Treatment of Housing Applicant Criticised

A woman missed out on permanent accommodation as a result of mishandling of her housing application, finds Local Government Ombudsman, Tony Redmond. In his report, he says "...the Council may not have got the balance right between preventing fraud and supporting those in need of social housing."

Purchase of Houses Criticised

Lancaster City Council should reimburse the former owners of three houses with £34,000 worth of the profit it made on the sale of their properties, says Local Government Ombudsman Jerry White.

16 Hour Rule Review

Pensions Secretary Peter Hain confirmed he has ordered a review of the 16-hour rule, which prevents people claiming Housing Benefit if they study for more than 16 hours a week.

Failure to Secure Interim Accommodation

A council's mishandling of the homelessness application of a family with four young children meant they were without proper accommodation for eleven weeks, including the Christmas period.

Inadequate Liaison Between Two Councils

Watford Borough Council's and Hertfordshire County Council's failure to co-operate over housing repair and refurbishment led to unsatisfactory living conditions for a man and his disabled wife for two years.

Possessions Online Service Launched

Her Majesty's Courts Service launched the possession claims online service, which will cut the user fee from £150 to £100. The reduction could lead to savings of around £5 million for local authorities and housing associations.

New Guide Published

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessments - Guidance.

This guidance aims to provide advice on carrying out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers.

New Social Housing Watchdog

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced that a new social housing watchdog that will crack down on registered social landlords in England who are giving tenants a poor service.