Excitement at last week's Chartered Institute of Housing North-east bash when a tenant railed against government rules that insist ever more quangos, partnerships and boards be set up to pontificate when what's needed is money. "The problem is those ministers with nine houses and the biggest choice they have to make is which one to stay in tonight," she fumed. Who could she possibly have in mind?
Lawyers 'not meddling' shock
Rumour has it that the Law Commission has been mulling over a matter particularly close to housing associations' hearts in recent weeks – whether they should be considered as public bodies in the eyes of the law. Having raised the issue by way of a low-key inclusion in a consultation paper earlier this year, the commissioners are said to be considering the feedback. Housing associations might be glad to know that the commission is likely to politely drop this particular "hot potato" – it's believed to be far too contentious for anyone but the government to comment on.
A grave tale
I am certain that the best minds at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are being exercised on a daily basis by the recently reported rise in homeless people in London. However, if any further stimulation should prove necessary then a tale that has reached me from the Far East should suffice. A 47-year-old who was sleeping rough under a motorway tunnel in Japan was driven to such distraction by the noise that he decided to put a stop to it. Literally. Having somehow acquired a bulldozer, the man dug up a headstone from a nearby graveyard and deposited it on the motorway. Sadly any peace which resulted was shortlived as the man was swiftly arrested. Still, I'm sure he finally got a good kip in the cells …
Sympathy for the devil
Ex-transport secretary Stephen Byers allowed himself a little wry reflection on his torrid time in office last week. Addressing the Commons from the backbenches for the first time in eight years, he told colleagues: "I no longer have the convenience and comfort of the tumbler of water always ready at the dispatch box. There have been times when I have addressed the House in the past 12 months when something stronger than water may have been helpful." All together now: "Ahhhh!"
Gray is the new red
CIH president Andrew Gray is especially glad to be back after an arduous month touring the world. On a trip to Beijing he discovered a cock-up with his visa for the People's Republic. Faced with the prospect of a stay in the slammer and a deluge of cards from UK housing folk, the great one decided a quick dash to Hong Kong to get it sorted out was a better option. All was well in the end, he reports with relief.
She’s let herself go
Source
Housing Today
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