Lunchtime news Feb 26

The government’s Better Regulation Commission is urging the DCLG to delay the introduction of energy performance certificates because they will impose ‘additional administrative burdens without adequate justification’, reports the Financial Times.

Only 100 people have bought in the first five months of open market homebuy, reports the Telegraph.

Families of people caught with guns will be evicted and moved out for their communities in an idea to be tested on Merseyside, says the Telegraph.

Kate Barker defends her proposals on the green belt in an interview in the Sunday Times.

Work will begin next month on a zero carbon development in London docklands, says the Indpendent on Sunday.

Average house prices are above the inheritance tax threshhold in 236 postcode areas, according to research by the Halifax [downloads word doc].

A review of the welfare state will recommend cheap loans for the long-term unemployed to help pay off their debts, says Saturday’s Guardian.

Saturday’s Daily Mail helpfully reminds readers that Labour leadership candidate Michael Meacher owns five homes, including three for his own use, worth £2.5m.

The Audit Commission has published its reponse to the Cave review of housing regulation.