deprivation
05 April, 2012
The UK is one of the world's most developed economies but nearly 4m children are living in poverty, what can be done to improve their life chances?
Homelessness: 'We're entering a very nasty period'
05 April, 2012
The country is entering a "very nasty period" as homelessness soars to levels "unseen for 25 years", Big Issue founder John Bird has warned
Council urged to keep social rents and tenancies
04 April, 2012
A local authority has been told to maintain a commitment to socially rented homes and security of tenure by a commission it set up to assess housing issues
Revamped Right to Buy is chance of a lifetime for tenants
03 April, 2012
A new generation of social tenants have been handed the keys to homeownership, as the government launch a reinvigorated Right to Buy
Youth Contract
03 April, 2012
The Youth Contract will provide new opportunities for 18-24 years olds, including apprenticeships and voluntary work experience placements
House prices rise for first time in 20 months
02 April, 2012
Increased demand and a scarcity of housing for sale were behind the first monthly rise in house prices for 20 months, according to property analysts Hometrack
And the UK's most affordable city is...
02 April, 2012
Salford has been found to be the UK's most affordable city, new research shows
Tory councils making biggest cuts to SP services
30 March, 2012
More than half of the councils making the biggest cuts to services for vulnerable people are Conservative-run, despite the government urging local authorities to maintain budgets
Tenants banned from moving if home is damaged
30 March, 2012
A local authority is cracking down on tenants who trash their council homes before moving on to a new one by forcing them to pay before they leave
Homeless charities warn cuts are pushing up number of rough sleepers
29 March, 2012
Early signs of homeless crisis emerge as result of cuts to housing services and specialist support, report says
Homelessness crisis looms as cuts bite - survey
28 March, 2012
A combination of rising demand and funding cuts is pushing the country into a homelessness crisis, new research by Homeless Link reveals
National Planning Policy Framework 'weakens' definition of affordable housing
28 March, 2012
Shelter says it's "extremely disappointed" that the revised National Planning Policy Framework has "weakened" the definition of affordable housing
National Planning Policy Framework
27 March, 2012
New planning framework that supports growth, helps creates homes and jobs and puts unprecedented power into the hands of communities has now been published
Services cut for 46,000 vulnerable people
26 March, 2012
Over 46,000 vulnerable people have had care services scrapped/scaled back after council budget cuts terminated hundreds of support contracts
Budget 2012 briefing
26 March, 2012
Comprehensive Budget briefing for housing associations which summarises all the Budget announcements and changes relevant to the housing sector
Real-terms council tax cut
23 March, 2012
Residents will get more help with their cost of living from the real terms council tax cut delivered by Governments freeze grant deal
Distributional impact of tax and welfare changes on households
22 March, 2012
This is a summary of the impact on households of personal tax changes, tax credits, benefits and indirect tax changes being implemented in 2013-14
Peer withdraws attempt to change squatting law
22 March, 2012
A peer has withdrawn amendments to a bill which seeks to ban squatting after assurances were given that they could be brought back at a later stage of the debate
Croydon's homeless reject housing offer in Manchester and Walsall
21 March, 2012
Homeless families in the London borough of Croydon have rejected the council's offer to move them into temporary accommodation in the North of England
How you can support the Youth Contract and get Britain's young people into work (Great Britain)
21 March, 2012
DWP employer factsheet
Charities hit by funding switch to business
21 March, 2012
When it comes to government grants, the voluntary sector must take its place in line behind businesses, railway companies and housing associations
Houses see 'biggest price bounce for eight years'
20 March, 2012
Average asking prices for houses rose by 1.6% this month - and are seeing their strongest start to the year since 2004, according to Rightmove
Government urges councils not to slash spending on Supporting People
20 March, 2012
Councils must 'invest to save' and protect their most disadvantaged residents, Housing Minister Grant Shapps has said
Fear of repossession hitting families
19 March, 2012
A homelessness charity has revealed that the fear of repossession is gripping households as more than one family a day has been coming to it asking for help
Squatting law reforms 'could cost taxpayers £790m over five years'
19 March, 2012
Extension of squatting law could cost 20 times official estimates and wipe out legal aid budget savings, campaigners warn
Energy Efficiency Changes for Landlords
16 March, 2012
Landlords are being reminded about changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) which will affect rental properties in the UK
Housing benefit recipients near 5 million
15 March, 2012
The number of housing benefit claimants has risen to almost 5 million, according to the latest figures
Social Justice
14 March, 2012
Government strategy for Social Justice aims to give individuals and families facing multiple disadvantages the support and tools they need
Number of people living in B&Bs; increases by 26%
14 March, 2012
The number of people in London living in bed and breakfast accommodation increased by 26% last year
Two year sentence for false passport fraudster
13 March, 2012
A benefit fraudster has been sentenced to two years in jail after using a fake French passport to claim £100,000 in payments
Housing's critical role in improving health
12 March, 2012
Housing associations can play a major part in reducing the human and financial impact of illness and poor health
'Right to buy' discount could be increased for tenants
12 March, 2012
Social housing tenants could be offered discounts of up to £75,000 under plans to increase the numbers exercising the "right to buy" their home in England
Unlocking aspiration for a new generation of home buyers
12 March, 2012
Details of two ambitious schemes that will get Britain building thousands of new homes, has been unveiled by the Government
Street homelessness rises by 23%
12 March, 2012
Latest Government statistics have shown a rise of 23% in street homelessness in England, between autumn 2025 and autumn 2011
Homelessness figures show near 40% spike in B&B; use
09 March, 2012
The number of homeless households put into bed and breakfast (B&B;) hotels has risen from 2,210 to 3,170 in 2011, a 37% increase
Rise of 11% in homeless in Wales seeking council help
09 March, 2012
More than 15,000 people sought council help for being homeless in Wales during 2011, up 11% on the previous year, figures obtained by BBC Wales show
Safety net of support working to protect thousands at risk
09 March, 2012
Grant Shapps said new figures, showing a 14% increase in the number of households accepted for homelessness help, underlined that people were still suffering from the legacy of a debt-laden economy
Direct payments: are rent arrears set to rocket?
