Welfare Reform on the Web (June 2005): Social Housing - UK

Can you do both?

B. Young

Roof, May/June 2005, p.9

Discusses how the supply of affordable housing can be increased without damaging the environment. This can be done by ensuring that all new dwellings are resource efficient in terms of energy and water use and waste disposal. Resource efficient housing can help low income households by reducing utility bills.

Packed with potential

M. Weaver

Society Guardian, May 18th 2005, p.2-3

Are prefabricated houses the solution to Britain's housing shortage? They cost less to build - and to live in - and take half the time to construct. However, prefabricated homes have their critics. Hank Dittmar, chief executive of Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, says "if the home is 10% cheaper but only lasts 50% as long as a traditional home, it's not really a cost saving".

Statutory code of practice on racial equality in housing, England: consultation draft

Commission for Racial Equality

2005

Updated code of practice sets standards for achieving racial equality in housing and housing-related services. It replaces two existing codes of practice covering rented and non-rented housing published at the beginning of the 1990s. It sets out the legal context and explains what constitutes non-discriminatory practice in sales and lettings, mortgage lending and insurance, tenancy and housing management, tackling anti-social behaviour, and neighbourhood development.

Watch your step

S. Povey

Roof, May/June 2005, p.35

Recent legislation has given local authorities and social landlords new powers to sanction tenants guilty of anti-social behaviour. However, their powers are unclear when the nuisance complained of is linked to a disability.

Why prudential?

R. Staines

Roof, May/June 2005, p.40-41

Cartmarthenshire County Council has rejected arm's length management, PFI and large scale stock transfer in favour of prudential borrowing to improve its housing stock.

Will the new HomeBuy work?

J. Birch

Roof, May/June 2005, p.39

• HomeBuy is a new scheme intended to help key workers, social tenants and other first time buyers purchase a share of a home. There are four main areas of debate:
• Will investment be diverted from the rented programme to fund the building of new homes for shared ownership?
• What will be the impact of the new scheme on housing association finances?
• How will private finance for equity shares work in practice?
• What happens to tenants who can't afford any of the HomeBuy options?