Daily News: 04/07/2025
Stonewater has secured a £75m loan from The Royal Bank of Scotland (NatWest Group) to support its five-year corporate plan and ongoing housing development goals. Stonewater
Auxesia Homes has completed the £13.5m transfer of 134 homes to Onward Homes, strengthening Onward’s portfolio in the North West. Insider Media
Millions of leaseholders will benefit from strengthened rights, including greater power to challenge excessive service charges, as part of government efforts to ease cost of living pressures. GOV.UK
Cheshire West and Chester Council is considering bringing its council housing management back in-house within two years. Salford City Council has been named one of ten national government Vanguard Councils for Housing. Coventry is proposing a £14.8m investment in housing support services. Northwich Guardian, Salford City Council, and Coventry Live
Dudley Council is spending up to £2.5m each year replacing flooring in social housing before new tenants move in, aiming to improve living standards from the outset. Express & Star
The Scottish Government is engaging with contractors to shape the next phase of its national cladding remediation programme, hosting two supplier events this month to support delivery efforts. Construction News (register)
TSL’s turnover surpassed £500m with profits nearly tripling last year, while Palmers Scaffolding saw an 85% profit rise and aims for further margin growth. In contrast, cladding firm English Architectural Glazing collapsed owing over £24m. Laing O’Rourke topped the June contracts league with a £919m lab project win. Construction Enquirer, Construction News (register), Construction News (register), and Construction Enquirer
Maintenance costs are projected to rise by 19% by Q1 2030, according to BCIS’s latest five-year forecast using its All-in Maintenance Cost Indices. BCIS
The UK construction sector saw a slight dip in overall activity in June, though residential building returned to growth. At the same time, £1.9bn was invested in Build to Rent (BTR) in H1 2025, with £2.2bn more under offer. However, Mace has warned that the UK lags behind global peers in delivering major construction programmes. S&P Global, CBRE, and Construction News (register)
According to the latest report, 4.4m sqm of External Wall Insulation (EWI) were installed across the UK in 2024, with 66% used in refurbishing homes and buildings. INCA
The Housing Forum urges the Labour government to tackle nutrient neutrality, boost planning department resources, and incentivise councils to meet housing targets. Housing Today (register)
Oldham Council and Muse have gained full planning approval for their £450m regeneration plan, unlocking over 1,600 town centre homes. In Stockport, a £70m scheme for 245 apartments has been approved, while Gloucester has reapproved a 180-home development in Matson. Taylor Wimpey will deliver 370 homes in Aylesbury, and a 192-home scheme has been submitted on the edge of Watford. Construction Enquirer, TheBusinessDesk.com, Punchline Gloucester, Bucks Free Press, and Watford Observer