08 March, 2012
Nearly a decade ago, L&Q; trialled paying housing benefit directly to social tenants with disastrous results. The group’s rent arrears nearly doubled
London's housing crisis demands more than a mansion tax
08 March, 2012
The next mayor will receive new powers in relation to London's housing policy - it's a chance that must be taken
MPs demand tighter rules for payday loan firms
08 March, 2012
MPs have called for tougher regulation of companies that issue short term 'payday' loans
Government to support thousands more disabled people into mainstream employment
08 March, 2012
Disability employment services should be focused on disabled people themselves, rather than institutions, so they can access mainstream jobs
Statutory Homelessness: October - December Quarter 2011, England
08 March, 2012
The latest National Statistics on Statutory Homelessness for October to December 2011, England
Local authorities block offenders' access to housing
07 March, 2012
Ex-offenders face significant barriers from local authorities when they are trying to secure accommodation, according to research
Westminster council's two-year tenancy bid 'to tackle youth unemployment'
07 March, 2012
Westminster City Council is to offer 2 year social housing tenancies to young people in work or embarking on higher education/training
Wrexham homeless inquiries soar to record level
07 March, 2012
A record number of people are contacting Wrexham council for advice on homelessness
Payment by results model to tackle rough sleeping
07 March, 2012
The government is introducing a 'payment by results' funding model for charities working to get rough sleepers off the streets of London
Up to 90% of tenancy frauds go undetected - research
06 March, 2012
Up to 90 % of all tenancy fraud cases are going undetected while nearly 3/4 of all UK LAs did not uncover a single case of housing fraud in 2011
Youth homelessness: Falling through the net?
06 March, 2012
Life for Britain's younger generation doesn't seem to be getting easier, young people now face an additional problem - of ending up on the streets
"Apprenticeships in the home" for tenants
06 March, 2012
Grant Shapps has offered wannabe decorators and carpenters the opportunity to become "an apprentice in the home" & get paid to hone their skills
Government launches employment support for prisoners
06 March, 2012
The Government is launching a major overhaul of the employment support prisoners receive when they leave jail
Fuel poverty to rise by 38% despite green deal
05 March, 2012
The number of fuel poor households living in English social housing is expected to soar by 38% by 2016 despite the gov's energy efficiency policies
First cash for neglected neighbourhoods to bring empty homes back into use
05 March, 2012
The first cash payments to tackle the scourge of empty homes has been announced
Free transport may go to 'offset welfare reform'
02 March, 2012
Free transport for better off pensioners may have to be withdrawn to help offset the impact of welfare reform in NI, according to minister
Highly Charged - Landlords urged to be more open with leaseholders
02 March, 2012
London Assembly's planning and housing committee report
Guidance for landlords
01 March, 2012
Electrical Safety Council (ESC) guidance for landlords outlines the simple steps landlords can take to ensure the electrical safety of their properties
Warning over right to buy risk
01 March, 2012
A high proportion of homeowners who were bailed out by the government's mortgage rescue scheme in the north of England bought their homes under the right to buy
Why retirement villages are building in popularity
29 February, 2012
Retirement communities can be an attractive option for older people. But does the model work as well for those with disabilities?
London council to deliver 'UK's first privately funded social housing scheme'
29 February, 2012
Barking and Dagenham LB has secured private funding to build nearly 500 homes for people on its waiting list
Immigrants housed in back garden squalor plead for deportation
29 February, 2012
Illegal immigrants being housed at the back of rows of terraced houses in west London are trapped in squalor unable to return home, it has been reported
Ministers drop work experience scheme sanctions
29 February, 2012
Ministers have dropped the threat of sanctions for unemployed youngsters on a controversial work experience scheme
Study finds green deal will not address fuel poverty
28 February, 2012
Fuel poverty in the UK is set to increase by 40 per cent by 2016 despite the introduction of government energy efficiency schemes, according to research
How to swap homes with another housing association
28 February, 2012
In February, Metropolitan and A2Dominian swapped almost 800 properties, raising a host of potential problems
Council to underwrite deposits for first time buyers with £2m fund
27 February, 2012
Leeds City Council is joining a scheme to help first-time buyers secure mortgages
Married soldiers 'face losing homes'
27 February, 2012
Married soldiers living in Army accommodation could lose their homes under proposals being considered by the Ministry of Defence, it has been reported
Andrew Stunell offers £100m boost to breathe life back into empty homes
27 February, 2012
Neighbourhoods suffering the blight of empty homes could benefit from a £100m boost to bring properties back into use and provide stable homes for families in need
Regulation and enforcement to tackle forced labour in the UK: a systematic response?
