Network briefing by Mark Smulian

Network briefing by Ian Parker

Network briefing by Sue Beasor

Network briefing by Roger Jarman

Network briefing by Roger Jarman

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Janis Bright

Network briefing by Julian Dobson

Network briefing by Roger Jarman

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Sue Beasor

Network briefing by Ruth Selo and Alistair McIntosh

Network summary by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Mark Smulian

Network briefing by Charlie Hughes

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Tim Brown

Network briefing by Mark Smulian

Network briefing by John Wheeldon

Network briefing by Neil Merrick

Network briefing by Janis Bright and Alistair McIntosh

Complimentary RIEN briefing by Rob Emery

Network briefing by Robert Brewer

Network briefing by Roger Jarman

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Sue Beasor

Network briefing by Neil Merrick

Network briefing by Peter Atkinson

Network briefing by Roger Jarman

Network briefing by Martin Wheatley

Network briefing by Charlie Hughes

Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager

Briefing by Janis Bright

Network briefing by Roger Jarman

Network briefing by Neil Merrick

Network briefing by Robin Tebbutt

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Zhan McIntyre

Network briefing by Robin Tebbutt

Network briefing by Steve Wood

Network briefing by Helen Barclay

Network briefing by Janis Bright

Network briefing by Sue Farrant

Network briefing by Neil McDonald

Network briefing by Tim Horsley, Mike Jones and John Wheeldon

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Network briefing by Isobel Anderson

Network briefing by Tim Horsley

Government action is needed to address a 'chronic under-supply of homes', the NHF has said

Network briefing by Kate Murray

Briefing by Sue Beasor

Network briefing

Network briefing by Kate Murray

Network briefing by Charlie Hughes

The implications for housing and communities

Briefing by Sue Beasor

Network briefing by Robin Tebbutt

Network briefing by Alistair McIntosh

Network briefing by Anna Evans

Network briefing by Neil Merrick

This briefing by Alistair McIntosh explains exactly where the coalition is coming from on all the major issues. Don't get caught off guard - read it

Network briefing by Kate Murray

Network briefing by Kate Murray

Network briefing by Neil Merrick

report by Joseph Rowntree

A new CBI report on public services reform identifies how to maintain high quality public services and achieve £22.6 billion or more of taxpayer savings by further opening up public service delivery to independent providers

This Government is serious about rolling its sleeves up and doing it all it can to kick-start the economy

Official release on homelessness and prevention

First report

More than 200,000 additional social tenants are to get detailed access as to how their landlords spend money

This document provides a summary of responses to the consultation, which closed on 4 April 2012, on proposals to help landlords tackle tenancy fraud within their stock of social housing

Mr Stunell announced the winners sharing £25.1million of government funding on a visit to one of the successful projects in Newark, Nottinghamshire alongside Independent Empty Homes Adviser and TV presenter George Clarke

government backed initiative aimed at boosting the number of affordable homes across North and South Lanarkshire has been unveiled by Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil.

Further moves to simplify the planning system and make it more accessible to people in communities were set out today by Planning Minister Greg Clark

From today more communities will be able to bid to take over local services they think they can run differently and better as the Community Right to Challenge provisions come into effect

Round 2 announced

Tenancy cheats to "feel the full force of the law"

Cash to help advice service continue

Tenants on high salaries would in future pay a fair level of rent for the privilege of living in a social home, under plans announced by Housing Minister Grant Shapps today

The Coalition Government statement of agreement pledged to promote improved community relations and opportunities for ethnic minority communities

The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) today launched a consultation on the indicators it will use to monitor social landlords’ achievement of the outcomes in the Scottish Government’s Social Housing Charter

A massive programme to transform Scotland’s ageing houses into energy efficient homes has been announced today by Alex Neil.

Urban communities across Scotland could be given greater opportunities to own their own land and buildings under ideas for a new bill

Local Government Minister Derek Mackay will this week launch a consultation on a proposed bill which will consider ideas to give more control to Scotland’s communities

New measures have been put in place to help protect people from cowboy builders Communities Minister Andrew Stunell announced today.

