{"id":9033,"date":"2025-10-15T11:43:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T11:43:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/?p=9033"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:23:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T12:23:24","slug":"oct-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/monthly-briefing\/oct-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Oct 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\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\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\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 <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Welcome wise reader to this celebratory 253’rd edition of the Locarla Monthly Briefing. This month we are paying tribute to all those brave people who button their shirts all the way to the top, and don’t wear ties. Today, we are all top-buttoners, and we salute you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
So, what’s happened this month? I went to a round table discussion hosted by Ian Wright of the Disruptive Innovators Network<\/strong><\/a>. Ian is a very clever, and funny guy, (it’s about 90:10, so probably more mildly amusing than funny) and can pull in some serious movers and shakers to his events. I was there as eye candy but the other people, including folks from the Treasury, sure were interesting. If he will let you, I recommend you join Ian’s gang.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
I went to India and saw that huge bats had started roosting in the tree behind our office, which was previously inhabited by massive monkeys. It made me think about all the illegals in the UK eating our swans and foxes \u2010 or was it owls and badgers? I can’t remember, but they’ve definitely eaten loads of them. Let’s hope they don’t go to India and start on the bats and monkeys. Makes my blood boil!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
I also hosted my first webinar, that wasn’t, on using LLMs and AI Bid software. Nowhere near 500 people showed up, but everyone that did said it was the best webinar, that wasn’t, they had ever attended.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
And I rounded off the ‘Tibetan’ month at the Echelon conference where I learnt that teamwork makes the dream work, and no wo\/man is an island.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
So without further ado, we present to you the October Monthly Briefing with the latest Financial data from 224 Housing Associations, and finally, League tables to get excited about. Lots of money spent, and lots of new faces \u2010 long may it continue.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peace out people.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
‘Blue links<\/a><\/strong>‘ for all and ‘green links<\/a><\/strong>‘ 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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\nHousing Association Financial Performance & Insights
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\nFor the full report, click here.<\/a>
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It’s all News to me!<\/a>
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A National Audit Office probe found 98% of insulation under the previous ECO and GBIS schemes was poorly fitted, affecting 23,000 homes and causing widespread damp and mould. Source: The Guardian<\/strong><\/a>. Under the Energy Company Obligation, around 4.3m measures have been installed in 2.6m properties up to July 2025. Source: GOV.UK<\/strong><\/a>. The Great British Insulation Scheme has delivered 96,900 measures across 75,100 households. Source: GOV.UK<\/strong><\/a>. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund has installed 90,800 measures in 44,500 households across Waves 1, 2.1, and 2.2. Source: GOV.UK<\/strong><\/a>. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, 94,633 voucher applications had been received by August 2025, with 97% supporting ASHP installations. Source: GOV.UK<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bromford Flagship<\/strong> and LiveWest Homes<\/strong> are in talks to merge for sustainable growth. Source: Bromford Flagship<\/strong><\/a>. Thrive Homes<\/strong> and Watford Community Housing<\/strong> are exploring a merger to create Community Gateway, boosting affordable housing in Hertfordshire. Source: Thrive Homes<\/strong><\/a>. Stonewater<\/strong> will acquire Porthove Housing Association<\/strong> and Rotary Club of Hove Community Housing Society<\/strong>, adding 97 properties. Source: Housing Today<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Westminster London Borough<\/strong> has rebranded its market sale arm as \u2018Westminster Living\u2019, aiming to generate nearly \u00a31bn by selling 994 homes to fund new social and affordable housing. Source: Housing Today<\/strong><\/a>. Meanwhile, GreenSquareAccord<\/strong> is seeking a buyer for its offsite housing manufacturing business, LoCaL Homes. Source: GreenSquareAccord<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The Regulator of Social Housing has published new judgements for ten landlords. Southend\u2010on\u2010Sea Borough Council<\/strong> received a C3 rating; Bournemouth Churches Housing Association Ltd (BCHA)<\/strong>, Habinteg Housing Association<\/strong>, Paragon Housing Association Ltd.