The upcoming Assembly election in Northern Ireland will be key to solving the region’s “housing crisis”, according to Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) deputy leader Dr Alistair McDonnell.

Property values in Northern Ireland have rocketed by 41 per cent in the past year, pricing thousands of households out of the market. (more…)

London Councils has outlined its vision for future housing provisions in the capital, responding to the housing strategy laid out by mayor Ken Livingstone.

The response emphasises the importance of the role played by London’s individual boroughs, with their hands-on experience of local issues and priorities. (more…)

Three per cent more home building projects were started in England during 2006, compared to the previous year, with the number of new buildings completed up half a per cent.

These are the key statistics from the annual housing summary published by Communities and Local Government. According to the figures, 183,143 homes were begun in 2006, compared to 177,129 in 2005 and just 144,702 in 2000. (more…)

The Housing Corporation has agreed a memorandum of understanding with the Audit Commission, in order to further strengthen the relationship between both organisations.

Prompted by a review of housing regulation and compliance by Sir Les Elton, the memorandum is the third such agreement signed by both parties since April 2003. The latest incarnation sets out their respective management roles and responsibilities. (more…)

The Audit Commission has highlighted some areas in which council landlord services are performing badly, pointing out where there is room for improvement.

Tenants residing in Rutland council-managed properties are receiving a “poor service” from their landlords, according to the report, particularly with regard to the speed of repairs and vacant property turnaround times. (more…)