Wednesday: 30/07/2025 / News

Daily News: 30/07/2025

Five social landlords, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Leicester City Council, North Kesteven District Council, and Redditch Borough Council, have been given C3 gradings by the Regulator of Social Housing, indicating serious failings and the need for significant improvements in meeting consumer standards. GOV.UK

Transport Secretary to unlock surplus railway land for up to 40,000 new homes over 10 years, with 15,000 in the next five. A £1bn brownfield regeneration push to support first-time buyers. GOV.UK

There is an urgent need to retrofit UK homes for net-zero carbon and climate adaptation because improved energy efficiency can lower heating costs but may also affect occupant comfort and health. Furthermore, rising temperatures increase overheating risks in homes not designed for heat, which impacts health and energy use. Additionally, in 2024, severe weather caused a record £5.7bn in property claims, up 28% from 2023, highlighting climate risks to UK buildings. GOV.UK, GOV.UK, and GOV.UK

Thirty-nine firms secured places on London Construction Programme’s £3bn Major Works Education Framework for schools across London and the Southeast. Meanwhile, Housing Plus Group appointed SJ Roberts Construction for a £12m residential project in Ellesmere, Shropshire. Construction Enquirer, The Construction Index

Taylor Wimpey reported a £92.1m pre-tax loss in H1 due to cladding-related costs. Northeast contractor Esh Group saw strong profit growth, with the CEO optimistic about future prospects. Audley Group and Elysian Residences merged to form the UK’s largest retirement village provider, backed by institutional investors. London & Quadrant settled a £15m legal claim with Bouygues UK over flammable cladding on a London high-rise. The Construction Index, Construction Enquirer, Show House, and Construction News (register)

The government has issued a new update on its plans to dismantle the Grenfell Tower in west London. Housing Today (register)

In the second quarter of 2025, a total of 30,405 new homes were registered, marking a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. NHBC

In Q2 2025, the Planning Application Index shows a positive sentiment with momentum continuing to build, following the record-breaking figures seen earlier in the year. TerraQuest

Wiltshire’s biggest new housing development of 2,500 homes was approved by councillors. In Bristol, plans for 166 flats at a Harbourside caravan park were approved, with funding for only one affordable home. A public inquiry for a 1,700-home scheme in Frome starts next week. Nearly 1,000 homes are proposed for a new Bristol neighbourhood. Developer Dandara has bought land for 272 homes, including affordable units and bungalows, in Great Dunmow. Danum submitted plans for 120 homes in Market Weighton. BBC, Bristol Live, Somerset Live, Bristol Live, Housing Executive, and Place North West

Wednesday: 30/07/2025 / Awards

Contract Awards: 30/07/2025

Discover the latest UK social housing contract awards, featuring multi-million pound deals for fire safety, regeneration, and refurbishment.

Driving energy-efficient upgrades, East Renfrewshire Council has appointed Sidey Solutions to deliver a £3.97m contract over 24 months for the survey, manufacture/supply, and installation of replacement UPVC and timber windows and doors across its housing stock. The project was procured through the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) under Framework WD2 and aims to enhance thermal performance and reduce maintenance across identified properties.

Marking a transformative milestone in regeneration, Manchester City Council has selected Muse Places as its development and joint venture partner for the £750m Wythenshawe Civic Development. Spanning 180 months, the contract involves the delivery of over 1,600 new homes, the revitalisation of the Civic Shopping Centre, and a broader regeneration strategy aligned with social value, affordable housing, and zero-carbon goals.

Supporting rapid refurbishment efforts, Sunderland City Council has awarded a £905k contract for internal and external refurbishment works at Red Gables. The five-month call-off contract focuses on improving the condition and liveability of housing stock within the North East, aligning with the council’s investment in housing quality.

Enhancing building safety standards, Peabody Trust has engaged Built Environment Reality Capture (trading as Multivista) for a £1.26m contract over 60 months. The appointed provider will deliver specialist fire safety consultancy services under the Building Safety Consultants – Ancillary Services framework, ensuring compliance and enhanced safety in Peabody’s London-based portfolio. Targeting essential remediation work, the Trust has also contracted Airey Miller for a £266k, 24-month fire remediation consultancy covering Heron Court and Curlew Courts. The consultancy will act as client-side external cladding remediation specialists, providing expert advice to support safe and compliant refurbishment practices.

