Here you will find information and briefings from HQN, plus all the latest information from government, regulators and inspectors.
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Documents are also stored in our electronic library, and older items are in our archive.
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4 December 2008
Guidance on standards for the establishment and operation of drug consumption rooms in the UK
Joseph Rowntree Housing report which provides essential guidance for local multi-agency partnerships that are contemplating establishing and operating a drug consumption room (DCR) in the UK
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4 December 2008
Tackling worklessness in NDC areas - a policy and practice update
This paper draws out lessons from four NDC programmes' efforts to tackle worklessness, giving examples of progress made, the problems faced and projects used to address them and provides a guide to some of the issues relevant to neighbourhood level interventions to tackle worklessness
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4 December 2008
Delivering Succession Strategies
The New Deal for Communities Programme has been the most intensive and enduring area-based initiative aimed at tackling the issues faced by deprived neighbourhoods to date. NDC Partnerships, as they approach the end of the 10-year grant-funded period, are seeking to find sustainable ways to continue supporting change in their neighbourhoods. This research reviews the experiences of case study partnerships in developing appropriate arrangements for succession
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4 December 2008
New scheme to help people at risk of repossession
The government today announced a new scheme to help people who suffer a temporary loss of income stay in their home
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4 December 2008
Statement welcoming Queen's Speech
Speech by The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
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4 December 2008
Local Area Agreements
Research publications about Local Area Agreements (LAAs)
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4 December 2008
National Landlords' Association
Speech by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
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4 December 2008
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
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4 December 2008
New council powers to boost economic prosperity
The government have introduced and published in Parliament a Bill which will provide new scope for councils and businesses to work together to invest in the long-term economic prosperity of their local communities
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4 December 2008
Minister announces £350m boost to Welsh economy
Andrew Davies, the Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery, has announced a £350m package to boost the Welsh economy via innovative, cross-cutting and strategic capital projects
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4 December 2008
Inspection report
Dartford Borough Council - Strategic housing services
Star rating:
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4 December 2008
Inspection report
Haringey London Borough Council - Allocations and lettings
Star rating:
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3 December 2008
Responding to the Changing Economic Climate – Further Action on Housing
Network briefing note by Colin Armstrong summarises Responding to the Changing Economic Climate – Further Action on Housing
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2 December 2008
Metropolitan Housing Partnership and sustainability
This Network case study by Matthew Bush summarises what they have achieved so far and where they are heading
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2 December 2008
Disability Equality Report
The purpose of this report is to help further the government's vision of equality for disabled people by 2025 as set out in the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit Report Improving Life Chances of Disabled People
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2 December 2008
Inspection report
Valleys to Coast Housing Association - According to the Auditor General Valleys to Coast HA are providing mostly ‘satisfactory’ services
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2 December 2008
Planning bill green light will now accelerate renewable energy
The UK's ability to compete in a tough global economy and deliver new green infrastructure vital for reducing our carbon emissions has been given a major boost with the Royal Assent of the Planning Bill
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2 December 2008
Tackling credit crunch first priority for Homes and Communities Agency
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), has outlined its commitment to address current market conditions. England’s new housing and regeneration agency will establish new ways of working in a bid to sustain development activity during the downturn
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2 December 2008
Drive for affordable homes and improved rights for tenants steps up a gear
The drive to deliver much needed affordable homes and safeguard higher housing standards for eight million social housing tenants has taken a massive step forward, as the new Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Tenant Services Authority (TSA) are officially launched by Housing Minister Margaret Beckett
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2 December 2008
Community Infrastructure Levy: Impact assessment
CIL will be a new charge which local authorities in England and Wales will be empowered, but not required, to charge on most types of development
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1 December 2008
To see ourselves as others see us - but first
How good is your board? Test yourself in our quick on-line quiz for board members. Follow the link to our HQN governance self assessment toolkit with a foreword from Peter Marsh of the TSA
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28 November 2008
Flexibility to deliver for vulnerable people
Communities Minister Baroness Andrews has confirmed that councils in England are to receive £1.66 billion Supporting People Programme Grant funding - as an unringfenced named grant
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28 November 2008
Local authority revenue expenditure and financing England: 2007-08 final outturn
