South Derbyshire DC Annual Report

Hightown Praetroian and Churches

Blackpool Coastal Housing annual report 2010

Barchester Annual Report

A mock-up intended to make you think, not to lay down the law

The Governor

The fourth issue of HQN's magazine for boards, executives and leaders

Top architects and housing experts to think up age friendly homes of the future

Top architects and specialists including Sir Richard MacCormac and Professor Anne Power are amongst those recruited to take on the challenge of making sure homes of the future meet the needs of our ageing population

TSA funding to recognise and promote best practice and innovation

A new project to identify and promote best practice by social housing providers in England has been launched by the TSA. HAs, LAs and ALMOs are invited to make bids of up to £9,000 to support the development of agreements between landlords and their tenants to develop 'local deals'

What does excellence look like? Resident involvement

Network briefing by John Wheeldon looking at the attributes of excellent three-star organisations inspected by the Audit Commission in 2007 and 2008. This briefing covers resident involvement

Draft Housing (Scotland) Bill: a commentary

Network briefing by Dave Alexander on the draft Scottish Housing Bill which is the subject of current consultation. The briefing looks at the proposals in detail, and offers a commentary on the consultation questions posed by the Government

Neighbourhood Management

Neighbourhood Management is an approach that enables local communities and service providers to work together at a neighbourhood level to improve services and quality of life

Empowering communities to influence local decision making - A systematic review of the evidence

This study used a robust, replicable method to systematically review the domestic and international evidence base around community empowerment. The aim of the review was to make sense of variable and often competing or contrasting evidence in order to identify which mechanisms empower; in what ways, and in what contexts

Empowering communities to influence local decision making - Evidence-based lessons for policy makers and practitioners

This CLG report draws on a systematic review of community empowerment to provide evidence-based lessons for policy makers and practitioners

Communities Progress Report

In July 2008 the government published the White Paper Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power which aims to pass power into the hands of local communities. This progress report sets out progress made since the publication of the White Paper and provides a timeline for future implementation

Complaints/compliments toolkit

The Network's popular self-assessment toolkit by Gill Stead

Co-regulation: What does the TSA really mean?

Network briefing by Kate Murray finds out from Peter Marsh, Roy Irwin, and chief executives

Hazel Blears: Local people key to unlocking greater savings

Councils must listen to the views of local people to work smarter and make greater efficiency savings, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has announced

Hazel Blears backs 'revolution to recycle' buildings

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has unveiled a series of measures to back a people's revolution to recycle buildings by putting real power in the hands of locals to support communities during the downturn and beyond

Tenants want more involvement in housing management, says new report

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) report Understanding Tenant Involvement explores the attitudes that social housing tenants have towards involvement in housing management and decision making

WeCan! - Spring 2009

Quarterly CLG magazine for people interested in getting involved in and influencing the delivery of services in their local area

Challenge to landlords to give tenants a greater say

Social housing landlords need to focus more on their tenants and involve them in making decisions about services, according to the Chief Executive of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA)

Thousands of tenants prove that it is good to talk

Thousands of tenants are proving that it is good to talk by getting their voices heard in the Tenant Services Authority's (TSA) National Conversation - the largest ever consultation with social housing tenants

TSA calls for housing associations to examine stock to improve services to tenants

Housing associations that streamline the ownership and management arrangements of their homes can improve services to tenants, according to the Tenants Services Authority (TSA)

National Tenant Voice begins to take shape

Plans for the new independent National Tenant Voice (NTV), which will give tenants a say on the housing issues affecting them, have been published and accepted by Ministers

Citizens of Equal Worth: The Project Group's Proposals for the National Tenant Voice - full report

CLG's project group report (Citizens of Equal Worth) makes clear recommendations to government on the role, remit and governance of the National Tenant Voice

National Tenant Voice plans agreed - an update for tenants

This note sets out what has happened since the consultations, how CLG see the NTV being set up and how tenants can find out more and get involved

Citizens of Equal Worth

CLG Executive summary of the Project Group's Proposals for the National Tenant Voice

The potential of migrant and refugee community organisations to influence policy

A Joseph Rowntree report on a partnership set up to test how migrant and refugee community organisations could change policies and practices that are crucial to the lives of their communities

