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, [...]

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.
Any long-term statutory housing strategy should build on the work done [...]

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 than 27,000 vulnerable people [...]

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.
“Significant improvements are [...]

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 [...]

Details were unveiled today of a new international challenge for house builders to help create zero-carbon and low-carbon communities.
Ruth Kelly, communities secretary, launched the scheme, which will be run by English Partnerships. Developers will be called upon to help create these flagship communities though a number of methods.
They will be expected to raise standards of [...]

The New Local Government Network (NLGN) has asserted that housing policy is informed by the way in which local authorities interact with community groups, construction firms and residents.
Emphasising the need for an asset-based framework for solving housing issues, the think-tank advocates more proactive cooperation and innovative policies in its latest e-pamphlet.
Firstly, social housing management needs [...]

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been praised in an independent report by the Audit Commission for its community leadership, value for money and recycling.
Steps are also being taken in the borough to address inequalities, promote a higher quality of life and reduce the fear and threat of crime - tackling the area’s [...]

Working with the Housing Corporation, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has committed to a protocol agreement designed to provide affordable housing in Lancashire.
Agreed this week at Blackburn’s Old Town Hall, the accord is based on a national protocol laid down by the corporation and the Local Government Association, concerned with the delivery of local priorities.
Regional [...]