27 February, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Homeless Link calls for councils to stop cuts
24 February, 2012
Councils must stop slashing homelessness services and instead invest more in prevention, Homeless Link demands
Number of rough sleepers in England rises by a fifth
24 February, 2012
Charities warn homelessness will rise further as local authority and housing benefit cuts take effect
Six-month curfew for legal assistant who cheated on benefits
24 February, 2012
A London legal assistant has been sentenced to a six-month curfew order and will have to repay over £7,000 following a prosecution for housing benefits fraud
Concern for homeless living under M4 flyover
24 February, 2012
Hounslow LB has urged the Indian High Commission to work in partnership with the council to help around 50 homeless people living under the M4 flyover
A4e chief Emma Harrison steps down from Government role
24 February, 2012
Entrepreneur Emma Harrison has stepped down from her Gov role as a "family champion" following a fraud investigation at her welfare-to-work company A4e
Over half of London's rough sleepers now non-UK nationals
24 February, 2012
The latest statistics for England shows the number of people sleeping rough increased by 23 per cent since last year
OFT launches review into payday lending
24 February, 2012
The OFT has launched an extensive review of the payday lending sector
Shared home scheme for former homeless
24 February, 2012
A homelessness charity in London has set up a housing project to help people affected by housing benefit reforms
Charity helps students get hands-on to increase their chance of finding work
23 February, 2012
A charity is looking to increase its numbers of volunteers to help students in Birmingham have a better chance of finding employment
Rough Sleeping England - Autumn 2011
23 February, 2012
The Rough Sleeping Statistics England - Autumn 2011 statistical release
Rough sleeping up 23% in a year
23 February, 2012
The Rough Sleeping Statistics England - Autumn 2011 figures show there were 2,181 rough sleepers in Autumn, up 413 from the same time last year
Dec 2011 Welsh Index
23 February, 2012
Welsh house prices rise by 0.3% in December. Wales is the only region in Great Britain other than London where prices have increased annually
How can local government build sustainable urban neighbourhoods?
22 February, 2012
This Joseph Rowntree report presents ideas drawn from research and case studies on how to develop sustainable new communities
UK house prices slumped by 24% since 2007 - Halifax
21 February, 2012
Average house prices in the UK have fallen by 24% since 2007 and the beginning of the economic downturn, new research by Halifax reveals.
A revolution in affordable housing
21 February, 2012
A US housing concept has helped people to buy cheap homes. An east London scheme aims to replicate it
DWP urged to drop A4e following fraud probe
21 February, 2012
MPs are calling on the government to consider suspending all contracts with back-to-work firm A4e following a fraud investigation
Landlord's fraud team recovers 20 homes in subletting crackdown
20 February, 2012
A social landlord's fraud team has recovered 20 properties in its first year of operation, saving taxpayers more than £360,000 a year
Securing good housing standards for migrants
20 February, 2012
John Perry, Policy Adviser at the CIH and author of the report, calls on Gov to ensure good standards are available to all private rented sector tenants
'Funding' and 'status' holding landlords back from tackling subletting
20 February, 2012
The Government has announced plans to get tough on tenants subletting their social or council home
Council offers up free land to landlord in new homes bid
17 February, 2012
A West Midlands council is offering up some of its land at no cost to a housing association in a bid to deliver affordable homes in the region
Council in bid to boost first-time buyer numbers
17 February, 2012
A council is to discuss proposals to give first time buyers a discount on their deposits in a bid to boost its flailing housing market
London borough to give all army veterans priority for council housing
17 February, 2012
Southwark Council has announced plans to give all army veterans greater priority for council housing
Digital services - getting people online
17 February, 2012
DWP online services which put the customer in greater control of their job search and benefit activity
Lords tempted by bid to decriminalise squatting in long-term empty homes
16 February, 2012
Proposals by a Lib Dem peer to decriminalise squatting in homes that have stayed empty for more than 6 months are likely to gain support in House of Lords
Woman's £100,000 benefit fraud 'largest council has ever uncovered'
16 February, 2012
A Merton woman has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently claiming over £100,000 in benefits
London borough detects '8,000 fraudulent council tax claims'
16 February, 2012
A London borough has saved more than £2 million after it uncovered 8,000 incorrect claims for council tax discounts
Record number of lodgers as families look for extra cash
15 February, 2012
January 2012 saw the highest ever number of homeowners renting out spare rooms as thousands of families look for alternative incomes, new figures reveals
UK unemployment jumps to 2.67 million
15 February, 2012
UK unemployment jumped by 48,000 in the quarter to December reaching a jobless rate of 8.4 per cent, the worst figure since the end of 1995
Overwhelming demand to Get Britain Building
15 February, 2012
A Government scheme to get builders back on stalled sites and work restarted on homes has had an overwhelming response and is three times oversubscribed
Unemployment set to soar in 2012 as private sector plans redundancies
13 February, 2012
Unemployment in the UK could reach 2.85m by the end of 2012 as the jobs market faces its most difficult quarter since the recession, CIPD warns
New Westminster council leader urged to tackle '800 families in B&Bs;'
13 February, 2012
