Daily News: 17/08/2026
Your daily round-up of key housing news, funding, partnerships and policy updates across the UK.

Abri has launched a £2.5bn euro medium-term note programme to strengthen future funding flexibility, supporting plans to invest in existing homes and deliver 20,000 new homes by 2036. Abri

Amplius’ £58m three-year retrofit programme has entered its second year, with Lovell Renew delivering energy-efficiency improvements across social housing in Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Peterborough. Insider Media

SNG has signed a design and build contract with The Hill Group to deliver 90 social rent homes on Bath Road in Brislington, Bristol, for people on Bristol City Council’s housing register. Sovereign Network Group

Government has introduced planning rules to fast-track thousands of homes around well-connected stations, with ‘default yes’ support and minimum density expectations, aiming to accelerate housing delivery, unlock investment and drive growth. GOV.UK

Lovell Partnerships is expected to start work in October on the first phase of a 450-home Horsham scheme, delivering 206 homes on the former Novartis Pharmaceuticals site. Stantec has been appointed to progress Tees Valley’s spatial development strategy, providing a 20-year framework covering housing, infrastructure, economic growth and environmental priorities. Construction Enquirer, Place North West

Nottingham is progressing several new council and social housing projects, supporting efforts to address the city’s housing shortage and increase affordable housing supply. A new strategic housing partnership aims to accelerate affordable housing delivery across the Wirral, supporting increased supply and closer collaboration between local housing stakeholders. West Bridgford Wire, Insider Media

Bouygues UK recorded more than £200m in pretax losses over four years, including a £76m loss in 2025, highlighting continued financial pressure on the contractor. Ventro Group has acquired Walsall-based electrical contractor R.D. Jukes & Co, expanding its building compliance and electrical engineering capabilities. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer

The Guinness Partnership reported a £10.9m surplus in 2025/26, reversing the previous year’s £10.8m deficit. Orkney Islands Council has received £1.75m for household energy-efficiency improvements, while Salford Council identified 1,000+ hazardous faults across 91 unregistered properties. Bridgewater Housing Association has also revised its Void Management Policy to improve empty-home management and turnaround. Investing.com, Scottish Housing News, Manchester Evening News, and The Gazette

Plans are progressing for 450 homes in Brackley, with approval recommended, while proposals for 300 homes near Bradwell, Norfolk have been unveiled. North Tyneside Council is set to consider 138 homes at the former Tyne Brand factory site, alongside commercial space. Elsewhere, plans for 170+ homes in the New Forest have advanced, while Taylor Wimpey has secured approval for 125 homes at Carnbroe Road in North Lanarkshire. Rayo, Place North West, Eastern Daily Press, Bournemouth Echo, and Daily Echo

All information is curated from public sources and market intelligence.
Published daily on weekdays.