{"id":10440,"date":"2026-03-19T12:03:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/?p=10440"},"modified":"2026-06-19T11:26:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T11:26:32","slug":"mar-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/monthly-briefing\/mar-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Mar 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n
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Our Monthly Briefing provides a concise overview of activity across the UK social housing repairs, maintenance and construction sector. Drawing on live procurement data, contract \t\t\t\t\t\tawards, client activity and market intelligence, it highlights emerging trends, investment priorities and opportunities shaping the market.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Social Housing RMI Business Intelligence & other stuff<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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A month is a long time in housing. So much has happened in the world since we last spoke. There are days I wish I was back in the monastery.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In India \u2018everyone\u2019 cooks with LPG, both domestically and commercially. But due to foreseen circumstances the LPG was sitting on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz. Ships started to get through, but not before restaurants were forced to close and a lot of people turned to coke and wood fires to cook meals on \u2010 and that ain\u2019t good.
\nSmile and wave, boys.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
We all need a bit of cheering up.
\nWhat I want you all to do, is get up, press play on the song, find the nearest person to you, give them a big hug and say, \u201cI love you!\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
I Hate Hate \u2013 Razzy Bailey
\nhttps:\/\/open.spotify.com\/track\/51FLli6GSbWZ0rTUiEe0GP?si=d99755b854b34c6b<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kD0o6u4N9zc<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Over the past month my LinkedIn posts have largely revolved around how AI is actually useful in the social housing data world. When we first built a RAG\/LLM*<\/a> layer on top of the Locarla housing dataset it felt revolutionary, but recently we realised (Doh!) that most of the questions people ask AI are questions our clients have been able to answer on Locarla for years. The real challenge isn\u2019t retrieving information, it\u2019s knowing what questions to ask in the first place. That\u2019s where AI becomes genuinely interesting \u2010 not just answering queries, but suggesting opportunities, risks and conversations users hadn\u2019t thought to explore.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
*The RAG\/LLM is available to clients on our Retrofit & Decarbonisation<\/a> licence. It is accessed via the [AI] icon at the top of the page, once they have logged in.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
If Bloomberg can build AI around financial intelligence, the equivalent we\u2019re edging toward is Social Housing Intelligence AI \u2010 combining housing stock data, energy data and procurement insight to surface opportunities and patterns across the sector.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
We\u2019ve also been looking at how each member of our staff are using LLMs in their assigned roles. Everyone at my company, who sits at a computer, was asked to prompt for this. You might find it an interesting exercise.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prompt:
\nI want to understand how you can assist me in my day\u2010to\u2010day work.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
My role: [job title]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What my job mainly involves:
\n[List the main responsibilities or tasks you do during a normal week.]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Examples of work I regularly do:
\n\u2022 [example task]
\n\u2022 [example task]
\n\u2022 [example task]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tools or systems I use:
\n[List any software, spreadsheets, databases, reports, etc.]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Things that take up a lot of time or are repetitive:
\n[List tasks that feel manual, slow, or difficult.]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Things I am responsible for producing:
\n(Reports, emails, analysis, presentations, research, summaries, etc.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Based on this, explain:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.The specific ways you could help me in my role
\n2.Examples of prompts I could use for my daily tasks
\n3.Tasks I may not realise you can help with
\n4.Ways to improve the quality or speed of my work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assume I want practical help, not general advice.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
End.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
That\u2019s enough of that.