<\/strong>, and Railway Housing Association & Benefit Fund<\/strong> were graded G1, V2, and C2; Bournville Village Trust<\/strong>, Coastline Housing<\/strong>, and One Manchester<\/strong> received G1, V2, and C1; Karbon Homes<\/strong> was rated G1, V1, and C2; and B3Living<\/strong> received G1, V1, and C1. Source: GOV.UK<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aster Group<\/strong> plans to invest \u00a31bn over seven years to improve existing homes. Source: Aster Group<\/strong><\/a>. ClwydAlyn Housing<\/strong> has obtained \u00a335m to expand its development programme in North and Mid Wales. Source: Powys County Times<\/strong><\/a>. Accent Housing<\/strong> received \u00a333.8m from Homes England to deliver 301 additional affordable homes. Source: Accent Housing<\/strong><\/a>. Clarion Housing Group<\/strong> secured \u00a326m to accelerate new social housing delivery. Source: Housing Executive<\/strong><\/a>. Places for People<\/strong> gained \u00a319.9m to continue delivering affordable homes. Source: Places for People<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Premier Technical Services Group (PTSG) has acquired System Hygienics Holdings Ltd, along with its trading arm System Hygienics Ltd, which provides ventilation, air quality, and fire safety compliance services. Source: The Construction Index<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Construction firms accounted for 15.2% of all insolvencies in England and Wales in July 2025, with 332 businesses becoming insolvent. Source: BCIS<\/strong><\/a>. Tucker Mechanical & Electrical Building Services has filed an administration notice, resulting in staff redundancies. Source: Construction Enquirer<\/strong><\/a>. Liverpool M&E contractor HE Simm collapsed, leaving a debt trail of over \u00a318m. Source: Construction Enquirer<\/strong><\/a>. Meanwhile, Staffordshire-based retrofit specialist Baxter Kelly went into administration following a steep rise in its cost of sales. Source: Construction News<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In England, 29,490 homes started construction between April and June 2025, up 16% year\u2010on\u2010year, with 196,500 homes delivered in 2024\/25 and 89,100 added by mid\u2010September. Source: GOV.UK<\/strong><\/a>. UK housing activity saw a 10% drop in project starts, 44% fewer contract awards, and a 42% decline in planning approvals. Source: Construction News<\/strong><\/a>. BCIS forecasts 15% higher maintenance costs and 24% higher cleaning costs by 2030, with tender prices rising 2.5% annually. Sources: BCIS<\/strong><\/a>, BCIS<\/strong><\/a>. Contractors are also increasingly cautious, with 57% reducing their risk appetite. Source: Construction Enquirer<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Over 700 developments are stalled, risking 8,500 affordable homes as providers pull back from Section 106 agreements. Source: Home Builders Federation<\/strong><\/a>. The Housing Ombudsman recorded rising complaints, with 71% upheld and over 2,000 redress findings issued. Source: Housing Ombudsman<\/strong><\/a>. Around 10% of social rented homes \u2010 nearly 430,000 properties \u2010 still fail the Decent Homes Standard. Source: LABM<\/strong><\/a>. Vacant homes fell to 0.43% in July 2025, the lowest in three years. Source: Housing Today<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Show me the money!<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A PDF guide to contract management on Locarla.<\/a>
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Opportunities on the Rise: Fresh frameworks and contracts reshape UK\u2019s maintenance and retrofit landscape.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Expanding nationwide, Framework for Building Safety and Compliance Works, and Associated Consultancy Services<\/strong><\/a> from Procure Plus Holdings Ltd<\/strong> launches a \u00a3579.17m, 48\u2010month framework spanning fire\u2010risk assessments, FRAEW consultancy, compartmentation, external fabric improvements, alarms, sprinklers, and electrical works across social housing and the wider public sector.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Continuing the momentum, Repairs, Maintenance and Empty Homes<\/strong><\/a> by Orbit Group Ltd.<\/strong> introduces a \u00a3190.75m, 60\u2010month programme across the Midlands, East Anglia, London and the South East \u2014 covering emergency, routine and major repairs, voids, statutory maintenance, and damp & mould remediation through regional workstreams.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strengthening asset improvement options, Windows and Doors Framework \u2013 EEM0073<\/strong><\/a> by Efficiency East Midlands Ltd (EEM)<\/strong> establishes a \u00a3166.67m, 48\u2010month framework for the supply and installation of UPVC windows and composite doors across domestic and commercial properties in England and Wales.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Driving development delivery, Clarion Housing Group<\/strong> progresses several large-scale schemes including Majestic Way Main Contractor<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a394.83m), Design and Build of 228 Residential Homes at Blenheim Centre Penge<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a380.5m), Crystal Palace Park Main Contractor \u2013 BRML000015<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a358m), and Redevelopment of London Chest Hospital Block A&B<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a333.17m) \u2014 advancing affordable housing, regeneration and design\u2010and\u2010build projects across Greater London.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Working jointly, Lewes and Eastbourne Councils<\/strong> roll out three linked South East programmes \u2014 Responsive Repairs, Voids, Kitchens and Bathrooms<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a393.81m), Roof Replacements and Repairs<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a343.55m), and Windows & Doors Replacement and Repairs<\/strong><\/a> (\u00a324.25m) \u2014 focused on maintaining safe, modern homes across 6,700 properties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reinforcing service resilience, Repairs, Voids and Planned Works Contract<\/strong><\/a> by Dartford Borough Council<\/strong> seeks a partner for a \u00a390m, 60\u2010month programme covering responsive maintenance, voids, disrepair, major works, adaptations, compliance servicing, and technical inspections.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Across Northern Ireland, Planned Maintenance Contractor Framework<\/strong><\/a> from Radius Housing<\/strong> introduces a \u00a364m, 24-month framework for cyclical kitchen, bathroom, and window replacements, alongside larger multi\u2010element improvement projects.