Further measures to safeguard millions of pounds in deposits paid by tenants renting properties in Scotland, have been introduced,

New safeguards to ensure vulnerable families are placed in suitable, privately-rented accommodation were proposed today by Housing Minister Grant Shapps

Updated housing statistics have been released today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician

Revised guidance on the selling of vacant social housing homes has been published by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)

New Right to Build cuts the red tape to get projects off the ground A radical new Right to Build will today put the power to grant planning permission firmly in the hands of communities, Housing Minister Grant Shapps will say today

A further multi-million pound cash boost for communities will help tackle the blight of empty properties and bring thousands of homes back into use, Communities Minister Andrew Stunell announced today

New powers to prevent 'riot tourism'

This White Paper sets out proposals for new legislation and other, non-legislative, action

Ensuring everyone has a home that is both in good condition and affordable is a fundamental part of a fair and supportive society. This is the message from the Minister for Housing Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis, as he officially launches his Housing White Paper

The Green Deal has been under scrutiny in Downing Street this afternoon after warnings that it is liable to fail

The Welsh Government has set an ambitious target of providing 12,500 homes during this term of Government, Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis announced today

Self-build industry champion and new £30 million fund will boost the self build revolution

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has revealed its sites set to be released for development to help meet local needs for housing, jobs and growth

MyCSP Ltd, the first ‘John Lewis style’ business created from a central government service was launched today

War heroes could benefit from millions of pounds being invested in two schemes to help first time buyers get on the property ladder

Transcript of the speech from Eric Pickles

Measures to prevent homelessness are being backed with extra Scottish Government funding this year, MSPs were informed today

A new report from a National Assembly for Wales committee is calling for more action from the Welsh Government on the provision of affordable housing

Minister pledges to help those growing out of their properties

A package of new support to give as many people as possible the opportunity to build their own homes was announced

More than 270,000 private sector tenants in Scotland will get better protection and improved services, under plans unveiled by the Scottish Government today

NLGN’s report – Grow Your Own: Skills and Infrastructure for Local Economic Growth, kindly supported by BT and Kent Country Council – argues local government must seize a new role as social venture capitalists to unblock stalled developments and seed fund new jobs. NLGN urges councils to collaborate in setting up ‘Revolving Investment Funds

Care & Repair services across Wales have been awarded £4.67m funding from the Welsh Government to help older people to remain in their own homes

An innovative programme that uses cash seized from the proceeds of crime to turn around teenagers’ lives has been launched today at Motherwell FC’s Fir Park

A compulsory scheme to safeguard millions of pounds in deposits paid by tenants renting properties in Scotland has been approved

Housing Minister Keith Brown today underlined the need for good quality temporary accommodation for homeless families

Under the Right to Buy scheme, you can buy your home at a price lower than the full market value. This is because the length of time you have spent as a tenant entitles you to a discount

The new ‘Houses to Homes’ Recyclable Loans Fund enables local authorities to offer interest free loans to landlords to renovate empty run-down residential properties and return them to use as homes for sale or rent

From April this year two million social tenants could benefit from a discount of up to £75,000 with Right to Buy scheme

Published by the Scottish public services ombudsman

Social housing in Scotland entered a new era today, as Housing and Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, launched Scotland’s first Social Housing Charter

Planning Minister Derek Mackay has today outlined plans to improve efficiency and streamline the planning system, including linking increases in fees to improved performance by planning authorities

The Cabinet Office and Oracle have signed a new deal that will deliver in excess of £75 million in savings by 2015

The Scottish Housing Regulator today published its annual analysis of social landlords’ progress towards achieving the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS)

The Scottish Housing Regulator today published “Weathering the Storm?” its analysis of the finances of Scottish Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). It concludes that RSLs are facing significant but manageable financial stresses

A £2 million loan fund will be launched to help stop empty homes blighting Scotland’s communities