\nThrough a team effort that never ceases to amaze me \u2013 this is the March Locarla Monthly Briefing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
‘Blue links<\/a>‘ for all and ‘green links<\/a>‘ are behind login so dependent on your licence.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Welcome, welcome, one and all.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Local Authorities in England Non\u2010Decent Homes 2025
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Download the data (Excel)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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It’s all News to me!<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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FUNDING & INVESTMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Homes England opens \u00a327bn affordable homes programme<\/strong>
\nRegistered providers are invited to bid for funding through the next ten-year housing programme.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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L&G raises \u00a3750m for affordable housing investment<\/strong>
\nLegal & General has raised over \u00a3750m to fund new affordable housing delivery.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Tower Hamlets commits \u00a3609m to council housing<\/strong>
\nTen-year investment programme focused on safety and energy efficiency.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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North Lanarkshire approves \u00a3531m housing programme<\/strong>
\nFive-year plan targeting stock improvement and regeneration.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Gateshead Council commits \u00a3311m to housing upgrades and new supply<\/strong>
\nFive\u2010year plan targets major improvements to existing homes alongside expansion of affordable housing across the borough.<\/span>
\n Source \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
STRATEGY \/ MARKET MOVES<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Mears sells FM division to focus on housing<\/strong>
\nDisposal sharpens focus on social housing maintenance and compliance demand.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DELIVERY & RETROFIT<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Fortem Secures Midlands Repairs & Voids Deal with Amplius<\/strong>
\nNew contract expands long-standing partnership to deliver maintenance services across thousands of social homes in the East and West Midlands.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Equans secures council retrofit contract in Stevenage<\/strong>
\nHundreds of homes upgraded under Warm Homes programme.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Galliford Try wins \u00a328m Clarion housing scheme<\/strong>
\n126 social rent homes delivered in Chester.<\/span>
\nSource \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Spotlight on Housing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Show me the money!<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A PDF guide to contract management on Locarla.<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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The spring procurement pipeline is gathering pace \u2012 bringing a mix of refurbishment, compliance, repairs opportunities across the UK social housing sector.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Leading this month\u2019s procurement activity, LHC Procurement Group<\/strong> is preparing PIN \u2010 Refurbishment and Modernisation (RM4)<\/a> valued at \u00a31.2bn across Scotland and Northern Ireland for 48 months, covering refurbishment works including kitchens, bathrooms, electrical, damp remediation, adaptations and external works.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scaling national offsite delivery capacity, Procurement for Housing (PfH)<\/strong> is undertaking market engagement for PIN \u2010 Modular Buildings Framework<\/a> valued at \u00a31bn across UK Wide for 48 months, covering modular construction solutions and associated consultancy services for social housing providers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Expanding national fire safety supply chains, Kent County Council<\/strong> is undertaking market engagement for PIN \u2010 Fire Safety Products and Associated Services<\/a> worth \u00a3200m across the South East for 48 months, shaping a future framework for fire safety equipment and services.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strengthening regional responsive maintenance delivery, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive<\/strong> is progressing PIN \u2010 Response Maintenance (South and Belfast Areas)<\/a> valued at \u00a3143.7m for 60 months across its housing portfolio, covering 24\/7 repairs, void works, asbestos and fire safety services.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Enhancing its consultancy pipeline, Orbit Group Ltd<\/strong>. is progressing PIN \u2010 Professional Services Framework<\/a> valued at \u00a3136.9m for 48 months across its housing portfolio, covering engineering, architecture, project management, retrofit, fire safety and sustainability services.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bringing forward development opportunities, Tower Hamlets London Borough<\/strong> has issued PIN \u2010 Capital Projects<\/a> valued at \u00a390m across Greater London for 27 months, covering new homes, community facilities and public realm works.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Driving building services maintenance, The Guinness Partnership<\/strong> is tendering Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Servicing and Capital Works<\/a> worth \u00a372.1m for 60 months across its housing portfolio, covering servicing, repairs and installations across MEP systems.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supporting accessibility solutions nationwide, YPO (Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation)<\/strong> is establishing Stairlifts and Associated Services<\/a> valued at \u00a370m across UK Wide for 48 months, covering supply, installation and servicing of lifts and hoists.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delivering housing refurbishment works at district level, Ashfield District Council<\/strong> is procuring Housing Refurbishment Contract to Various Council Owned Properties<\/a> valued at \u00a369m across the East Midlands for 36 months, appointing up to three contractors to undertake building repairs and maintenance works across council housing stock.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Advancing large-scale component replacement programmes, Falkirk Council<\/strong> is tendering Window & Door Replacements in Council Area \u2013 Phase 2<\/a> worth \u00a360m across Scotland for 60 months, covering the supply and installation of windows and doors alongside associated building and finishing works across council homes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Preparing the market for future internal investment works, Trivallis<\/strong> is undertaking early engagement for PIN \u2010 Kitchen & Bathroom Programme<\/a> valued at \u00a331m across Wales for 48 months, ahead of a planned programme of kitchen and bathroom replacements across its housing stock.