The future leader of Westminster City Council has been urged to cut the number of families languishing in temporary accommodation, often B&Bs;
Tax credit change could cost families £4k a year
13 February, 2012
Low income families with parents in part-time work could lose nearly £4,000 per year because of a change in tax credits, according to Labour Party
Oxford's emergency housing bill quadruples
13 February, 2012
More than £65,000 was spent by Oxford City Council putting people in emergency accommodation such as hotels in 2011
When shared ownership goes sour
13 February, 2012
Shared ownership is sold as the answer for those desperate for a foot on the housing ladder. But, as one London couple found, it can become a trap if circumstances change
Fuel Poverty Awareness
10 February, 2012
More than seven million households in the UK are currently estimated to be living in fuel poverty according to the charity National Energy Action
Rough sleeping figures rocket across England
10 February, 2012
Significant numbers of councils saw their rough sleeping figures rise by more than 100 per cent last year
Landlord fined for renting unsafe property
08 February, 2012
A landlord who flouted fire safety rules while renting out an unlicensed home has been fined following an investigation by housing officers
Hostels under threat as council reviews funding
07 February, 2012
A homelessness hostel in Leeds is to close after the council cut its funding as part of a move to increase the use of self-contained accommodation
Disabled people experiencing 'benefit scrounger' abuse
07 February, 2012
The government's focus on alleged fraud and overclaiming to justify cuts in disability benefits has caused an increase in resentment and abuse directed at disabled people
Subletting in some London boroughs 'as high as 10% of tenancies'
07 February, 2012
Subletting in some London boroughs is as high as 10% of tenancies according to credit experts Experian
London councillor who sublet her social home gets prison sentence
07 February, 2012
An east London councillor faces the sack after being sentenced to 16 weeks in jail for housing benefit fraud
Jail for benefits cheat who falsely claimed £60,000
07 February, 2012
A London woman who falsely claimed more than £60,000 of benefits has been jailed for nine months
Gloucestershire Nightstop warns homeless numbers will rise under proposed housing benefit cap
07 February, 2012
A Gloucestershire charity has warned that more people will become homeless because of government plans to cap housing benefit
Volunteers to get new skills with contractor deal
07 February, 2012
A training programme has been set up to provide users of a supported living scheme with new skills to find work and live independently
Tenants face ASB check for social housing allocations
06 February, 2012
Previous convictions of ASB will be taken into account in the allocation of social housing if new proposals from the Scottish Government go ahead
Tower Hamlets Councillor Shelina Akhtar sacked for benefit fraud
06 February, 2012
An east London councillor has been sacked after being jailed for 16 weeks for benefit fraud
Enterprise Clubs - support for self-employment
03 February, 2012
This is a Great Britain wide initiative targeted at unemployed people interested in self-employment
Shapps: housing is central to economic recovery
01 February, 2012
The housing minister has told councils and housing associations that building new homes will be central to improving the country's economy
Housing Update
01 February, 2012
Statement by the Minister for Housing Grants Shapps about the Government's action on housing, following publication of the Housing Strategy in Nov 2011
Buying home 16% cheaper than renting - Halifax
31 January, 2012
Buying a three-bedroom property in the UK now costs around £100 a month more than renting, new research by Halifax reveals
Homelessness 'rose 25% in England over past three years'
31 January, 2012
The number of households declared in need of emergency accommodation in England rose by about 25% over the past three years, new figures suggest
Top 10 tips Toolkit - Added Value Marketing
30 January, 2012
Marketing top tips for housing organisations from the Word Association
Rotherham families offered food fund
21 January, 2012
Struggling families in South Yorkshire are being offered help with their food bills through Christmas in a bid to stop people borrowing from loan sharks
Housing association chiefs debate Right to Buy extension
19 January, 2012
Calls to extend the Right to Buy to all housing association tenants have been greeted with a mixed response
UK unemployment rises by 118,000 to 2.68 million
18 January, 2012
UK unemployment rose by 118,000 to 2.68 million in the three months to November 2011 - the highest level for 17 years, according to official figures
Historic powers in the Localism Act pass down to communities
18 January, 2012
The Localism Act, takes power from central government and hands it back to local authorities and communities
Wandsworth Council joins fight against loan sharks
16 January, 2012
Trading standards officers at Wandsworth Council have signed up to a partnership designed to crack down on loan sharks operating in the borough
Housing associations get credit union boost
12 January, 2012
Changes to legislation surrounding credit unions will make it easier for housing association tenants to borrow money and use credit services
Child Poverty Map of the UK
10 January, 2012
A new child poverty map by the Campaign to End Child Poverty reveals East London and Manchester have UK's highest levels of child poverty
£20million for safety net against repossession
09 January, 2012
Housing Minister Grant Shapps today announced a new £20million safety net to help ensure that mortgage repossession remains the last resort for struggling homeowners
Councils given the freedom to stop people playing the social housing system
05 January, 2012
Housing minister Grant Shapps has published new allocations guidance to 'put an end to injustice' in social housing.