This document comprises the regulatory framework for social housing in England applicable from 1 April 2012. This replaces the regulatory framework that came into effect on 1 April 2010

Local Government Minister Bob Neill today published a radically streamlined planning policy that will ensure fair treatment of travellers in the planning system while respecting the interests of the settled community

Lone parents will start getting the help they need to look for work earlier rather than stay on benefits, Work and Pensions Minister Maria Miller said

Published by the TSA

A new Bill has been published to ensure that devolved policies such as the provision of free school meals and blue badge parking will continue to operate in Scotland after changes are made to the UK benefit system

Cash payments for councils who have adapted the homes of wounded soldiers injured in the line of duty were announced

Published by HM Treasury

This guide sets out the key information for Local Authorities about how the new changes to the Right to Buy policy will affect them

Prime Minister: "this service is helping to match thousands of families with the much-valued help they need"

Local Government Minister Derek Mackay has set out his vision for creating sustainable economic growth through partnership working with local authorities

Up to 6,000 first-time buyers and others aspiring to purchase a new build home are set to receive a boost

Grant Shapps has today offered wannabe decorators and carpenters the opportunity to become "an apprentice in the home" - and get paid to hone their skills

Homeless Scots in London are to benefit from money confiscated from crooks and fraudsters, the Scottish Government announced today

Women will have the right to ask police about a partner's domestic violence history as a new scheme is trialled in parts of England and Wales

Ninety five housing associations, local authorities and other providers are set to deliver over 5,600 new affordable homes

More than 100 communities eager to trial new rights that give local people powers to bring jobs and homes to their area and shape development were announced by Communities Minister Bob Neill

Pen pictures outline four featured front runners' proposed neighbourhood plans

Grant Shapps has welcomed today's announcement by the Audit Commission that hard-pressed councils and other local bodies should see big fee reductions following the successful outsourcing of the Commission's centralised audit practice

Almost £70m of funding for 95 projects will bring over 5,600 properties back into use across the country

Almost 10% of the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) Affordable Homes Programme is set to be delivered as supported housing and housing for older people, according to a new report

Radical changes to public sector construction will lead to up to 20% fall in costs of building schools, hospitals and roads

Organisations that support young people who have been victims of sexual violence or exploitation are being invited to apply for funding amounting to £1.2m

PM announces a new round of government funding

The latest paper sets out some of the most effective actions which public bodies can take

Public consultation opens on a new inquiry examining aspects of financing and funding of devolution in Wales

The NAO reports on progress so far

Comments sought by 22 April 2012

View the transcript here (Commons Hansard)

Based on estimates that it costs an average of £18,000 per year to house a family or individual in temporary housing and that 50,000 properties are unlawfully occupied in England

The evaluation reports on value for money and the success of the programme in meeting service users' needs

From Lords Hansard text: there are no plans to extend the right to buy to housing association tenants who have the right to acquire or to tenants without a right to purchase

Latest update: Lords continue to scrutinise government proposals and make amendments

HCA and LGA publication argues that councils are central to tackling the housing crisis

Click the link above to read the full transcript

New Co-operatives Bill to be put before Parliament before the next election

Demonstration projects will take place from June 2012 until June 2013 to test how claimants can manage housing benefit monthly payments ahead of the introduction of Universal Credit from October 2013

Two months on from Royal Assent of the Act, a commencement order has officially brought into effect much of this flagship legislation. This DCLG summary outlines some of the legislation

The Commons Public Accounts Committee publishes its 63rd Report of the Session, on the basis on evidence from the Department for Energy and Climate Change, Citizens Advice, Which?, and EDF Energy

Government response to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee's report

Defra, DECC, DCLG, and the former Office for the Third Sector (now the Office for Civil Society), have now completed a joint review of the actions assigned to government in Shaping Our Future. The resulting Implementation Plan sets out proposals for taking forward these actions, where appropriate

DWP in-house research report

Briefing note by Helen Barclay

Comments sought by 4 April 2012 This consultation puts forward proposals that would help landlords reduce the prevalence of tenancy fraud within the social housing stock

Conservative MP David Davis and Labour MP Frank Field in a bid to unlock capital trapped in social houses where the tenant is not allowed to buy their home and to channel the revenue generated into improving and expanding social housing stock

Responses sought by 30 March 2012

33 housing associations, local authorities and other providers are set to deliver around 600 new Traveller pitches

Proposals for the new arrangements for audit of local public bodies

Are Britain’s big builders willing and able to deliver the new houses we need?