The latest national statistics on the final outturn of local authority revenue expenditure and financing for 2007-08
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28 November 2008
Impacts and Outcomes of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
The NRF has been the principal funding mechanism deployed to drive forward the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal at the local level. It has assisted England's 88 most deprived authorities, in collaboration with their Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), in their work to improve services and narrow the gap between deprived areas and the rest
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28 November 2008
Overall Employment rate (working age population) at neighbourhood level (in deprived areas), England, April 2007/March 2008
The baseline data measuring Departmental Strategic Objective 3.7: Overall Employment rate (working age population) at neighbourhood level (in deprived areas). The release covers the baseline data for the most deprived areas in Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) areas and the rest of England, for April 2007-March 2008
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28 November 2008
Tackling Worklessness: A Review of the contribution and role of local authorities and partnerships - Interim Report
The Interim Report of Stephen Houghton's Tackling Worklessness Review contains the Review team's current thinking on how successful multi-agency and cross-sector local partnerships can best tackle worklessness in their communities
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28 November 2008
Planning bill green light will now accelerate renewable energy
The UK's ability to compete in a tough global economy and deliver new green infrastructure vital for reducing our carbon emissions has been given a major boost with the Royal Assent of the Planning Bill
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28 November 2008
Inspection report
Sheffield City Council - Benefits
Star rating:
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28 November 2008
ALMO re-inspection report
Newark and Sherwood Homes - Newark and Sherwood District Council
Star rating:
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28 November 2008
The regulatory and financial map of the affordable housing market
Network briefing by Charlie Hughes looks at regulation and funding and also includes both public and private players as we are increasingly operating in a mixed economy
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27 November 2008
Are you going in the right direction?
Get your bearings with a housing strategy health check
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26 November 2008
Addressing worklessness with social housing tenants through targeted outreach
Complimentary SUNnet briefing paper describes why it is such an important issue for social landlords, and shows how Unity Housing Association has addressed it by developing the Tenants Into Work (TIW) model of partnership working and outreach
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26 November 2008
Government welcomes the Killian Pretty report
The government has welcomed proposals to help small businesses and councils save up to £300m a year through a root and branch overhaul of the bureaucratic planning application process recommended by the Killian Pretty review
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26 November 2008
Government response to Prosperous Places: Taking forward the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration
This document sets out how the government will take forward the reforms proposed in the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (the SNR), following public consultation
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26 November 2008
History made as Corporation signs first ever funding agreement with an ALMO
For the first time in the Housing Corporation's history, a social housing funding agreement has been signed between an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) and the Corporation. Stockport Homes has received £1.02m from the Corporation to fund 17 new homes
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26 November 2008
Milestone as Housing Corporation signs last funding agreements
The Housing Corporation has added a further six partners to its list of delivery partners who are now able to proceed with delivering much needed affordable homes. The Corporation has signed over £25m in funding agreements with private sector and other new partners to deliver over 600 homes, as part of the Corporation's £8.4 billion 2008-11 investment programme
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26 November 2008
Inspection report
West Dunbartonshire Council. Interim Report on Improvement Progress. According to the Scottish Housing Regulator following the previous inspection in 2003/04, the Council’s housing service has improved in some areas
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26 November 2008
Time and income poverty
Time and money are two key constraints on what people can achieve. The income constraint is widely recognised by policy-makers and social scientists in their concern with poverty. This Joseph Rowntree study looks at individuals who are significantly limited by time and income constraints: those who could escape income poverty only by incurring time poverty, or vice versa
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26 November 2008
Allocations policies: effective practice to prevent homelessness
Speech by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
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26 November 2008
Working together to deliver for Gypsies and Travellers
Speech by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
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26 November 2008
Strengthening local efforts to tackle economic challenges
The government have announced new powers to tackle the local impacts of the credit crunch. The reforms make it easier for action to be taken at every level to boost jobs and skills, support businesses and make sure that all areas are making plans for recovery from the economic slowdown
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26 November 2008
Real help now to support homeowners through difficult times
A cross-government package of new measures and reforms to provide real help to families at risk of repossession has been announced by the Chancellor Alistair Darling in the Pre-Budget Report
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26 November 2008