Allocation of accommodation: Guidance for local housing authorities in England - Consultation
05 January, 2012
CLG consultation on new draft statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England. Consultation closing date 30.3.12
Millions rely on credit to pay for home
04 January, 2012
Almost one million people have taken out a payday loan to help pay their rent or mortgage in the last 12 months, according to new research from Shelter
Shapps to launch crackdown on sublet social housing
03 January, 2012
Council tenants who sublet their homes could face prosecution and potential prison sentences as part of a new year crackdown on abuse of social housing
New deal will help older people live at home for longer
03 January, 2012
CLG have launched a new deal to help older people to continue living comfortably in their own homes
Mansfield Council asks residents: how many homes should we build?
29 December, 2011
Residents in Mansfield are being asked how many new dwellings should be built over the next 20 years up to 2031
Number of first-time buyers 'lowest since 1974'
28 December, 2011
The number of first-time buyers (FTBs) in the UK has plummeted to the lowest annual total since records began in 1974, data from Halifax shows
Reform needed to halt 'lost decade' of housebuilding
28 December, 2011
The UK is at risk of a 'lost decade' of housebuilding unless the development industry is reformed, a think-tank has warned
Unemployment set to rise in 2012, suggests CIPD
28 December, 2011
Unemployment will rise further in 2012, peaking at 2.85m in 2013 from 2.64m currently, says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Woman jailed for £25,000 benefit fraud
23 December, 2011
A Shropshire woman has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after being found guilty of housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud
Revitalised Right to Buy will unleash a new generation of home ownership
22 December, 2011
CLG consultation - closing date 2nd February 2012
RTB might not deliver one-for-one replacement
22 December, 2011
Research claims the government will not be able to deliver on its promise to provide a replacement affordable rent home for every sale under RTB
First-ever fund will offer £20million support for single homeless people
21 December, 2011
CLG have announced a further £20m to provide single people facing homelessness the help they need to get back on their feet
Wales hit by five-year high of homelessness
21 December, 2011
Homelessness in Wales is at a five year high, according to newly released figures
Downturn hits rural homeless harder, says charity
19 December, 2011
A homeless charity is warning that the effects of the economic downturn are being felt more in rural areas than in cities
Rough sleeping scheme gets national roll-out
19 December, 2011
Communities across England are to be handed thousands of pounds today to set up a scheme which pledges to end rough sleeping
Minister urges public to be part of the solution to rough sleeping this Christmas
16 December, 2011
CLG have urged people to help solve rough sleeping this Christmas by calling local hotlines if they see someone sleeping on the pavement
Tenants warned on payday loans as complaints rise
15 December, 2011
Tenants have been warned to seek alternatives to payday loans as a consumer watchdog announced an investigation into short-term lending
Tackling troubled families
15 December, 2011
Plans to radically transform the lives of the country's most troubled families have been announced
labour market shows signs of stabilising
14 December, 2011
The rise in the number claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) shows signs of slowing - up 3,000 this month to 1.6 million
Council cuts: the Manhattanisation of central London
13 December, 2011
Westminster's proposed 'civic contract' foreshadows increasing social inequality in the capital
'Huge interest' for credit unions in Universal Credit roll-out
12 December, 2011
From next month social landlords will be able to choose their credit union provider – whatever their location
Westminster Council plans to amend tenancies with 'civic contracts'
12 December, 2011
Westminster City Council's plans to draw up 'civic contracts' for its residents-calling a social home in the borough a 'privilege and not a right'
CLG welcomes largest year-on-year drop in number of empty homes
08 December, 2011
Families across the country in need of a stable home could benefit from thousands of formerly long term empty homes being made available
Struggling households should seek support
08 December, 2011
CLG advise households faced with the threat of homelessness this Christmas to seek help and advice as soon as they can
British public take dim view of benefit claimants and don't want new housing built
07 December, 2011
Over half the British public believe state benefits are too high and discourage the unemployed from finding jobs, according to a new report
Mortgage support shift a danger, say lenders
07 December, 2011
Lenders have raised concerns about potential changes to the way support is given to those struggling to pay their mortgage
Sustainable income standards: Towards a greener minimum?
07 December, 2011
Are changes towards 'greener' forms of consumption compatible with preserving a minimum acceptable standard of living?