Strengthening compliance in fire safety, Bristol City Council has awarded a 24-month contract worth £330k to Constellia Public for carrying out Type 1 Fire Risk Assessments across its housing stock. The assessments will play a crucial role in identifying hazards, improving resident safety, and meeting regulatory obligations across the South West.

Delivering much-needed transitional housing, Herefordshire Council has awarded a £474.5k contract to J. Harper & Sons (Leominster) for the remodelling, conversion, and improvement of two 3-bedroom semi-detached properties in central Hereford. The 7-month project aims to transform the existing units into eight self-contained apartments to support residents requiring transitional accommodation. Works include internal conversion, demolition of outbuildings and glazed lobbies, and external upgrades such as ramps, landings, boundary walls, and hard landscaping to ensure accessibility.

Wednesday: 30/07/2025 / Tenders

Contract Tenders: 30/07/2025

Discover the latest UK social housing tenders including decarbonisation framework, compliance audits, boiler maintenance, asbestos removal, and more. 

Driving forward the UK’s net-zero agenda, Places for People Group has released a colossal £400m Decarbonisation Framework to facilitate retrofit and energy efficiency works across their domestic assets and those of Procurement Hub members. Covering insulation, renewable technologies, heating upgrades, and consultancy services, this 48-month framework is split across multiple regional lots.

Enhancing safety through independent audits, Riverside is procuring a £2.5m contract for Compliance Quality Assurance Services across gas, electrical, legionella, asbestos, fire, and lifting equipment. This 36-month opportunity is open nationally and aims to strengthen compliance oversight across its housing stock. 

Supporting heating infrastructure reliability, Hull City Council seeks providers for a £960k contract to deliver maintenance, repairs, and replacements of central boiler plants in residential dwellings. This 24-month opportunity focuses on sustaining tenant comfort and energy efficiency, with a potential extension. 

Seeking market insights for statutory safety, Greater Manchester Combined Authority is conducting a preliminary engagement for a £630k compliance contract across the GMFRS estate. This 36-month opportunity covers gas servicing, air source heating, legionella testing, fire systems, asbestos management, and more.

Engaging early on long-term compliance delivery, Norwich City Council is gauging market interest in a £20m Compliance Services Contract. Spanning 10 years, this East Anglia-based contract includes fire alarms, emergency lighting, water compliance, and more. 

Clearing the path to reoccupation, Livv Housing Group announces a £1.95m framework for Empty Homes Cleaning and Clearance Services. Split into cleaning and clearance lots, this 24-month contract will support Livv’s efforts to bring void properties back into use swiftly and hygienically. 

Maintaining diverse public assets, Middlesbrough Borough Council is offering a £775k Planned Preventative Maintenance contract covering over 600 properties across commercial and operational portfolios. This 36-month framework includes electrical, mechanical, gas, and fire protection services through five dedicated lots. 

Tackling hazardous materials responsibly, North West Leicestershire District Council is procuring a £500k Asbestos Removal Services contract for its 4,000+ housing units and garages. Running for 24 months with extension options, this contract involves asbestos remediation, disposal, and support for both planned works and responsive repairs.

Tuesday: 29/07/2025 / News

Daily News: 29/07/2025

Clarion Housing Group’s Q1 2025/26 update shows strong financial results with higher surpluses than last year. Group turnover was £260.5m, steady compared to Q1 2024/25, while continuing to invest in new and existing homes. Investegate

Bromford Housing Association has completed its strategic exit from the market rent sector, raising over £20m. This refocuses its efforts on delivering social housing and reinforces its commitment to affordable homes. Bromford Housing Association Limited

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed its ‘A’ long-term issuer credit rating on Accent Group Ltd., with a stable outlook, reflecting the social housing provider’s continued financial resilience and sound management. Accent Housing

Delayed government legislation on accessible housing standards may have left up to 885,000 people without suitable homes, according to analysis by the Centre for Ageing Better and Habinteg. The Centre for Social Justice and Steve Morgan Foundation call to expand Housing First in England, delivering 5,571 places by 2029/30 and extending successful pilots nationwide. Centre for Ageing Better, Centre for Social Justice