Empowering Birmingham's migrant and refugee community organisations

Joseph Rowntree report which explores how migrant and refugee community organisations (MRCOs) can be supported and trained to collect evidence from their communities that will help influence policy and service provision

Citizenship survey - citizens feel a strong sense of belonging

Communities and Local Government survey

Councils are crucial to getting communities through the downturn

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to councils providing pivotal support to communities through the global economic downturn

Blears - real help for communities in Barnsley

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has begun a series of visits across the country to see first hand how local leaders are making use of devolved powers in responding to pressures facing their communities, explain what government is doing to provide real and practical support and find out how they can further help authorities to get on with the job

Communities in Control: Real people, real power - Government response to the improving local accountability consultation

A summary of responses to the improving local accountability consultation and the government's response to the consultation

County Councils Rising to the Challenge: Community Empowerment at work in our neighbourhoods

Speech by Sadiq Khan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Hazel Blears - Supporting communities to support individuals

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has unveiled measures that will see young people from some of the nation's most deprived areas getting involved in activities that will introduce them to a world beyond their immediate neighbourhoods, involve local communities in efforts to raise their aspirations and aim to break the cycle of deprivation that blights some of our communities

TSA Board member named in the New Year Honours List

TSA board member Dennis Rees has been awarded the OBE for his services to housing in the New Year Honours List

Guidance on building a local sense of belonging

Last year CLG worked with the Citizenship Foundation to publish the Citizens' Day Framework. This guidance is the next step and suggests ways in which councils, voluntary groups and other organisations can encourage a sense of belonging

Guidance on meaningful interaction: How encouraging positive relationships between people can help build community cohesion

This guidance is Communities and Local Government's first attempt to set out what we know about meaningful interaction, based on research findings and the views of expert practitioners

Civic Pioneers Case Study Review

In the spring of 2007, funding was made available through the Community Empowerment Division to Civic Pioneer local authority areas to carry out projects focusing on community empowerment. This Review presents case studies of each of the twelve funded projects, together with a simple analysis of the lessons learned from these experiences. The report represents valuable learning for practitioners and policy makers

Citizens of Equal Worth: putting tenants at the heart of government

Network briefing by Nigel Long summarises the now publicised recommendations of the NTV project group

Fair Rules for Strong Communities

A cross-government plan setting out the values and characteristics that ministers believe matter for strong communities. The purpose of the plan is to provide a clear statement of the government's understanding of the issues facing communities and its approach to addressing them

Community ownership and management of assets

A Joseph Rowntree review of evidence on community organisations owning or managing assets, including buildings and land

Stop press - Delivery team for Tenant Services Authority's National Conversation announced

HQN and the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC), who provide a range of membership services to clients in the housing sector, have formed a partnership to deliver a comprehensive events programme. This will include both tenant-led and TSA-led events for tenants, prospective tenants, landlords and providers

New legislation to help build stronger communities

The government has published wide-ranging legislation that will give local people new rights to shape local services and give greater responsibility to local authorities to promote economic development helping communities respond to local challenges

Tenant empowerment: turning fine words into best practice

Network briefing by Nigel Long explores tenant empowerment, including tenant-led areas of good practice

Promoting inter-generational understanding through Community Philosophy

Communities can bring younger and older people together in ways that may be uncomfortable for both groups. Young people's behaviour may be labelled 'nuisance', while older people's views may be labelled 'intolerant'. This Joseph Rowntree study summarises an independent evaluation of the 'Thinking Village project', which was designed to develop intergenerational understanding in a neighbourhood, using the principles of 'Community Philosophy'

Communities in Control- Real power, real people - Redress review

The Empowerment White Paper 'Communities in Control: Real people, real power' announced the government's vision for empowering communities. As part of this it set out that there would be a review into the feasibility and practicality of introducing and extending the idea of redress for citizens where services do not meet expectations. The review will also take a wider look at how the customer can really be put at the heart of local service delivery

Code of Service Delivery and Accountability

NHF draft Code which has been developed following consultations with tenants around the country, and responses to an online questionnaire. The Federation is now seeking further feedback from its members and their tenants on the content of the Code