Lifetime Neighbourhoods
06 December, 2011
CLG report which gives practice examples of Lifetime Neighbourhoods ie places designed to be inclusive regardless of age or disability
Employment and skills in the North of England
05 December, 2011
This NEFC paper provides an analysis of some of the key employment and skills challenges facing the economies of the North of England
Sheffield Council spends £21,000 on plea for savings ideas
05 December, 2011
Sheffield Council spent £21,000 on leaflets asking members of the public for ideas about how it can save money
Average house price has risen by 357% in last 25 years - Halifax
02 December, 2011
Houses built before 1919 have seen the largest surge in prices over the past 25 years, according to new research from Halifax
Croydon calls for serious debate on housing after 'moving homeless to Hull' headlines
02 December, 2011
Croydon Council has called for a 'serious debate' on the acute housing crisis facing the borough
Homeless Londoners face move to Hull
01 December, 2011
A London council is considering rehoming people in Yorkshire following a surge of people in emergency accommodation
Local Authority Housing Statistics
01 December, 2011
England: 2025-11: Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix and Business Plan Statistical Appendix
Social housing and benefit services to be hit by national day of strike action
30 November, 2011
Social housing and benefit services are set to be hit by a national day of strike action over Gov plans to make public sector workers work longer
Grant Shapps hails progress towards decent social homes
30 November, 2011
CLG have hailed the rapid and impressive progress that has been made to improve the nation's social housing stock
Rural councils 'need to think outside the box' to deliver homes on the farm
30 November, 2011
Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has called on farmers and rural councils to 'think outside the box' to deliver more affordable housing
A Better Life - what older people with high support needs value
30 November, 2011
Joseph Rowntree report
National Housing Federation response to Chancellor's Autumn Statement
29 November, 2011
The National Housing Federation has attacked the chancellor for ignoring the housing sector in his new infrastructure investment plan
White working-class neighbourhoods: Common themes and policy suggestions
28 November, 2011
Joseph Rowntree report
White working-class views of neighbourhood, cohesion and change
28 November, 2011
Joseph Rowntree report
£1bn scheme will 'provide hope' to young jobless
25 November, 2011
The three-year youth contract scheme will give employers subsidies worth £2,275 to take on 160,000 18-to 24-year-olds for six months
Manchester charity Barnabus says homeless numbers have doubled
25 November, 2011
A Manchester homeless charity has said the number of people seeking help from it has doubled in the past year
Clegg quizzed over benefits freeze to fund new £1bn job contracts
25 November, 2011
Nick Clegg has been quizzed over reports suggesting the Gov's new £1bn package to provide work for the jobless will be funded by a benefits freeze
£71 million to end the legacy of England's Ghost Streets
24 November, 2011
More than £71 million allocated to help families trapped in half-empty and abandoned streets, due to a controversial 2002 regeneration scheme
Tackling worklessness - 'getting the balance right'
23 November, 2011
Wandsworth council has announced it is piloting a scheme that will see new tenants evicted if they don't find work
Sickness absence review
21 November, 2011
DWP review of the sickness absence system in Great Britain in order to help combat the 140 million days lost to sickness absence every year
New Build Indemnity Scheme
21 November, 2011
This will provide a guarantee for up to 100,000 new mortgages at up to 95% loan to value for new build properties in England
Tenant Checks are not an optional extra
18 November, 2011
Landlords are reminded to carry out background checks on potential tenants before letting their properties.
A plain English guide to the Localism Act
18 November, 2011
This document describes the main measures of the Localism Act
UK unemployment increases to 2.62m
17 November, 2011
UK unemployment rose by 129,000 in the three months to September to 2.62 million, as youth unemployment rose above a million
Legal aid in welfare: the tool we can't afford to lose
16 November, 2011
A new report exposes the serious consequences for disabled people if the Government goes ahead with plans to cut Legal Aid
100th UK foodbank launched
11 November, 2011
Foodbanks are opening at an unprecedented rate to meet the high demand for emergency food aid: in 2011
Councils 'lose £7m in false bank account scam'
10 November, 2011
Councils have been conned out of more than £7m by criminals using information put on Council websites under transparency drives
Localism Bill passes through Parliament
08 November, 2011
The government's flagship Localism Bill has completed its passage through Parliament, 18 months after it was unveiled by the coalition
Changing direction: Should social housing be a hand up or hand out?
04 November, 2011
Family Mosaic HA has commissioned independent research with its tenants to look at the challenges a five-year tenancy would present
Rogue landlord housed 21 people in 'unsafe accommodation'
03 November, 2011
Twenty one people have been re-housed by Hackney Council after they were found to be living in unsafe and unauthorised rented accommodation
Public Sector Service Satisfaction Index
02 November, 2011
The public service satisfaction index (PSSI) looks at consumer satisfaction across 23 public services
35,000 face loss of home before Christmas
01 November, 2011
An estimated 35,000 people across Britain face the prospect of losing their homes between now and Christmas according to research by Shelter
House Price Index - September 2011
01 November, 2011
The number of completed house sales in England and Wales decreased by 11% in July compared to the same time last year, new data has revealed
New law to put service families at top of housing queue
31 October, 2011
Councils could be forced by law to put military families at the top of the housing queue under new plans to be announced by ministers within weeks
House prices still falling
31 October, 2011
House prices in England and Wales fell once again in October as the supply of housing continued to outstrip demand in the private sales market
White working-class neighbourhoods: Common themes and policy suggestions
28 October, 2011
Joseph Rowntree report
Tenant Services Authority: Letters to housing providers
27 October, 2011
This page links to letters written to the CEX's of housing providers explaining how the changes to social housing regulation will affect them
Nationwide home swaps become 'just a click away'
27 October, 2011
CLG has launched a national scheme allowing social housing tenants wanting to swap their home to see every available property in the country
Majority of Councils admit housing cuts will put vulnerable at risk
27 October, 2011
Almost 88% of Local Authorities admit that cuts to housing support 'will put vulnerable people at risk' according to a new report
Government releases plans to criminalise squatting
26 October, 2011
Justice secretary plans to criminalise squatting and strengthen law of self-defence for those who confront intruders
Tackling fuel poverty during the transition to a low-carbon economy
26 October, 2011
Joseph Rowntree report
Build now or pay later? Funding new housing supply
25 October, 2011
IPPR briefing paper asks: 'If we are to increase housing supply, how are we to pay for it?'