English House Condition Survey - 2006 Annual Report
CLG report which was based on a random achieved sample of 16,670 dwellings comprising a detailed non-intrusive physical inspection of the dwelling (including an assessment to its environment), and an interview with the householder
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26 November 2008
Address to the National House Building Council
Speech by The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Minister for Housing
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26 November 2008
Planning application process shake up to slash unnecessary red tape
The Killian Pretty Review is urging a cull of bureaucracy in the planning application process to make it work better for everyone and help economic recovery
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26 November 2008
The Empowerment Fund: Impact Assessment
This final stage impact assessment builds on an early consultation stage IA published in July 2008. The aim is to provide strategic, stable and sector funding from Communities and Local Government to a limited number of key third sector organisations focused on community empowerment
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26 November 2008
Fourth affordable homes developers report – November 2008
From January 2008 the Housing Corporation initiated a regular survey of around 100 of the largest developers, seeking to ascertain views on funding and housing markets. The report from the Corporation's fourth survey, undertaken in October 2008, is now available
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26 November 2008
In brief: Housing and economic development - moving forward together
This report aims to assist the Housing Corporation and its successor bodies in the development of policy and strategy, with an emphasis on how future housing investment can maximise its contribution to economic development and how housing and physical regeneration interventions can be integrated with, and complementary to, economic development strategies
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26 November 2008
Sector study 62: Analysing key trends in the supply and distribution of social housing lettings
Over three million tenancies were let by local authorities and housing associations in England in the decade to 2006-07. However, the annual volume of lettings slumped by 40% over this period. This Housing Corporation sector study dissects the factors contributing to this trend, and investigates the extent to which the outcomes of lettings processes are compounding the residualisation of social housing and the ethnic segregation of neighbourhoods
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26 November 2008
Preparing for our ageing society – a discussion paper
This DWP discussion paper, and a series of associated public discussion events, are part of the first stage of a review of the government’s strategy for meeting the challenges of our ageing society
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25 November 2008
The Private Rented Sector – its contribution and potential (The Rugg Review)
Network briefing by Kirsten Firth looks in detail at the Rugg review and examines the implications for Housing Quality Network members
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25 November 2008
A new framework aimed at tackling poverty and income inequality in Scotland has been launched by the Scottish Government
Supported by funding of £7.5m, Achieving Our Potential sets out the joint approach of the Scottish Government and COSLA in the fight against poverty
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25 November 2008
The Killian Pretty review was jointly commissioned by Communities and Local Government and Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Departments in March 2008
The aim of the review was to investigate the opportunities for improving the planning application process for the benefit of all involved. It was carried out by Joanna Killian, Chief Executive of Essex County Council and David Pretty, who recently retired as Group Chief Executive of Barratt Developments PLC. The report, published on 24 November 2008, urges a cull of bureaucracy in the planning application process to make it work better for everyone and help economic recovery
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21 November 2008
Benefits service inspection
Windsor and Maidenhead (Royal Borough of) -
Star rating:
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21 November 2008
The British 'welfare market': Lessons from contracting out welfare to work programmes in Australia and the Netherlands
Jospeh Rowntree report which looks in detail at the development and impact of the Australian and Dutch welfare markets
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21 November 2008
Working Towards Community Cohesion in a Time of Uncertainty
Speech by Sadiq Khan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
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21 November 2008
House Building: September Quarter 2008, England
The latest national statistics on house building
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21 November 2008
Rough Sleeping 10 Years On: From the streets to independent living and opportunity: Analysis of responses to discussion paper - Executive Summary
In April 2008 Communities and Local Government published the discussion paper Rough Sleeping 10 years on: From the streets to independent living and opportunity, to inform development of an updated government strategy. These documents report on the responses CLG received to this discussion paper
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21 November 2008
More councils to offer homes and jobs advice
Sixty councils will benefit from increased funding to boost their housing and employment advice options for local residents, announced Communities Minister Iain Wright
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21 November 2008
Housing Corporation announces appointments to association board
The Housing Corporation has announced that it has made three statutory appointments to the board of Novas Scarman Group RSL
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21 November 2008
TSA - catalyst for change to improve the lives of ten million people
The TSA will be a catalyst for change to improve the lives of ten million people. That was the key message from TSA Chief Executive Peter Marsh in a speech to delegates at the Northern Housing Summit in York
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21 November 2008
