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Reliance on private rental sector 'must be addressed'
Chief executive of the National Housing Federation David Orr says the reliance on the private rental sector must be addressed to reduce the burden on the taxpayer.
We hear a lot about 'making work pay', but a decent job won't even cover the cost of a home in England. Billions of pounds of taxpayers' money is wasted, lining the pockets of private landlords, when it could be better spent building more homes people can afford. Relying on the private rented sector so heavily is a costly sticking plaster rather than a solution.
– Chief executive of the National Housing Federation David OrrIn towns and cities pulling away from the recession, the dysfunctional housing market is burning the fingers of many people. Hard-working families are spending more and more of their income on a home and many could be forced to move - away from jobs, schools and relatives. We need to address the problems of the housing market now, before another generation is left locked out and reliant on taxpayers to keep the roof over their head.
Soaring rents 'force working people to claim benefit'
One working person every five minutes is being forced into claiming housing benefit because of soaring rents in London and other areas experiencing economic growth, a report has warned.
The number of employed people claiming housing benefit in England has risen by 104% since 2009, with a further 310 added every day, at a total cost to the taxpayer of more than £12 billion over the period - or £1.7 million a day - said the National Housing Federation.
In a report entitled Home Truths, the NHF called on the Government to do more to build affordable homes in the capital and other growth areas where the housing market is "overheating".
The report warns failure to provide homes in sought-after areas has pushed rents beyond what ordinary working families can afford.
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Admiration for Nelson Mandela voiced in Parliament
Before they set off for South Africa to attend the Nelson Mandela memorial service, David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband added their voices to the admiration for Mr Mandela, echoing through Parliament.
There was praise for MPs who had campaigned against apartheid and an acknowledgement of mistakes by those who had not.
Special Correspondent Rageh Omaar reports:
US and UK to assist French in Central African Republic
French troops, trying to stop the fighting between Muslims and Christians in the Central African Republic, are to receive international help.
America has offered Military planes to fly in Peacekeeping troops from Burundi and the RAF will deliver Military Equipment to the French forces.
The crisis in the Central African Republic, a former French Colony began in March but in the last four days, nearly five hundred people have died in fighting in the capital Ban-gee alone.
ITV News Diplomatic Correspondent John Ray reports:
Background: What is behind the crisis in Central African Republic?
People with jobs claiming housing benefit on the rise
You may be surprised to learn that the number of people claiming housing benefit is on the rise, including among those with jobs.
Read the full storySounds of Soweto to echo through Mandela memorial
The Soweto Gospel choir have been preparing to perform in front of millions at tomorrow's memorial service for Nelson Mandela.
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A mild night with low temperatures in the south east
A mild night across the country, clearly skies over the south east will give some lower temperatures with probably a ground frost and some widespread mist patches in the morning.
Although it will be a cold start to the day there it will be bright and sunny.
ITV Weather Presenter Alex Beresford has the full forecast:
Exercise could reduce risk of dementia in men
Men who regularly exercise could see their chances of developing dementia significantly reduce, new research suggests.
The research, completed by Cardiff University, monitored the lifestyle habits of 2,235 men over a 35-year period and found that exercise reduced the risk of dementia.
The study identified healthy behaviours including regular exercise, non-smoking, a low bodyweight, a healthy diet and a low alcohol intake as being integral to having the best chance of leading a disease-free lifestyle.
The study comes ahead of a G8 summit on Wednesday to look at the funding and research into dementia.
Iain Duncan Smith: Universal Credit not a debacle
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has denied claims that his welfare reform programme is a "debacle".
Read the full storyParliament reminded of past views on Nelson Mandela
Mandela was praised across the Commons in moving eulogies today but MPs were also reminded of when they were on the wrong side of apartheid.
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