The biggest free energy-efficiency initiative ever launched for the social housing sector was kicked off today with Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas encouraging housing association chiefs to take up a new scheme aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of over two million households.

Flexibilities for the second round of the Housing Corporation's Regular Market Engagement (RME) process have been announced today moving towards the shortening of timescales for the next round and a subsequent move to a more continuous bidding process.

The appointment of Robert Napier as the first Chair of The Homes and Community Agency has been welcomed by the Housing Corporation.

Peter Marsh has been appointed as Chief Executive of the new social housing regulator, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), Housing Minister Caroline Flint announced today.

Housing associations have delivered around £360m in operating efficiency gains during 2005-07 says the Housing Corporation as it publishes the 2007 Operating Cost Index results.