Daily News: 09/05/2025
L&Q’s completions fell by 22% in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, as the housing association giant pursued a ‘de-risking’ strategy, according to an unaudited trading update released today. Housing Today (register)
Sadiq Khan is set to announce a major policy shift by proposing house building on parts of London’s green belt, arguing that the severity of the capital’s housing crisis necessitates breaking long-standing taboos. The Guardian
Brentwood Council has been warned about “weaknesses” in its landlord responsibilities, particularly low tenant satisfaction with its repairs service. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s CEO cautioned that rushing AI into housing tasks could have “catastrophic” consequences. The Housing Finance Corporation backed a report from Housing Today and G15 calling for a new grant funding model, with ongoing discussions with MHCLG and Treasury. Lastly, a trial over fire safety breaches related to the 2023 Crewe care home fire involving Your Housing Group has collapsed. Yellow Advertiser, Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register), and Construction Enquirer
SimplyPhi aims to tackle housing challenges by partnering with local authorities and housing associations to acquire and retrofit affordable homes at scale, reducing pressure on councils and minimising reliance on costly temporary accommodation. Housing Executive
Willmott Dixon has been selected to spearhead the long-anticipated redevelopment of Great Yarmouth’s North Quays waterfront, marking a major milestone in the town’s regeneration plans. Construction Enquirer
Bam’s parent company has reported a profit boost for the first quarter of 2025, driven by a “significant improvement” in the performance of its UK construction division, reflecting growing momentum in the sector. Construction News (register)
A new international study suggests that halting new home construction could unexpectedly benefit social housing by redirecting focus and resources toward affordable housing needs. In contrast, the English Housing Supply Update for Q1 2025 highlights ongoing pressures on housing delivery, with recent planning reforms failing to significantly boost new home construction. Housing Digital, Savills
In April 2025, construction firm failures dropped significantly, with nearly a third fewer administrations compared to March. However, a new report highlights ongoing issues with modern slavery in the UK construction sector, including unexplained wage deductions, lack of proper PPE, and unclear employment terms. Construction News (register), PBC Today
Permission has been granted for two housing developments delivering 231 homes in Boston, Lincolnshire. Salford City Council is set to approve a 22-storey block with 189 affordable apartments as part of the New Bailey scheme’s final phase. In South Yorkshire, plans for over 250 new homes have been submitted, and Taylor Wimpey is in talks for 135 homes near Markfield in Leicestershire. Lincolnshire Live, Place North West, Insider Media, and Leicestershire Live