Shelter can’t do math.

Shelter have issued a press release claiming more than two million people are paying their rent or mortgage on their credit cards. Oops – they’re out by at least a quarter.

“Inform on your neighbours” urges Housing Association

I’m never keen on Big Brother style schemes offering incentives to people to inform on their neighbours. Why pay for something so many people are willing to do for nothing? But I don’t get Calico’s new scheme.

A tender process

The consultation period for the Government’s green paper on commissioning closed yesterday. YAWN! But for anyone working in Supported Housing commissioning has been a real bugbear since 2003 when the Supporting People grant was introduced.

Shapps Watch

Our Housing Minister has been a busy boy already this year, issuing press releases every couple of days. I’m concerned he might be turning into a commie pinko hippy though.

2011 – I predict a riot!

Belated – and mostly dull – predictions for 2011:

• The coalition will have a hard time but see the year out.
• The localisation bill will pass pretty much unchanged.
• A fall in new social housing starts.
• Rising inflation becoming a serious concern.
• Increased public spending.
• Regular protest riots in London.

Baby P – any lessons for social housing?

Back in October all the serious case reviews for the Baby P case were published – you can get copies of everything from the article here.

Somewhat belatedly, I thought I’d blog a few thoughts.

Pickles and Chapps get a Christmas roasting

A senior Lib Dem has got himself in the media today lambasting Pickles and Chapps.