Closing date 8 December 2008

Blears invites ideas to improve local communities

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today called on councils to work closely with their residents to unearth new and innovative ideas to improve their local area and make places in which people want to live, work and raise a family

Local choice, local control: Statutory guidance on tenant management for local authorities and local authority tenants

This guidance is given under the Housing (Right to Manage) Regulations 2008, which provides that all those who are exercising functions under the Legislation are required to take into account this guidance

Residents' choice: Guidance on tenant management and other options supported through the Tenant Empowerment Programme

This handbook gives guidance to residents living in social housing who are considering taking control of housing and related services. It looks at how residents can get advice and consider their choices for having more influence over services in their neighbourhood

New regulation and guidance to encourage and support tenant empowerment to come into effect

New regulation and guidance to encourage and support tenant empowerment has now come into effect as new Right to Manage regulations and changes to the Tenant Empowerment Programme are introduced

National Tenant Voice

Network briefing by Sheila Adamson looks at how proposals for a National Tenant Voice are developing

Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Tenant Services Authority (TSA)

Network briefing by Charlie Hughes summarises the background to splitting up the Housing Corporation's functions of funding and regulation and reminds readers of the reasons and objectives behind this change

The Cole Report: delivering cross-domain regulation for social housing

Professor Ian Cole was appointed to chair a panel of independent stakeholders tasked with producing recommendations to government on how to extend the scope of the Tenant Services Authority to include local authority social housing. This report presents the set of final recommendations

Engaging and empowering women in poverty

Joseph Rowntree report which examines participatory research conducted with women in poverty living in Birmingham, Cardiff and London. The project aimed to build their political capacity so that they could take their collective knowledge and experience, present it as policy proposals to policy-makers and actively help to produce policy change

Communities in control: real people, real power: Summary

This is a summary version of Communities in control: real people, real power which tells the story of power, influence and control and how people can use existing and new tools to access it

New deal for communities: lessons learnt

Network briefing by Sheila Spencer summarises the key messages coming from the evaluations so far, and draws some conclusions which may be of help to housing authorities and other housing agencies in developing their approach to tackling deprivation

Tenant Services Authority (TSA) gets ready for action

The new social housing regulator - the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) - is now ready for action with the news that Royal Assent has been granted on the Housing and Regeneration Bill in Parliament

Empowerment in Action

Speech by The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Emerging proposals for the National Tenant Voice

The government is taking a real lead in putting tenants at the heart of decision making about their homes and neighbourhoods

Community Power Pack: real people, real power

The Community Power Pack is a practical guide, which can help people play a more active role in their community and influence decisions that matter to them. It is easy to read and focused on fun and creative activities

Community Power Packs

Communities in control: real people, real power has now been launched. This White Paper is about passing power to communities and giving real control and influence to more people

Short notice inspections

Network briefing and guidance by Ellis Blackmore explains what to do in detail and how to overcome typical obstacles picking out the relevant key points for Network members

Communities in control: real people, real power - White Paper

Communities in control: real people, real power was launched on 9 July 2008. This White Paper is about passing power to communities and giving real control and influence to more people

Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities Statutory Guidance: Summary of Responses to Consultation

This document provides a summary of responses received as part of the consultation process for the draft statutory guidance Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities

Rewarding awards?

Network briefing by Cathy Jackson provides a flavour of some of the key awards that are available

White Paper delivers power shift to local people

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has published a White Paper setting out proposals to deliver a fundamental shift in power, influence and responsibility into the hands of communities and citizens

Minister confirms new deal for communities funding

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews has confirmed nearly £500m for neighbourhood partnerships in deprived communities across the country, to continue helping their work to cut crime levels, improve educational achievements and boost job opportunities

National debate on tenant empowerment and tenant choice opened

Housing Corporation Deputy CEO calls for revolution in tenant engagement and involvement

Community Gateway briefing

Case study briefing by Paul Roberts explores why this approach was taken, looks at their model, community empowerment and what the future holds for Preston's community gateway model

Three new rights to right local wrongs - new Community Empowerment Bill to harness petition power

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has outlined plans to give every citizen in England three new rights to have a greater say to trigger action on local issues they care about. These could range from directing more money from councils to tackle anti-social behaviour and graffiti, to taking over the running of local assets like community or leisure centres, or forcing a public debate on local issues they are concerned about