Sir Adrian Montague to lead the review of barriers to investment in rented homes

The Get Britain Building Fund is expected to unlock up to 16,000 homes on sites that are currently stalled, and help create up to 30,000 jobs in construction and related industries

Comments sought by 2 February 2012

The funding is additional to the existing Preventing Homelessness Grant and will be made available in the New Year

Covers the Royal Assent of the Localism Act 2011, the transfer of regulation to the HCA, an update on the revised regulatory framework statutory consultation, information and links to the latest publication of the TSA Quarterly Survey, the development of the Homes and Communities Agency's equalities duties and the news that Matthew Bailes will transfer to the HCA as Director of Regulation from April 2012

DCLG statement

The finalised and agreed threshold values to apply from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013

Outlines the plans for enabling local authorities to introduce localised schemes in England from 2013-14

DCLG report highlighting the progress made with the introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships, Enterprise Zones, the Regional Growth Fund and Growing Places Fund

An update on the Troubled Families Team

The reforms in the Act will begin immediately and include the abolition of Regional Development Agencies

Peers voted 258 votes to 190 in favour of amendment 12 to the Welfare Reform Bill

Comments sought by 6 March 2012

The first wave of deals will be with the eight largest cities and their surrounding Local Enterprise Partnerships

An overview of each of the local enterprise partnerships, along with a coverage map for each area, can be found here

Criticism of housing associations that failed to widely publish details of how they are spending public money

A NatCen Social Research report (British Social Attitudes 28)

Joint Audit Commission and Local Government Association report on how local authorities are reducing their workforce costs, with some finding creative solutions

DCLG report: how can ageing, design, housing, transport, participation and green spaces can be linked when creating Lifetime Neighbourhoods?

Responses sought by 24 February 2012

Responses sought by 21 January 2012

Nick Clegg launches a Business Compact, asking businesses to do their bit

Shortlisted areas named

We are pleased to offer your organisation a complimentary copy of the HQN Residents' Network guide to help tenants through the process of a stock options review.

View the latest (November 2011) updates

The interim report states that "there was no single cause of the riots and there is no single solution

Grant Shapps: “new flexible tenancies will help end long-held prejudices about social housing and ensure it once again becomes a springboard for success”

The themed inspection programme will start in April and will cover about 250 providers of domiciliary care services

Comments sought by 10 February 2012

Government's response to the consultation on the directions proposed to be given by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to the Social Housing Regulator under section 197 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008

New strategy to deliver homes and strengthen the economy

House builders put 3.5% of the sale price into an indemnity fund. In the event of repossession within 7 years, the fund is used to cover any losses realised by the lender. Government adds a set percentage guarantee

Forthcoming guidance on allocating council homes will break down barriers between council departments to ensure the needs adoption and fostering will be considered

Audit Commission analysis

Draft guidance under section 40 of the Localism Act

DCLG statement

DCLG overview document

The role of Head of the Civil Service will be separated out from the Cabinet Secretary role when Sir Gus O’Donnell retires at the end of the year

The Treasury will be launching a call for evidence on 1 December 2011 to inform a review

Available to get stalled sites for housing development moving again; provide additional funding for infrastructure projects already in the pipeline; and promote wider economic growth

Statement from the Communities and Local Government Committee report on regeneration strategy

The role of community planning partnerships in economic development

Independent major research study examining the motivations of young people involved in the August riots

