Lunchtime news May 25

On Question Time [go here to watch and here for the story] last night, Labour deputy leadership candidate Alan Johnson accused Margaret Hodge of ‘using the language of the BNP’ when she argued for a a Brits-first housing policy. A poll for BBC’s Daily Politics says 69% of the public think she’s right but Inside Housing reports a hostile reception from the housing profession.

Housing associations are under pressure on development funding after almos and private companies bid for a larger share, reports Inside Housing.

The Audit Commission has launched consultation on the pilot programme for its short-notice inspections of housing associations.

The Housing Corporation has announced the winners of its 2007 Gold Awards.

UK house prices are 65% over-valued according to the international economics agency OECD, reports the Mail. The estimate is based on a comparison between average prices and average rental returns, which is 65% above the average since 1970.

Illegal immigration cost the taxpayer £1bn last year, including £700m in housing costs, reports the Mail.

Camden to is to sell empty properties to the highest bidder and sell estates to housing associations as a way out of the problems caused by tenant rejection of transfer and almo, according to the Camden New Journal.