New consultation to give people greater say over local spending

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has set out a new draft strategy for consultation to give people in every local authority area a greater say on how public money is spent by 2012, including exploring for the first time using 'community kitties' for projects to fight crime and tackle obesity

A network for tenant organisations is launched in Dundee, Fife, Perth and Kinross

A regional network for registered tenant organisations (RTOs) is being formally established in Dundee, Fife, Perth and Kinross. In total, nine RTO regional networks are being established across Scotland to provide a formal structure between the tenants' movement and the Scottish Government

Putting communities in control - Blears

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has announced radical plans to unlock talent in local communities and give people a real say on improving local services and promoting active citizenship

A network for tenant organisations is launched in West Strathclyde

A regional network for registered tenant organisations (RTOs) is being formally established in East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire. In total, nine RTO regional networks are being established across Scotland to provide a formal structure between the tenants' movement and the Scottish Government

The Big Picture

Network briefing by Chloe Fletcher highlights the main policy changes over the past year and outlines what it will mean for housing providers in the coming few years

Lifetime Homes, lifetime neighbourhoods: A national strategy for housing in an ageing society

The ageing of the population will be one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century for housing. This strategy sets CLG's response to this challenge and their plan to create Lifetime Homes in Lifetime Neighbourhoods

New Deal for Communities is turning around England's most deprived areas

The Government's £2bn New Deal for Communities programme is delivering real improvements to people's lives, raising satisfaction, and bridging the gap between some our most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of England, according to a new independent report

Communicating important information to new local residents

This leaflet introduces the IDeA web based guidance for local authorities on how to produce an information pack for new migrants

A network for tenant organisations is launched in North East Scotland and the Northern Isles

A regional network for registered tenant organisations (RTOs) is being formally established in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Moray, Orkney and Shetland

Deadline approaches for communities to make the most of local assets

The Government's drive to empower people is entering into a new phase as the latest round of applications close. The deadline for the scheme, which will engage people and improve services by transferring local assets into community management and ownership, including disused schools, swimming pools, office blocks and community centres, closes on 15 February

Community contracts to drive better services

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has announced plans for new 'community contracts' across England - giving communities the opportunity to agree deals and written guarantees with their council on a wide range of service standards from tackling drug dealing on estates, bin collection, clearing graffiti and street cleaning

How to develop a local charter - A guide for local authorities

Local charters are an effective way to help communities, local authorities and other providers of public services, to work together. CLG guide provides advice and good practice to help plan a charter that meets local needs

Kate Barker appointed to head Oftenant transition team

The Housing Corporation has welcomed the appointment of Kate Barker as Chair of the Transition Project Board for the Office for Tenants and Social Landlords (Oftenant)

Ujima's tenants safeguarded following transfer to London and Quadrant

HC press release

Oscar awards for boosting jobs

Councils who lead the way in boosting jobs and opportunities in their areas will be up for an 'Oscars' style award. The new award for 'raising prosperity' will go to top-performing areas at improving town centres, tackling unemployment, boosting skills and training and attracting investment.

Petition power kicks off new year of community action

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today launched radical proposals to make people's voices heard on the key issues they care most about, such as tackling anti-social behaviour, helping older people or improving local parks

Tenant satisfaction has increased

Overall tenant satisfaction has increased according to the latest key housing association performance indicator (PI) results for March 2007, released by the Housing Corporation

The New Place Survey: Consultation

This document sets out proposals for a new survey to be carried out by local authorities. The survey will ask local people for their perceptions about the area in which they live. The results of the survey will provide data for 20 of the new National Indicators

Public to set local priorities

Local people will have the opportunity to give their views on their priority concerns for their local councils and agencies to tackle, under new plans published by Local Government Minister John Healey

More neighbourhoods to get a 'community kitty'

The number of areas where people are given a direct say in how council money is spent is to more than double, Hazel Blears has announced.The Communities Secretary said that residents in a further 12 areas of the country would get the chance to access their own 'community kitty' to spend on tackling the issues they think are most important in their own neighbourhood

