Daily News: 20/06/2025
A major reform of the outdated and complex council funding system aims to deliver fairer funding, increased stability, and better outcomes for communities across the country. Meanwhile, the UK Government’s 10-year Infrastructure Strategy sets out a long-term plan for economic, housing, and social infrastructure to drive growth. Moreover, over 80% of respondents agree that the Regulator of Social Housing’s new approach to consumer regulation will improve tenant outcomes, with just 3% disagreeing. GOV.UK, GOV.UK, and GOV.UK
Legal frameworks must be reformed to prevent another Grenfell-style disaster, says think tank Common Wealth, calling for tougher sanctions including fines of up to 10% of global turnover for offending firms. Housing Today (register)
Wrexham County Borough Council faces a £500m funding shortfall to bring its housing stock up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2034. Wrexham.com
Atlas London has secured a five-year soft facilities management contract with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. A tender to build flats on a prominent corner site in Dundee’s West End will be discussed by councillors next week. Facilitate Magazine, Dundee City Council
Housebuilder Berkeley says it is ‘fully aligned with’ and ‘committed to’ the government’s housing agenda despite a profit decline. McAleer & Rushe reports strong profit growth in last year’s accounts, while Stelling Properties has launched a rapid-response emergency housing module. Meanwhile, the Competition and Markets Authority has started a market study into civil engineering infrastructure delivery. City A.M., The Construction Index, The Construction Index, and Construction Enquirer
Timber and panel import volumes rose by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to Q1 2024, marking the first increase in four years. New data reveals the top five UK cities with the best conditions for construction workers: Bristol, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leicester, and Newcastle. The Construction Index, Construction News (register)
A new report shows Scotland’s SME home builders are at a 20-year low amid a housing crisis. Nearly 90% say red tape and rising costs, plus government policies, hinder their building efforts. Homes For Scotland
Regeneration specialist Summix has launched a consented project for 409 homes in Glasgow’s Anderston district. Stirling Council approved marketing for 120 homes at the Forthside riverside development. Barnsley council officers recommended approval for up to 1,560 homes. However, Cambridge Business Park’s plan for 350 homes falls short of the 500-home target. In Chester, a 200-home estate near Christleton has been proposed, with 45% affordable housing. Scottish Housing News, Scottish Housing News, BBC, Cambridgeshire Live, and Cheshire Live