Twenty-two firms have been appointed to Prosper’s New Build Development Framework across England and Wales to streamline residential construction. Meanwhile, ZED PODS secured three lots on the NHS SBS Modular Buildings 3 Framework to deliver zero-carbon modular homes for public sector clients. BDC Magazine, LABMVistry and Kier Property have teamed up again to deliver 343 homes in South Wokingham, starting the first phase of a 1,400-home strategic site. Construction Enquirer

Morgan Sindall raised financial targets after record results. Cala Group’s revenue and profits fell following its private equity sale, affected by exceptional costs and higher sales incentives. Forterra expects strong profits driven by housebuilding demand. However, a £92m build-to-rent project near Barking Station faces a two-year delay after main contractor Henry Construction collapsed. Meanwhile, North London civil contractor Galldris transitioned to employee ownership via a trust sale. The Construction Index, Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register), Construction News (register), and Construction Enquirer

CCBP has launched a government-backed study on Early Contractor Involvement in public projects, seeking input from contractors to improve delivery. At the same time, BESA urges incentives for heat pumps to enhance residential cooling amid worsening UK heatwaves. Construction Wave, PBC Today

Savills’ H1 2025 UK Build to Rent Market Update highlights strong investor interest, with nearly £1bn invested in Q2 after over £800m in Q1. The £1.8bn half-year total slightly surpasses 2024’s, showing continued confidence in the UK BTR sector. Savills

In Cam, Gloucestershire, up to 795 homes were approved despite commuter town concerns. Wiltshire supports over 400 homes despite local objections. Bramley, Rotherham, proposes 349 homes next to an existing 320-home estate. Darlington’s Burtree Garden Village advances with a new bid for 227 homes. Meanwhile, Oxted, Surrey, unveiled plans for 132 homes, including play areas and school investment. Stroud News & Journal, Insider Media, Rotherham Advertiser, Darlington & Stockton Times, and Surrey Live

Tuesday: 29/07/2025 / Awards

Contract Awards: 29/07/2025

Discover the latest UK social housing contract awards, including multimillion-pound frameworks for lift maintenance, education construction, cleaning services, and roofing. Explore key suppliers, values, and opportunities across various locations, and beyond.

Powering accessibility and safety across the North, Efficiency North has awarded a £30m Framework Agreement for the installation, refurbishment, and maintenance of lifts, stairlifts, and personal lifting equipment. Spanning 48 months and covering a wide range of equipment from hydraulic passenger lifts to ceiling track hoists, the contract was secured by multiple suppliers including ANSA Elevators, E.A. Foulds, Jackson Lift Services, and others. 

Improving residential access and automation, Hounslow London Borough has appointed RGE Services under a £4.3m call-off contract for QLTA Door Entry works. Over the 72-month tenure, the contractor will manage the servicing, repair, and replacement of automated doors, barriers, and gates across Greater London.

Delivering a broad scope of maintenance excellence, Ongo has commissioned a £22.34m Contract Services Framework engaging dozens of SME contractors such as DS Projects, Westlinks Joiners & Locksmiths, and SPS Doorguard. The 48-month framework spans Yorkshire, the Humber, and East Midlands, and includes 12 lots covering services from damp and mould treatment to roofing, joinery, and electricals.

Enhancing operational cleanliness, Lambeth London Borough has appointed Nexgen Facilities Services to deliver a five-year Facilities Management Cleaning Services contract worth £14m. The contract covers general cleaning across public buildings, with an optional two-year extension, reflecting the council’s drive for sustained hygiene and service quality.

Boosting visual upkeep of communal spaces, VIVID has awarded a £788k, 36-month contract to Progress Cleaning Services for Window and Gutter Cleaning Services across South East and South West regions. The scope includes extensive cleaning coverage for communal areas in its residential portfolio.

Transforming educational infrastructure, Haringey London Borough has engaged Alcema under the £10m London Construction Programme Major Works Education Framework (MW24-E). Over a 60-month term, this framework supports planned maintenance, retrofit, fire safety, and new build projects across East Anglia, Greater London, and the South East. The programme is tailored for public sector bodies and aims to champion net zero, EDI, and innovation across 8 strategic lots.

Responding swiftly to urgent roofing needs, Housing 21 has awarded a £335k contract to Watershed (Roofing) for the Renewal of Flat Roof Covering. This short-term, 2-month engagement spans multiple UK regions and was let via local supplier quotations under Section 87(2) of the Procurement Act, given its sub-threshold value.