The Housing and Regeneration Bill

Impact assessment

New legislation for greener, more affordable housing

A new Bill has been published which will drive forward the Government's pledge to build 3 million greener, more affordable new homes by 2020 to help first-time buyers and families. New measures in the Housing and Regeneration Bill include legislation to remove barriers to councils building their own social housing, stronger action where tenants are unhappy with the management of their estates, and new rules for councils to tackle anti-social tenants. The Bill will also establish a new watchdog for social tenants - Oftenant - and give this watchdog a duty to reduce red tape for good Housing Associations

The Housing and Regeneration Bill

CLG

Social landlords urged to talk to tenants

Consultation is the key to genuine openness and accessibility by social landlords, according to a report published by Communities Scotland. The study, Open and Accessible? A thematic study into how social landlords share information about performance and governance, aims to provide a national picture of the level of information registered social landlords (RSLs) and local authorities provide to their tenants and other people who have an interest in their services

All you ever wanted to know about surveys

Network briefing by John Wheeldon aims to update members on the options available and discusses the pros and cons of different approaches

An action plan for community empowerment: building on success

CLG action plan designed to transform the relationship between public bodies and communities by giving more people an active role in the decisions that affect them

'Empowerment action plan'

Setting out how the Government will deliver on its commitment to bring about greater devolution and empower communities published by Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears

Learning to Change Neighbourhoods: Lessons from the Guide Neighbourhoods Programme - Evaluation Report

The report presents the key lessons learned from the Guide Neighbourhoods Programme and suggests ways of taking forward the principle of citizen-led learning in community empowerment and turning the lessons into actions

National impact assessment report 2006-07

Housing Corporation

Tenant deposits now safer

According to CLG, one in four tenants living in privately rented houses and flats now have their deposits safeguarded under the Government's tenancy deposit protection scheme

Advance notice of themes for the 2008-10 Innovation and Good Practice programme

The themes for the 2008-10 Innovation and Good Practice programme are by Housing Corporation today. Aimed to tackle diverse and complicated issues such as climate change and community cohesion, the IGP will fund new thinking in the following five areas; tackling worklessness, promoting community cohesion, tackling climate change in existing stock, efficiency in housing management and transforming estates

Safeguarding tenants' rights

A two-pronged initiative to ensure private rented homes are kept in a decent state of repair by landlords has been announced. A new Repairing Standard, which extends existing legal requirements, will set the benchmark for what tenants can expect. For example, it will mean that, for the first time, all private rented properties will have to be fitted with smoke alarms and tenants who cannot agree with their landlord about whether or not the standard is being met will be able to take their case to the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP). This new organisation will in most instances try to resolve issues by mutual agreement or mediation, but it will have the power to back this up with enforcement if necessary

Resident influence, choice and control

Network briefing by Janis Bright sets out details of the Housing Corporation's latest strategy statement and the CLG consultation on the issue

Dispute resolution toolkit

Housing Corporation toolkit is for anyone who may have to deal with conflict in social housing, either as a party to a dispute or as someone supporting the search for a solution

What is community empowerment?

It was central to the Local Government White Paper, the driving force of the Quirk Review and generally considered an all round good thing. But what is community empowerment and what should we be doing about it? To highlight the progress being made and prompt more local authorities to get involved, CLG has produced a community empowerment DVD and a transcript

Tenant Empowerment - A consultation paper

CLG consultation which sets out proposals to increase tenant empowerment and includes: a new draft Statutory Instrument to simplify the Right to Manage regulations for local authority tenants; a proposal to promote a voluntary Tenant Management process for all social housing tenants and landlords; a proposal to establish a National Tenant Voice; and proposals to increase tenant voice in stock transfers. Consultation period 19th June to 11th September

Every Tenant Matters: A Review of Social Housing Regulation

Report of the independent review of social housing regulation led by Professor Martin Cave, Director of Management under Regulation at Warwick University

Housing Corporation requirements in relation to resident involvement

This circular sets out the regulatory requirements placed on housing associations arising from the People First: Delivering Change Through Involvement Policy, which was adopted by the Corporation's board on 1 May 2007

Final Regulatory Impact Assessment: Residential leasehold reform: Administrative charges and Service charges

