All Comment articles – Page 3
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CommentImplementing Awaab’s Law across the social housing sector
As phase one of Awaab’s Law comes into force, social landlords face strict new deadlines to tackle damp and mould – a long-overdue step to protect residents’ health, but one that exposes gaps in guidance, ventilation standards and practical implementation
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CommentNow is not the time to panic about low planning approvals
As poor statistics continue to roll in Reed and Pennycook must hold their nerve, stick to their plan and be patient, argues Paul Smith
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CommentRent convergence and decent homes: getting the balance right
The government and providers are facing difficult choices but it’s important that the impact of rent changes on households is understood, writes Daisy Armstrong
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CommentGovernment must publish its plan for warm homes
The spending review contained positive funding announcements for retrofit but there are now several key steps needed to ensure the benefits are delivered, write Andy Piper and Matthew Turpin
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CommentSmaller charities are overlooked when it comes to solutions to the housing crisis
The government must do more to offer smaller providers the legislative support they need to grow, argues Nick Phillips
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CommentBuilding health into housing must be a priority
Thoughtful housing design at an early stage can shape places that nurture health, strengthen social connection and reduce pressure on the NHS, argues Chris Scott
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CommentGovernment has delivered our asks but we can’t underestimate the scale of the task ahead
As we approach party conference season, Fiona Fletcher-Smith looks at what the sector now needs to tackle the housing crisis
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CommentThinking holistically and increased funding for social landlords: how to improve the decency of our homes
The government’s proposed revamped Decent Homes standard is a crucial framework, but the plans could be improved, writes Mary Anne Bowring
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CommentHow we can find out what people really think about new homes
Councils should seek the views of a representative sample of the local population, rather than a minority with vested interests, argues Paul Smith
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CommentFor-profit RPs could be simplified and streamlined to help them deliver even more
Valuable equity and pension scheme investment has been brought into affordable housing but with a bit of rethinking could for-profits make a bigger contribution, asks David Orr.
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CommentOnly a £3 rent convergence premium can restore housing associations’ financial capacity quickly enough
As the government’s consultation on how to re-introduce the policy closes, Paul Hackett makes the case for a higher ceiling on rent increases.
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CommentShared ownership must not be sidelined
The government seems reluctant to support the tenure, but it is crucial to solving the housing crisis, argues Peter Hawley
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CommentDecent homes in practice: What an updated standard could mean for housing providers and residents
The government’s consultation on an updated Decent Homes Standard is welcome, the proposals raise questions about cost, practicality and priorities, says Elly Hoult
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CommentSmall sites deserve big attention: why further planning reform is needed for SME developments
The system is still too slow, too unpredictable and too poorly resourced to support the scale of housing delivery identified by our new administration, says Paul Campbell, chief executive at Richborough
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CommentUnpacking the Building Safety Regulator reforms that aim to unlock high-rise delays
What operational changes are being made to help the Building Safety Regulator tackle the excessive gateway approval waits on high-rise residential schemes?
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CommentThe government has thrown its support behind housebuilders, now it must translate into action
Labour is enacting the biggest change to planning for 30 years – it is essential momentum continues, writes Wayne Douglas
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CommentHow to make the Building Safety Act work better
It was supposed to act as an enabler of safer housing, not an unintended barrier to progress. There’s much to do to improve the way the new regime is working, writes Lee Powell
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CommentRushanara Ali case shows why Renters’ Rights Bill needs careful handling
The new legislation has a laudable aim but it must not end up removing thousands of homes from the market for 12 months, warns David Smith
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CommentHousing associations need to rethink cost planning in the current environment
A collaborative and forward-looking approach is needed to help the providers deal with increased costs, argues Stuart Binnie
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CommentMinisters appear to be listening to the social housing sector – but much more needs to be done to attract private investment for delivery
The biggest mistake would be to assume the spending review measures alone are enough to boost housing delivery, warns Richard Jones