36 property holdings in central London alone have been exited since May 2010

Government publishes performance tables for children in care for the first time

Scheme to give greater choice over potential swaps by allowing them to see a much wider selection of properties

View Claer Lloyd-Jones’ latest letter to social housing providers

A Local Government and Information Unit and Circle publication

Report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)

HCA report outlines the scale of its contribution to bringing heritage assets forward for redevelopment

The manual is designed primarily as a user’s guide but has the potential to become a useful reference tool for all those with an interest in the workings of government

Grant Shapps has called on lenders to consider offering longer-term fixed mortgages of as much as 30 years

Professor Hills’ interim report of his independent review of fuel poverty

Intergenerational Foundation report – Hoarding of Housing: the intergenerational crisis in the housing market

Download the prospectus to apply to be a Community Budget pilot – closing date is 10 November 2011

Plans to shake up local services as part of the government's efforts to turn around the lives of 120,000 most troubled families

£37.5m funding allocated to 37 projects to improve facilities for rough sleepers and provide 1,200 extra bed spaces

Louise Casey has been tasked with delivering tangible, measurable and rapid progress – building on the work of the troubled family pilots

Income from employees' contributions to the Local Government Pension Scheme in 2010-11 was £2.0 billion, a small decrease on 2009-10

Changes to work, student and family migration routes to tackle abuse and ensure that those coming to Britain will be good for the country and drive economic growth

Open letter from Nick Hurd

A reported £3.75 billion in savings from May 2010 to March 2011

Submit intent to respond by 28 October, costed options by 25 November and final responses sought by 6 January 2012

September progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans

Hilary Benn replaces Caroline Flint as Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Fund will offer grants of £100,000 and more to projects across England that will expand volunteering and giving of time, money, knowledge and assets

Covers key points on plans to raise Right to Buy discounts to a level intended to make the scheme attractive again, and to rejuvenate the housing stock

Download the DCLG report here. See also the link below for the consultation summary document

Examines how accounting officers will both drive the government's localism agenda and continue to account to parliament for the use of public money

Command Paper containing formal response to report on Localism

The interest rate offered to LAs by the PWLB will be temporarily reduced from January 2012, allowing councils to reinvest millions in housing

The process to transfer the £300m RDA land and property assets to the HCA completed today, signalling the launch of the HCA’s newest delivery programme

View the updated registrations here

Nineteen service providers have been selected to run National Citizen Service (NCS) pilots in 2012

New clauses to the Localism Bill should mean England's biggest cities can drive faster growth

Download the report and recommendations here

Claims made in the latest report from the Pro Housing Alliance

The inquiry will focus on the steps which need to be taken by government to ensure that the resources are available to enable the nation’s housing needs to be met

A new £10million fund to find and back innovative new ideas for increasing volunteering and charitable giving was opened today by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society

Sets out legislation for the coming year and summarises main legislative and non-legislative goals

To cover housing, planning, localism and decentralisation, economic growth and local economic development, fire and resilience, sustainable buildings and climate change

View Claer Lloyd-Jones’ letter to social housing providers

Comments sought by 31 January 2012

Responses sought by Friday 18 November 2011

A 'demo' map locates over 180,000 assets owned by almost 600 public sector bodies, including 87 councils

View the video or download the transcript here

Comments sought by 27 October 2011

Baroness Newlove’s top three priorities to help people make a difference to their neighbourhoods

Activities over the past year including progress against our priorities and future aims

The £3m Just Enterprise programme will deliver a wide range of business support to social entrepreneurs and third sector organisations across Scotland

Download the guidance and application form here. Applications close on 5 August 2011

A new financing model will deliver hundreds of new affordable homes, Alex Neil confirms

Includes action to address homelessness and empty dwellings, as well as improving standards and tenants' rights in the private rented sector

Download the Paper and submit comments here. 'Listening period' ends in September

Grant Shapps sends special agents into barracks to help our troops buy homes

Report by The Smith Institute considers implications for affordable housing providers

New action plan marks radical shift of power from Whitehall to local councils and communities