Ministers urged to define affordable housing
25 October, 2011
Campaigners have called on the government to strengthen the definition of affordable housing in planning reform
Grant Shapps calls on social landlords to help their tenants reduce energy bills
24 October, 2011
CLG have called on social landlords to help their tenants by taking steps that could save each tenant up to £500 a year on energy bills
Money towards winter fuel bills
21 October, 2011
Winter Fuel Payments are paid depending on people's circumstances in a qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2011/12 is 19-25 Sep 2011
Shelter launches online teaching resource
21 October, 2011
Shelter and Nationwide, has created a series of new, online resources which are available for secondary school teachers of Key Stage 4
Call for 30 year mortgages
20 October, 2011
CLG have called on lenders to consider offering more longer-term fixed mortgages of as much as 30 years
Hoarding of Housing: The intergenerational crisis in the Housing Market
19 October, 2011
The Intergenerational Foundation report 'Hoarding of Housing' highlights how much of Britain's housing is "unused" despite the housing shortage
Hills Fuel Poverty Review
19 October, 2011
Professor Hills' interim report of his independent review of fuel poverty
On the record - Energy suppliers and credit reference information
15 October, 2011
Consumer Focus report which identifies concerns about some of the potential unintended impacts from increased use of credit reference information
New Troubled Families Team
12 October, 2011
Louise Casey is appointed as the Head of the New Troubled Families Team
Grayling: unemployment rises as Government announces more support for young people
12 October, 2011
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics show a rise in unemployment of 114,000 to 2.56 million
Child and working-age poverty
11 October, 2011
Universal Credit not enough to prevent a decade of rising poverty - report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies
Housing benefit consultant jailed for murder
10 October, 2011
John Zebedee was known throughout the housing sector as one of the authors of the annual 'Guide to housing benefit and council tax benefit'
Social housing in central London 'a privilege, not a right'
07 October, 2011
Westminster's cabinet member for housing has defended the council's plans to give workers and job searchers extra points in the allocations criteria
Welcome rise in affordable housing
06 October, 2011
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has welcomed new figures showing the largest increase in the supply of affordable homes since the mid-1990s
Investing in housing despite UK cuts
06 October, 2011
Targeted capital investment to boost the number of affordable homes in Scotland, protect jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Government on track to provide land for 100,000 new homes
05 October, 2011
Government plans to release formerly-used public land with enough capacity to build up to 100,000 new homes by 2015
Affordable Housing Supply, England, 2025-2011
05 October, 2011
The latest statistics on gross affordable housing supply in England
The influence of parents, places and poverty on educational attitudes and aspirations
04 October, 2011
Joseph Rowntree report
Right to Buy
03 October, 2011
Government to restore attractive discounts for tenants to buy council homes. This doesn't include RSL tenants with the Right to Acquire
Council tax freeze
03 October, 2011
The Government has set aside an extra £805 million to help freeze next years Council Tax bills
Iain Duncan Smith: No to EU 'benefit tourists'
03 October, 2011
Iain Duncan Smith has spoken out about 'benefit tourists' during the Conservative party conference in Manchester
Squatting: a homelessness issue
03 October, 2011
Report commissioned by Crisis and other organisations
Youth unemployment - A million reasons to act?
01 October, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) report
Making Ends Meet
29 September, 2011
Research findings on low-income consumer experiences of using a range of financial management products and services
Supporting independence?
29 September, 2011
Evaluation of the teenage parent supported housing pilot
Minister launches Gypsy and Traveller Framework
29 September, 2011
How the Welsh Government will ensure Gypsy and Traveller communities have fair and equal access to key priorities including accommodation
Real time data matching
29 September, 2011
Audit Commission - placing greater emphasis on fraud prevention
Social housing and benefits system 'should reward the right people'
27 September, 2011
At the Labour Party Conference Ed Miliband has said the current welfare system needed 'fixing' as it wasn't delivering the right results
State of housing in England's 10 biggest cities
26 September, 2011
Shelter and Places for People carried out a housing health check with nearly 3,000 residents from across England. 24dash.com news report
Social Housing sector responding effectively to testing economic climate
22 September, 2011
The social housing sector continues to manage difficult economic conditions effectively according to a Social Housing Regulator report
Plans to strip tenants of direct ombudsman access to be watered down
22 September, 2011
Plans to strip tenants of their right to complain directly to the Housing Ombudsman about a social landlord look set to be watered down
More power for communities to bring empty homes back into use
20 September, 2011
Community groups will be able to apply for Government cash to bring empty homes that blight neighbourhoods back into use
Social Housing Sales, England, 2025-11
20 September, 2011
The latest statistics on social housing sales in England in 2025-11
House Price Index - July 2011
13 September, 2011
The latest UK house price index statistics produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government
Jobseeker's allowance claimants who don't speak English may lose benefits
13 September, 2011
People claiming jobseeker's allowance who do not learn English will lose some benefits, under plans announced by the prime minister
Cuts in CAB funding leaving thousands with nowhere to turn for help
07 September, 2011
The CAB has published evidence that substantial cuts to funding is leaving thousands of people with nowhere to turn for help
Affordable credit: lessons from abroad
03 September, 2011
We all borrow money at some point and the British propensity to do so is striking in comparison to our European neighbours
More Homes and Better Places
02 September, 2011
Solutions to address the scale of housing need - report by the building and social housing federation (BSHF)
International Union of Tenants opposes eviction of rioters
01 September, 2011
The International Union of Tenants is strongly opposing the collective evictions of rioters’ families in England
Shapps: more powers for communities to choose boats on water alongside bricks and mortar
27 August, 2011
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has urged local authorities not to become landlocked in meeting local housing needs.
