Housing Associations will be able to offer new tenants a new form of tenancy from April 2011. The Affordable Rent option will offer fixed term tenancies at a rent higher than the social housing standard for the area.

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The National Federation of ALMOs, whose members manage half of all council housing in England, say tenants feel ‘very betrayed’ following new government proposals that will cut funding for the Decent Homes programme.

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THE BIG SOCIETY AND SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

The LinkAge Plus pilot programme started in 2006 and ended in October 2008. Its aim was to develop new ways of working to meet the needs and aspirations of older people better. The core principles established by the programme are now being taken forward in a modified form as part of the Big Society. The major differences are that there will be increased emphasis on localism and empowerment, a commitment to continually learn and evolve services and increased emphasis on the importance of treating older people as an integral part of the general adult population.

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