Daily News: 05/11/2026
Your daily round-up of key housing news, funding, partnerships and policy updates across the UK.

Hounslow Council has launched market engagement for two infrastructure programmes, each valued at over £500m: a Strategic Energy Partnership covering retrofits, renewables, fleet decarbonisation and EV charging, and a separate borough-wide heat network. Partnerships Bulletin

Leeds City Council plans to invest £1.35m in appointing Clade Engineering Systems to repair heating at Potternewton Heights and Holborn Towers, replacing failing air-source heat pumps to improve winter reliability and reduce temporary heating costs. Telegraph and Argus

Liberty has secured a £2.5m, 12-month contract with Thirteen Group from 1 October 2026, covering repairs, maintenance, heating and compliance across 4,000 homes. A one-year extension could raise its value to £5m. Wates Property Services Ltd

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Clarion Housing Group’s long-term issuer default rating at ‘A+’, retaining a Negative Outlook amid ongoing financial and operational risks. Peabody Trust’s rating has been downgraded from ‘A’ to ‘A-’, with its Stable Outlook unchanged. The Regulator of Social Housing has raised serious concerns about a small for-profit landlord over failures to meet governance and financial viability requirements, prompting regulatory scrutiny. Fitch Ratings, Fitch Ratings, and GOV.UK

MORhomes has issued £13m in 3.40% secured notes due in 2038 to fund a loan to Hexagon Housing Association, under its existing £5bn secured bond programme. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive reported £51.18m of investment in Derry and Strabane, including £10.39m through its Supporting People programme to support vulnerable households. Investegate, Derry Now

Telford and Wrekin Council’s Better Homes for All programme received nearly 1,000 support requests over two years, resulting in 700 inspections, more than 240 improvement notices and action on around 1,000 property hazards. Bracknell Forest Council has taken its first formal step towards becoming a social housing provider, potentially allowing it to develop and manage homes directly. Highland Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan sets out regional investment priorities to increase housing supply and address local demand. Telford and Wrekin Council, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, and The Highland Council

Powys County Council has apologised to a tenant after mould problems remained unresolved for two years. A Taunton council tenant has faced months of delays in receiving essential flat repairs, highlighting concerns over housing maintenance services. Leaseholders in a group of flats in Sutton Coldfield face potential bills of almost £45,000 each for major roof replacement works, raising concerns about the cost of building maintenance. Powys County Times, Somerset County Gazette, and BBC

Barratt Redrow reported a 12% fall in housing completions in its latest trading update, reflecting continued housebuilding market challenges. Morgan Sindall expects to exceed profit targets again, with double-digit construction profit growth and operating margins approaching 4%. Vistry has begun cutting jobs and plans to more than halve its regional operations amid worsening market conditions, with daily debt reportedly approaching £800m. Mace Construct will rebrand as Forco when its new identity launches in January 2027. Housing Today (register), Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, and Construction Enquirer

Work on the proposed 2,600-home development at a Surrey aerodrome has been paused, despite Government approval in 2018 and no homes being built to date. Avant Homes Scotland has submitted plans for the second phase of its £91.5m Blindwells development near Tranent, forming part of a wider 343-home scheme. Cityheart’s proposed 130-home development near Birmingham Airport is expected to secure planning approval after Solihull Council officers recommended it for approval. Surrey Live, Scottish Housing News, and Place Midlands

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