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delivering accessibility improvements for vulnerable residents, Peterborough City Council<\/strong> is establishing a Care & Repair Open Framework<\/a> valued at \u00a322m across East Anglia for 36 months, covering home adaptations including level\u2010access showers, internal alterations and minor aids funded through Disabled Facilities Grants.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Addressing building safety remediation, Newlon Housing Trust<\/strong> is engaging the market for PIN \u2010 Cladding Works<\/a> valued at \u00a321.7m across Greater London for 12 months, ahead of a forthcoming procurement targeting cladding and facade improvement works.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Completing the month\u2019s pipeline, Hillingdon London Borough<\/strong> is procuring Domestic Gas Heating Systems \u2010 Installation and Servicing<\/a> valued at \u00a314m across Greater London for 48 months, covering gas safety inspections, servicing, responsive repairs and replacement works across approximately 10,000 council homes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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AI in Social Housing Report<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Download the full report<\/strong><\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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The Other League Tables<\/a>
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Along with our main monthly league tables, \u2772see below\u2773, we also produce tables based on the following trades: Retrofit, Asbestos Survey, Fire Risk Assessment, Water\/Legionella & Stock Condition Survey. \u2772RMI Insight & Decarbonisation clients, click here for the PDF<\/strong><\/a>\u2773<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top of the league in each table are ….<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retrofit:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Equans<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Asbestos Survey:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tersus Consultancy<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fire Risk Assessment:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IFI Group<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stock Condition Surveys:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennington Choices<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water \/ Legionella:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sureserve Compliance Water<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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February League Tables<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Built Environment Contracts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The trades we cover; Responsive Repair, Planned Works (Kitchen\/Bathrooms & Doors\/Windows), Gas Servicing\/Central Heating, Voids, Fire Safety & Roofing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Top Contractors (Showing 10 of 50 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Responsive Repairs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Responsive Repairs (Showing 7 of 84 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Planned Works<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Planned Works (Showing 10 of 182 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Gas Servicing & Central Heating<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Gas Servicing & Central Heating (Showing 10 of 87 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Voids<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
–>
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Voids (Showing 10 of 83 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
–>
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Fire Safety<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Fire Safety (Showing 10 of 146 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Roofing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
–>
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Roofing (Showing 10 of 141 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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RMI Insight & Decarbonisation clients can view the full dynamic league tables here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Reports, Reports & more Reports.<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All our RMI Insight & Decarbonisation clients<\/a><\/strong> receive news, reports, contract data and LA Minutes every day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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GOV.UK<\/strong><\/td>\nHousing Ombudsman Service<\/strong><\/td>\nNational Retrofit Hub<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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GOV.UK<\/strong><\/td>\nSaint Gobain<\/strong><\/td>\nSentry Fire Safety Group<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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S&P Global<\/strong><\/td>\nOffice for National Statistics <\/strong><\/td>\nGOV.UK<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Home Builders Federation<\/strong><\/td>\nBuilders Merchant Building Index<\/strong><\/td>\nPlumbing & Heating Merchant Index<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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The Scottish Government<\/strong><\/td>\nBevan Foundation<\/strong><\/td>\nGOV.UK<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
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All information is curated from public sources and market intelligence.
Published daily on weekdays.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Social Housing RMI Business Intelligence & other stuff A month is a long time in housing. So much has happened in the world since we last spoke. There are days I wish I was back in the monastery. In India \u2018everyone\u2019 cooks with LPG, both domestically and commercially. But due to foreseen circumstances the LPG […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10440","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-monthly-briefing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10440","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10440"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10440\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11567,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10440\/revisions\/11567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}