Olivia Barber
NewsDame Kate Barker to lead new housing inquiry
The economist will head up a new commission into housing shortages in England, 20 years on from the Barker review of housing supply
In FocusWhat is the social housing sector doing to get ready for mandatory qualifications?
The government is consulting on mandatory professional qualifications for social housing managers. This change may be more than a year away but, as Olivia Barber finds out, many social landlords are already preparing.
NewsGove launches much-anticipated consultation on housing manager qualifications
The consultation is seeking registered providers’ and tenants’ views on the new competence and conduct standard
NewsHouse prices in January rise for fourth consecutive month, Halifax says
Average property prices rose by 1.3% last month, according to the bank’s house price index
NewsBuild-to-rent planning approvals are taking at least a year to be granted, research finds
According to research by the BPF and Savills, the time required for BTR planning applications to be approved has shot up over the last decade
NewsSovereign Network Group appoints group general counsel to oversee its legal affairs
The 84,000-home housing association has selected Kirsten Keegan to join the group’s executive team
NewsBirmingham Council considering closing its social housing waiting list
England’s largest council may close its housing waiting list due to a build up of 11,000 unassessed applications
NewsKarbon Homes in talks to take over Leazes Homes
With Newcastle City Council’s ALMO earmarked for closure, Leazes Homes is looking to become a subsidiary of Karbon Homes
NewsHousing bodies warn that proposed Northern Ireland budget cuts will impede social housing delivery
The CIH and Homeless Connect said the proposed spending will mean missing annual social housing delivery targets
In FocusGeeta Nanda: ‘I will remain connected to housing, I think it’s in my blood now’
As she announces her plan to stand down, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing’s chief executive reflects on her 35 years in the housing industry and what she thinks the future holds for the sector
NewsThurrock council insists £1.4bn regeneration plan isn’t dead despite terminating agreement
The Essex local authority said it is committed to delivering the project and is working with Homes England and other investors to find “alternative delivery options” after funding difficulties
NewsNo cladding remediation agreement in place for Wembley block that caught fire
Octavia Housing and Vistry had not come to a “realistic agreement” over replacement of unsafe cladding
NewsRegulator upgrades London housing association’s financial viability grading
Local Space has its financial viability status upgraded, while the RSH has confirmed the gradings of two other housing associations
In FocusGove and Khan’s row over London’s housing delivery numbers explained
How the mayor’s spatial development strategy become the centre of a spat in this year of multiple elections
NewsGeeta Nanda to step down as chief executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing
The former chair of the G15 group will step down from her role in autumn this year
NewsFourteen housing bodies sign letter opposing ‘British homes for British workers policy’
The letter highlighted that 90% of new social housing lettings go to UK nationals
NewsCity Hall approves next phase of 1,500-home Poplar regeneration scheme
The next phase of the scheme approved by Mayor after refusal by Tower Hamelts council
NewsHousing secretary intervenes to prevent Surrey council from withdrawing local plan
Rowley said withdrawal of the local plan would result in the council having one of the oldest adopted local plans in the country
NewsOrbit appoints two new board members
Priya Khullar and Emma Kenny join Orbit’s board as the housing association sets about preparing its 2030 corporate strategy
NewsHousing bodies hit out at government over reported ‘British homes for British workers’ social housing policy
The Chartered Institute of Housing and Shelter raise concerns about ‘scapegoating policy ideas’