CLG documents which aim to ensure that sufficient and consistent information is provided to tenants about their statutory rights and obligations in relation to administration and service charges

Tenancy deposit protection shows early success

A Government drive to prevent rogue landlords wrongfully withholding tenants' deposits is showing early signs of success, according to figures published for the first time today

Thematic reviews launched by Corporation

The matic reviews on resident involvement and disposals have been published by the Housing Corporation. The two reports form part of a new suite of four publications

Resident-led self-regulation: potential and prospects

Housing Corporation funded paper which examines the potential and prospects of a new method for putting residents at the heart of regulation - resident-led self-regulation

Tenants and Residents Organisations of England (TAROE) conference

Speech by Baroness Andrews at the first TAROE national conference

Get it right! Housing Corporation tackles service charges

Clear and transparent charge setting should be part of a housing association's financial strategy, according to a new Housing Corporation publication

WeCan! - Spring 2007

CLG is now leading on Together We Can and in the light of the government's Local Government White Paper is clearly committed to empowering communities. This edition of WeCan looks at what the Department is currently doing to give people in communities more of a say in the matters that affect them

Your questions answered: tenant participation

Laurie McCormack tackles questions focusing on a range of issues around tenant participation

Housing Corporation in groundbreaking deal with Beacon councils

£100,000 allocated to Beacon councils by HC to promote resident involvement

Neighbourhood studies

Housing Corporation are seeking to make funding available through the Tenant Empowerment Programme to carry out up to four pilot neighbourhood studies, to explore extending and/or developing tenant management to wider neighbourhood services.

Delivering change through involvement

This consultation paper sets out proposals for a revised resident and community involvement policy which Housing Corporation plan to publish in April 2007

Housing Corporation warns of action against housing associations who fail to take resident involvement seriously

Housing associations managing more than 250 homes will in future be expected to have at least one resident on their boards and all associations will be expected to provide financial support to ensure residents have the capacity to engage in involvement activity. These are two of the key proposals being put forward by the Housing Corporation as it launches its 'Delivering change through involvement' consultation paper.

Welcome programme for South Ayrshire tenants

An innovative programme by a housing association in South Ayrshire is helping vulnerable tenants keep their homes and have pride in them with the support of Communities Scotland

Do you have 'what it takes' to turn things around in your community?

The Government Office for Yorkshire and The Humber (GOYH) have launched a crime reduction awards scheme to recognise and reward those who have helped to make a real difference to the lives of local people.

Communitites Minster calls for residents potential to be fulfilled

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews speech calls for the creation of communities which allow everyone to fulfill their potential

Making user involvement work

Joseph Rowntree foundation report on supporting service user networking and knowledge

Guide to help residents have a bigger say published

A new manual to boost opportunities for people to learn about how to make a difference to their communities is published today. The Take Part Framework offers practical information and advice on how to develop learning opportunities in citizenship for adults from a diverse range of backgrounds - from people with learning difficulties in Devon to Somali refugees in Sheffield

User satisfaction and local government service provision: A national survey

DCLG national survey into increasing the involvement of local people in local government, which is a major part of the government's modernisation agenda

We Can! - Autumn 2006

This edition of the DCLG newsletter shows how local government is already empowering communities in our features on the civic pioneer problem solving projects.

Recycling reaches for the sky

Scottish Executive funding of up to £47 million will be available to six councils with high numbers of people living in flats to enable them to be better able to recycle their household waste

Involvement - Putting tenants centre stage

New HQN seminar

Gold award 2007

Housing Corporation are inviting applications for the Gold Award 2007 are now invited under the following two themes: environmental sustainability and empowering communities

Public spaces and social relations in East London

Joseph Rowntree Foundation report draws on qualitative research in a multi-ethnic area of East London to look at how public spaces are experienced

Local heroes 2005: A celebration of the achievements of individuals and their outstanding contributions

Produced following the Local Heroes awards event, run by the Civil Renewal Unit, which celebrated 68 people who have made a real difference to their communities by getting involved and tackling local problems

Respect Standard for Housing Management - A Guide for the Public

RESPECT and DCLG

Entries invited to BURA's Awards for Community Inspired Regeneration

These awards celebrate best practice in community inspired and led in regeneration in urban and rural areas accross the United Kingdom

Revision of Right to Manage for council tenants

Two ODPM consultation papers on revisions to statutory guidance - consultation deadline 24 May 2006

More news from the Budget

Public services section with inspection spending cuts and TMOs promoted, Treasury

Tenants: does your landlord need a licence?