UK migration: the leadership role of housing providers
25 August, 2011
Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust report
House Price Index - June 2011
17 August, 2011
The latest UK house price index statistics produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government
UK housing market remains flat
09 August, 2011
Activity in the housing market remained flat during July, with house prices slipping further, according to the July 2011 RICS UK Housing Market survey
Baby boomers put retirement at risk
28 July, 2011
Britain's housing crisis is forcing the baby boomer generation to risk their financial security in old age according to a report by shelter
Reinvent the welfare state with salary insurance?
26 July, 2011
People who lose their jobs could receive up to 70% of previous earnings for up to six months - Guarian news report
Huge energy price hike puts more pressure on cash-strapped consumers
21 July, 2011
Announcement from consumer focus
A £14m fund to empower communities and build safer neighbourhoods
20 July, 2011
Two new funds are being made available to the voluntary sector to empower communities to take action against crime and anti-social behaviour
Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing
19 July, 2011
DWP consultation on proposals to change how HB helps those living in supported housing in the social and voluntary sector with their rent
House Price Index
12 July, 2011
The latest UK house price index statistics produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government
Regional Development Agency land and property to be transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency
06 July, 2011
News announcement from the Homes and Communities Agency
Allowable Solutions for Zero Carbon Homes - towards a workable framework
05 July, 2011
Zero Carbon Hubs proposals for a delivery framework for Allowable Solutions.
Public attitudes to housing in England
05 July, 2011
Report based on the results from the British Social Attitudes survey
Grant Shapps calls for more 'mates mortgages' to help struggling first time buyers
05 July, 2011
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has called on lenders to offer 'mates mortgages' so younger first time buyers can club together and take their first step on the property ladder.
English Housing Survey 2009-10 Household Report
05 July, 2011
The Department for Communities and Local Government have published the English Housing Survey Household Report 2009-10 on Tuesday 5 July 2011.
Eric Pickles warns David Cameron of rise in homeless families risk
04 July, 2011
A leaked letter, from the office of Eric Pickles has warned that welfare reform will make 40,000 more families homeless
Market-pegged social rents & local income distributions
01 July, 2011
Report looks at the interaction of potential new higher rent levels with the total benefit cap proposed by the government
The end of the affair - implications of declining home ownership
21 June, 2011
Report by the Smith Institute
DWP Worklessness Co-design
14 June, 2011
DWP has been working with five Local Authorities to Co-design solutions to local issues of worklessnessin order to address local problems.
Getting in, staying in and getting on:Disability employment support fit for the future
09 June, 2011
An independent review of the Government's specialist disability employment programmes by RADAR, the UK's largest disability campaigning organisation
New Enterprise Allowance
07 June, 2011
Extra help to unemployed people who want to start their own business
Relaxation of planning rules for change of use from commercial to residential
08 April, 2011
CLG Consultation runs from 8.4.11 to 30.6.11
Work, welfare and worklessness: what role for local authorities in a changing landscape?
01 April, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) report
Oxford City Council - Benefits service inspection
24 March, 2011
The benefits service provided by Oxford City Council is 'poor' and has 'uncertain' prospects for improvement.
Making the most of the private rented sector in Wales
22 March, 2011
Ring-fenced fund needed to tackle problem of empty homes
Advice on dealing with squatters in your home
21 March, 2011
This guidance updates the version published on 8 November 2025 22 March 2011
Borough of Broxbourne - Benefits service inspection
24 February, 2011
The Borough of Broxbourne's benefits service has been awarded a 'fair' one-star rating with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Wiltshire Council - Benefits service inspection
17 February, 2011
Wiltshire Council provides a 'fair' one-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
London Borough of Hounslow - Benefits service re-inspection
17 February, 2011
London Borough of Hounslow provides a 'fair' one-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Cornwall Council - Benefits service inspection
17 February, 2011
Cornwall Council provides a 'fair' one-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Wakefield Council - Benefits service inspection
17 February, 2011
Wakefield Council provides a 'good' two-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Central Bedfordshire Council - Benefits service inspection
13 January, 2011
The benefits service provided to customers by Central Bedfordshire Council is 'poor' with 'poor' prospects for improvement.
Redditch Borough Council - Benefits Service re-inspection
06 January, 2011
Redditch Borough Council provides a 'good', two-star benefits service that has 'promising' prospects for improvement.