Features

Growing evidence points to the benefits of the arts in community development and social regeneration that far outweighs any costs involved. With the government keen to address social inclusion through the arts, funding is out there. By working in partnership with community-basedarts organisations, landlords have a chance to see just what the arts can do in transforming the look of estates as well as the attitude, involvement and well-being of residents. Report: Alison Benjamin and Sue Wolk

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Working families tax credit is one of the governments key measures to encourage more people back to work. But David Webster argues that the system is failing to achieve its desired aims

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Will the general election make much difference to housing in Wales, where the devolved administration is drawing up a national housing strategy? Mikis Euripides reports

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Westminster elections seem increasingly irrelevant to housing in devolved Scotland and Wales. On social security, and housing benefit in particular, that perception is wrong. But Mary Taylor says there is little political will to change the status quo in Scotland

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The brakes were applied just as house price rises in early 2000 were beginning to look like a boom. The result is unprecedented stability across a range of housing market indicators. ROOF measures stability with factors such as repossessions and mortgage arrears as well as house prices. In this issue, we look at what lies behind the new stability - and the dangers that still exist. Julian Birch reports

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Government plans to reform rent policy for social housing in England may be necessary, but are they badsed on the right formula? Steve Wilcox explains the background to the new policy and the pitfalls that lie in wait

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It seems hard to believe, but it's now four years since Labour was swept to power by its biggest-ever general election victory. But what has Tony Blair's government actually achieved on housing since it came to power back in May 1997? Looking back at its record, the answer of our jury is surprisingly upbeat. Report: Julian Blake

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Waltham Forest's multi agency partnership is pioneering a witness support package designed to make victims of race crimes feel safe and secure enouth to testify against perpetrators in court. It is just one measure that puts this London borough at the forefront of tackling racial harassment. Alison Benjamin reports

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Without a more consistent response to racial harassment, the gap between verbal commitment and actual practice seems certain to grow. Paul Feldman reports

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Being spat at in the street, barraged with offensive verbal taunts and jibes, or physically attacked because of the colour of your skin are still daily occurrences for far too many people in this country. Many of them live on housing estates. While publicised anti-racist procedures have resulted in an increase in reported incidents in many areas, local authorities, landlords, police and other agencies need to work together to turn their fine words and commitments into tough action. Report: Paul Feldman and Alison Benjamin

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In January, the government launched its national strategy for neighbourhood renewal, setting out ambitious plans for reducing social exclusion in Britain's most deprived neighbourhoods. On looking beyond just bricks and mortar. Penny Wakefield and Charlie Parker report from Liverpool on plans to revive fortunes in the city’s worst wards

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Labour went into the 1997 general election with manifesto commitment to introduce a licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation. After four years in office, it will enter the next campaign with the pledge unfulfilled. What are the prospects for licensing now - and are wider reforms to revive the private rented sector still a government priority? Julian Blake reports

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A labour government with a huge majority and well ahead in the polls calls a snap election. Against all the odds it loses to a Conservative party written off by the pundits. Unlikely? Yes. Unthinkable? It happened in 1970. What would it mean for housing if it happened again? John Goodwin asks shadow environment secretary Archie Norman

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