MPs have criticised the government for not setting clear objectives for its schemes to improve home energy efficiency. In a report published today on the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) the Energy and Climate Change Committee says it is ‘disappointed that the minister was not able to give us a clear idea of what success would look like’. read more...

A large proportion of tenants hit by the bedroom tax have so far failed to pay the resulting shortfall in their rent. Several of the UK’s largest housing associations have this week revealed thousands of tenants have not covered their rent since the controversial policy was introduced on 1 April. read more...

The innovative design of a new development in Nottingham means 18 of the houses, on the site of a former bowling club, can be 'snapped together' within two days of arriving on site. The Green, in Westfield Lane, Mansfield will not only be quick to build, but also cheap to run – costs are expected to be as low as £250 a year. read more...

Nearly a third of councils are not complying with their legal duties on monitoring their buildings’ energy use under laws designed to encourage councils to improve their estates. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive from the EU requires public authorities to have up-to-date Display Energy Certificates (DEC) in all their buildings over 1,000m2. read more...

A new green housing development is in the pipeline for Newcastle as part of a larger £50m redevelopment scheme. The Malings development will consist of 76 sustainable and low-energy homes in the Ouseburn area of the city. read more...

South western eco homes will be going on show again following a successful event in Dorchester. Last year Greendor, a not-for-profit project promoting green living, held a Open Eco Homes event in the county town and its success has prompted it to hold another on the weekend of September 14 and September 15. read more...