National statistics released today show that the number of households accepted as homeless has been cut by 60per cent since 2003.

The figures show that 14,340 households were accepted as homeless by local authorities between July to September 2008 - a 13per cent reduction compared to the same quarter last year.

The statistics also show a continuing reduction in the number of households in temporary accommodation down to 72,130 - a 29 per cent reduction since 2004.

Homelessness Minister Iain Wright said:

"This is a fantastic achievement by local authorities and their partners. We've come a long way in tackling homelessness, reducing homelessness acceptances by 60per cent over the last five years and cutting the use of temporary accommodation by nearly a third since 2004.

"But we will not stop here, we want sustained reductions, which is why we are investing 200 million over the next three years in local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle and prevent homelessness - the biggest cash injection ever for homelessness services.

"This is a long-term investment for a long-term solution. Solving homelessness is about providing not just the safety-net when people need it most, its also about giving them a helping hand back into employment and independence, which is exactly what our homelessness programmes aim to do."

The figures come as the Communities and Local Government-backed SPARK competition which encourages new and innovative business ideas to prevent and tackle homelessness opens for applications. The scheme invites social enterprises and individuals who are at risk of homelessness or have been homeless to bid for a share of a 1.6 million prize as well as business mentoring from the likes of PWC and BT. Profits from these enterprises are then used to help the homeless find training and employment. This builds on the success of last year's 15 winners which included an organic farm that provides employment and rehabilitation services to homeless people and a corporate bike servicing programme.

Encouraging organisations to apply Iain Wright said:

"To reduce homelessness even further we need new and innovative solutions and this is exactly what SPARK makes possible. I would encourage social enterprises to grasp this great opportunity not only to obtain funding, but also to get expert advice from leading businesses to both grow as an enterprise and help change the lives of many more people."

Labels: Homelessness numbers down by 60 per cent

Remodeling gives homeowner a chance to really think about how they and their family live and how space can enhance their lives. According the semi-annual survey of 5000 U.S. homeowner, it has proved that homeowner with low equity and lower-value homes have put their remodeling project on hold and homeowner with high equity are moving ahead with their projects. It is also said that it is the best time to remodel the home because new home construction is at low levels and more materials and labor are available for remodeling. There is a drastic reduction in prices for home repairs and remodeling. This will result in shorter project schedule and lower project costs.

Interesting finding is that around 81 percent plan to start their home remodel this year and 65 percent plan to do some of the work themselves. Kitchen remodel is the top project in recent time.

Sarasota remodeling contractor told last week, though the situation is not good for remodeling industry it was the best year for him. The NAHB's Remodeling Market Index went down in the third quarter. The current market condition declined to 33.5 from 41.8 in the last quarter and it is also expected to decline in future to 27.7. Since 2001, these are the lowest figure reported.

The RMI measures market demand for current and future residential projects. If the index is 50 or more, then the work is better. But if the index is less than 50, then it indicates that remodeling spending by consumer is decreasing. The chairman of NAHB remodeler says future work is expected to decline as remodelers report another drop in the home improvements. It is said that customer are cutting back on home improvement spending.

NAHB chief economist David Seiders said that the pattern of home-building also decline to lesser degree. Now-a-days as more and more home builder go into remodeling to make up the lost business, the market is becoming more competitive.

Labels: Nahb Reports About Remodeling Slump

Remodeling is a smart decision but, it requires patience and planning. Remodeling is giving a new form to old one. A home is a place where a person invests a large amount of money, so paying out more money on renovation is not easy one it has to be worth. Before remodeling, decide how long you're going to stay in your present home. According to that you can remodel your required areas. You should have some idea, what the remodeling project entail before calling a contractor. First you list out the rooms that need to be altered and the reasons for those changes, this step will help you to remodel your design very rapidly. The way to protect you during reconstruction is to appoint a professional contractor, and make sure he is insured and have licensed.

Important thing is your "BUDGET" decides how much you can invest in remodeling and then you start your project. Your budget should not exceed if you want to sale your home and if your plan is to stay then you can spend little more amount to get what you want. Get a complete written contract before starting your project. The contractor should give you all the important information of the project like; timetable, types of product, payment schedule and etc. Reconstructing a home needs a lot of concentration, patience's and planning.

Labels: Things to be known about remodeling

People thinking about extending their homes or making home improvements will need to check with their local planners to see if planning permission is needed. In many cases it may no longer be needed for some types of extension.

New government legislation is changing the rules about what needs planning permission. The government say, the law which comes into operation from the 1 October, could mean 80,000 less applications will need planning permission throughout the UK.

Adur and Worthing Councils' executive head of planning, regeneration and wellbeing, James Appleton said: "While this change to planning law will relax requirements for planning permission in some instances, it is still important to check with planning departments when considering any building work."

This new legislation doesn't affect building regulations and people should continue to apply and seek advice for these when undertaking home improvements.

Labels: New laws affecting home improvements