Leaflet on new HMO rules, ODPM

Research shows benefits of RHOG

Success for the Scottish rural home ownership grant system, Communities Scotland

Promoting effective citizenship and community empowerment

Guide with good practice examples and information sources, ODPM

Help us make Supporting People even better

Consultation for clients on their experiences and how services can be improved, ODPM

Making research and consultation as inclusive as possible

Good practice guidance, Communities Scotland

Council tenants' statutory right to repair

Explanatory leaflet and link to statutory instrument, ODPM

Home information pack draft regulations

ODPM consultation on drafting, accuracy and practicalities - not wider issues of content

The home buyer and seller's guide to home information packs

New leaflet, ODPM

Disabled facilities grant means testing to be scrapped

Announcement from ODPM

The Housing (Right to buy) (Information to secure tenants) (England) order 2005

HQN briefing by Sheila Camp outlines new requirements on authorities

Choice-based lettings

Newsletter Issue 8, ODPM

Consultation responses

Summary of responses to ODPM consultation on various issues. This one: info for tenants on deciding whether to exercise RTB

New Right to Manage Modular Management Agreement for TMOs

Updated and improved agreement reflecting recent legislation, ODPM

Best Value in Housing: What makes LAs improve and sustain their performance?

Major three-part report by HQN with NHC research, ODPM. Full report

Code of practice on racial equality in housing

Consultation by the Commission for Racial Equality. Different versions for England, Scotland and Wales; with questionnnaire

More and more people to have their say

Communities Scotland standards for community involvement

Joint Tenancies: getting it right for landlords and tenants

HQN briefing by Sheila Stubbins sets out good practice in granting, managing and ending joint tenancies

Abandonment and how a tenant may end a tenancy

HQN briefing by Sheila Stubbins sets out legal requirements and offers best practice for managers

Homebuy - expanding the opportunity to own

Consultation on the government's proposals, ODPM

Chisholm launches tenants' role in housing inspections

Communities Scotland press release announcing tenant inspectors

Common repair, common sense

Advice for people living in tenements on owners' repair obligations, Scottish Executive

Barnet Homes tenant compact

Good example of a recent resource pack for panel reps and board members

improving services through resident involvement

Audit Commission report argues for a more open and questioning approach

Factsheet 3: Decent Homes options and Options Appraisals

Policy summary for tenants and residents, and those new to the sector

Information to help tenants decide whether to exercise RTB

Consultation on landlords' duties and type of information provided (under Housing Bill), ODPM

Involvement policy for the housing association sector

New requirement for all associations to produce involvement statement in the next year, Housing Corporation

Building Civil Renewal

A review of Government support for community capacity building and proposals for change, Deadline for responses: 26 March 2004, Home Office

Registration of Tenant Organisations

Request to all social landlords to contribute to a central register, Communities Scotland

Renting Homes

Wide ranging proposals for a new single tenure. HQN briefing available next week

Interim Evaluation of Tenant Participation Compacts

Research with recommendations for improvements. Consultation and new guidance will follow

A Charter for housing association applicants and residents

The Residents Charter sets out what housing association applicants and residents can expect from their housing association landlords. It replaces the eight separate Residents Charters issued in 1998 and 1999, Housing Corporation

The Code of Practice on Consultation

Proposed changes to Code on how all government departments and agencies are required to carry out public consultations. Local authorities and non departmental bodies also encouraged to follow Code. Cabinet Office

Time for Tenants Post-Transfer?

Report on survey of ways in which tenants participate in their landlords business after stock transfer, Housing Corporation

Involvement Policy: Consultation Paper

The Housing Corporation sets out proposals for replacing its existing tenant participation policies - responses required by 15 October

Tenant Participation Compact

Liverpool City Council

Office of Fair Trading - Guidance on Unfair Terms in Tenancy Agreements

HQN briefing by Tim Horsley on guidance to ensure fair terms in tenancy agreements