Government to introduce minimum standards for private rented homes

The housing minister Grant Shapps has said the localism bill will be amended to ensure that homes in the private rented sector meet higher standards. During a question and answer sessions at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference, Mr Shapps said: "I will not let the private sector be a poor quality alternative to the high quality social rented sector." He also unveiled plans to increase transparency in the housing sector which could see social landlords forced to reveal their expenses under the Freedom of Information Act. "Over the last few decades large amounts of ordinary peoples' cash has been invested in social housing, and the public now deserve to know if there are opportunities for efficiencies that can be exploited, so the very most is made of their past, present and future investment," he said. Winterbourne View care home to close The care home at the centre of a BBC Panorama investigation into the abuse of adults with learning difficulties will close today (Friday) . Castlebeck, the company that runs the home, said it had "voluntarily relinquished the hospital registration" of Winterbourne View near Bristol after 13 members of staff were suspended. It said: "The hospital will effectively close today, when the last patients are transferred to alternative services. Castlebeck has been working closely with families and carers, commissioners and other professionals from the NHS and social services to ensure patients are safely transferred with minimum disruption to their lives." Eight men and women have been arrested and bailed in connection with the BBC findings, and South Gloucestershire council has launched a serious case review. 'Dr Who' bollards prompt council rethink Plymouth city council is reconsidering plans to introduce child- shaped bollards outside a school after parents described them as "weird-looking" and like "something out of Dr Who". The bollards, designed to slow down traffic near the Compton Church of England primary school, cost £350 each, are 3ft high and are painted to look like children. Parents rejected the bollards, which were commissioned by the council as a planning condition, after they were alerted to the plan in a school newsletter. Parent Rachel Lane said: "They might work, but they are pretty scary. I think they might frighten the children." Another said: "They're expensive, the school has to foot the bill and there's no proof that they more effective than normal bollards. And they look hideous, like something out of Doctor Who." This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the housing network for more like this direct to your inbox.