The new agencies need to be bold and innovative and use their powers wisely
The new agencies need to be bold and innovative and use their powers wisely - Steve Douglas gives final speech as Housing Corporation Chief Executive
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20 November 2008
In brief: Low Cost Home Ownership: affordability, risks and issues
The Housing Corporation commissioned the Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research (CCHPR) at the University of Cambridge to explore the impact of the credit crunch and housing market turbulence on Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO)
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20 November 2008
Independent Review of Older People's Engagement with government: Consultation
On 18 November 2008, John presented his final report to government. To ensure that everyone with an interest in this important area has an opportunity to provide views on John’s findings and recommendations, Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for Pensions and the Ageing Society is inviting comments. Consultation closes on 09-01-09
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20 November 2008
Benefits service inspection
West Somerset District Council -
Star rating:
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20 November 2008
Inspection report
Bro Myrddin Housing Association - According to the Auditor general Bro Myrddin Housing Association is providing poor quality services and needs considerable improvement
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20 November 2008
Inspection report
Venture Housing Association Ltd - Housing management service
Star rating:
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20 November 2008
Inspection report
Island Homes Ltd - Housing association inspection
Star rating:
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20 November 2008
Inspection report
Broxbourne Housing Association - Housing management service
Star rating:
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20 November 2008
Inspection report
Sandwell Homes ALMO - Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Star rating:
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20 November 2008
In brief: Whose house is it anyway?
This In Brief examines the increasing role of housing associations as agents of low cost home ownership (LCHO) and examines some actions that would help to ensure that this expansion of home ownership is sustainable
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20 November 2008
No-one left out: Ending Rough Sleeping by 2012
Speech by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
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20 November 2008
In brief: Achieving Building for Life
This publication offers guidance for affordable housing providers on how to achieve the Building for Life standards
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20 November 2008
Energy performance certificates: the new requirements
Network briefing by Janis Bright which considers the new requirements and some of the issues arising from a pilot of EPCs carried out by social landlords last year
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19 November 2008
Tenant empowerment: turning fine words into best practice
Network briefing by Nigel Long explores tenant empowerment, including tenant-led areas of good practice
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18 November 2008
Bringing private sector empty homes back into use
Network briefing by Kirsten Firth, looks at how private sector empty homes can be brought back into use – including failed private rented properties, abandoned properties, and surplus buy-to-let flats
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18 November 2008
Housing choices and issues for young people in the UK
Young people are experiencing increased risk and uncertainty as they move into independent housing. This Joseph Rowntree review considers their options and highlights some of the most pressing housing-related issues facing young people in the UK today
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18 November 2008
Blears – next steps in delivering parish power
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today outlined plans to encourage new town and parish councils to be set up so that more decision-making powers are devolved to local people, and said she particularly wanted to see more set up in urban areas
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18 November 2008
No One Left Out – Communities ending rough sleeping
Rough sleeping numbers have been driven down over the last decade and have stayed down due to concerted efforts across government, the voluntary sector and community action. This strategy seeks to go even further and help end rough sleeping for good
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18 November 2008
Practical use of the Well-Being Power
This document is based on research commissioned by Communities and Local Government which examined local authorities' take-up and use of the Well-Being Power and the factors which had affected it. It gives practical examples of how the Power has been used and links to further sources of information
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18 November 2008
Healey - wellbeing power is forgotten tool in tough economic times
Councils have not used a legal power that could help their area ride out tough economic times, the government have warned. Local Government Minister John Healey, in a letter to council chiefs, urged them to consider using this 'wellbeing power' to support their communities during the current economic climate
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18 November 2008
New goal to end rough sleeping
A major new drive to end rough sleeping by 2012 has been announced by the government. Rough sleeping numbers have been driven down over the last decade and have stayed down due to concerted efforts across government, the voluntary sector and community action, but the government is calling on everyone to go even further and help end rough sleeping for good
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18 November 2008
Latest key housing association performance indicators published
Results on average across the sector and across the range of PIs are consistent with last year’s results. However there remain significant differences between those at the upper and those at the lower ends of the performance spectrum
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17 November 2008
Partnering and open-book – till dispute do us part?