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Meanwhile, Repairs and Maintenance DPS<\/strong><\/a> by LHC Procurement Group<\/strong> (SPA) launches a \u00a360m, 48\u2010month dynamic purchasing system covering multi\u2010trade building maintenance including roofing, external and internal repairs, M&E, fire alarms, lifts, drainage, pest control and environmental safety across Scotland.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strengthening local delivery chains, PIN \u2013 Responsive Repairs, Voids and Associated Works<\/strong><\/a> by Sutton Housing Partnership<\/strong> targets a \u00a343.2m, 96\u2010month framework to deliver responsive repairs, voids, environmental cleans, damp and mould, carpentry, roofing, drainage, pest control, and asbestos works.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Improving building safety, Mechanical & Electrical Works, Fire Safety and Security Works<\/strong><\/a> by Dacorum Borough Council<\/strong> launches a \u00a340m, 60\u2010month contract covering rewires, EV charging, alarms, AOVs, sprinklers, lightning protection, and warden\u2010call systems.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Renewing its repair services, PIN \u2013 Responsive Repairs & Voids for Social Housing<\/strong><\/a> from Home Group<\/strong> begins market engagement for a \u00a333.33m, 60\u2010month arrangement across 5,600 London homes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Safeguarding housing stock, Compliance Services Contract<\/strong><\/a> by Norwich City Council<\/strong> introduces a \u00a329.25m, 60\u2010month compliance partnership covering lighting, alarms, access control, ventilation, lightning protection, legionella, and refuse\u2010chute cleaning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Promoting independence, Disability Bathroom Adaptations \u2013 H796<\/strong><\/a> by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council<\/strong> issues a \u00a319m, 48\u2010month contract for design and installation of accessible bathrooms across council and DFG\u2010funded homes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Closing the month, Retrofit Works \u2013 ID646<\/strong><\/a> by Two Rivers Housing<\/strong> brings forward a \u00a315.2m, 48\u2010month procurement for consultancy, renewable technologies and fabric improvement works supporting energy efficiency and decarbonisation.<\/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. \u2772Premium 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
Wates Group<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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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
Property Tectonics<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water \/ Legionella:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aquatrust Water & Ventilation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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September 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 10 of 75 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Planned Works<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Planned Works (Showing 10 of 165 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 75 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 130 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Roofing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Roofing (Showing 10 of 132 companies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Premium Clients can view the full dynamic league tables here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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\nReports, Reports & more Reports.<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All our Premium clients<\/a><\/strong> receive news, reports, contract data and LA Minutes every day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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GOV.UK<\/td>\nGOV.UK<\/td>\nResolution Foundation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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GOV.UK<\/td>\nZoopla<\/td>\nPwC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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S&P Global<\/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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Key Cities<\/td>\nCIOB<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Scottish Government<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Home Builders Federation<\/strong><\/td>\nHome Builders Federation<\/strong><\/td>\nCPRE<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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1.5M New Homes<\/td>\nNew Economics Foundation<\/td>\nCebr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Social Housing RMI Business Intelligence & other stuff Welcome wise reader to this celebratory 253’rd edition of the Locarla Monthly Briefing. This month we are paying tribute to all those brave people who button their shirts all the way to the top, and don’t wear ties. Today, we are all top-buttoners, and we salute you. […]<\/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-9033","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-monthly-briefing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9033","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=9033"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9033\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9338,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9033\/revisions\/9338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9033"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9033"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.locarla.com\/insight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9033"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}