TEAMnet briefing by Wayne Hughes and Rob McNaughton, made available here to Network members, explores the benefits and pitfalls of partnering
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14 November 2008
Building work, replacements and repairs to your home
This leaflet highlights the types of building work that needs to be notified to your Local Authority Building Control unless the work is carried out by a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) installer who is registered with the right Competent Persons Scheme
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14 November 2008
Summary of responses from the Local Authority Property Search Services paper and the Local Authorities (Charges for Property Searches) (England and Wales) Regulations paper
This single document contains the summary of responses from both; Local Authority Property Search Services (Charges for Property Search Services) Consultation Paper; and Local Authorities (Charges for Property Searches) (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 Consultation Paper
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14 November 2008
Before the well runs dry: sustainable building to save water
Speech by The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Minister for Housing
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14 November 2008
Preventing violent extremism learning and development exercise
The Audit Commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary undertook a learning and development exercise to draw out learning from the first year of local work to prevent violent extremism
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14 November 2008
House Price Index - September 2008
The latest UK house price index statistics produced by Communities and Local Government
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14 November 2008
Ten year plan to tackle homelessness in Wales announced
The Welsh Assembly Government has unveiled its ten-year plan to reduce homelessness in Wales. The plan aims to prevent people from becoming homeless and to improve the accommodation and services provided for people who lose their homes
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14 November 2008
TSA writes to housing associations and local authorities
Peter Marsh, CEO Designate of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) has written to Chief Executives of local authorities and housing associations throughout England, to introduce the social housing regulator in advance of the launch of the new body at the beginning of December 2008
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14 November 2008
Boards are key to self regulation, says TSA Chairman
Boards are key to self regulation, was the message from the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) Chairman, Anthony Mayer, at the Chartered Institute of Housing's Annual Conference, Eastern Region
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13 November 2008
Housing and Regeneration Act
Network briefing by Jamie Ewing explores the implications of the Act for the housing sector
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13 November 2008
Councils need to give race equality higher priority
The Scottish Accounts Commission report, The impact of the race equality duty on council services, says that all councils have developed policies and processes on race equality. They now need to ensure these have a positive impact on services
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13 November 2008
Inspection report
Hertfordshire County Council - Supporting People Re-Inspection
Star rating:
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11 November 2008
Tolerated trespass – the end is nigh
Network briefing by Tim Horsley rehearses the underlying issues, describes how TTs will be prevented and eliminated, and looks at the proposals for successor landlords put forward by the CLG in a recent consultation paper: Tolerated Trespassers: Successor Landlord Cases
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11 November 2008
What is needed to end child poverty in 2020?
How realistic is the government's pledge to end child poverty by 2020? The strategy is hugely ambitious and progress has stalled. This round-up draws on the findings of seven reports about how to take forward different aspects of a child poverty strategy; examines the impact of current policy; and suggests what is needed to ensure the target is met
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11 November 2008
Housing and Planning Delivery Grant
Speech by The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Minister for Housing
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11 November 2008
Over £100m to help councils unlock their housing market
Margaret Beckett has announced that Councils will get over a hundred million pounds to help maintain the building of the family and first-time buyer homes still desperately needed
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6 November 2008
New climate change duty and parliamentary scrutiny to strengthen Planning Bill
New amendments to the government's Planning Bill have been laid in Parliament to strengthen the scrutiny of national policy statements by the House of Lords, and tackle climate change
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6 November 2008
Public officials and community involvement in local services
This Joseph Rowntree study examines community involvement in local services with an emphasis on the role of public officials – officers and managers employed by public bodies
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6 November 2008
Local Government Finance Key Facts: England - November 2008
This is a National Statistics publication released under the auspices of the UK Statistics Authority
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6 November 2008
Tenant Services Authority Change-Makers Announced
Tenant Services Authority (TSA) CEO Peter Marsh has announced the new TSA leadership team who will be tasked with changing the landscape of affordable housing in England
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6 November 2008
Inspection report
Cobalt Housing Limited - Housing Management Service
Star rating:
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6 November 2008