Daily News: 21/11/2025
Peabody Group posted strong half-year results with turnover up to £522m, an operating surplus of £156m, and a 30% operating margin. Meanwhile, the Housing Finance Corporation has announced £350m in new Blend loans to support affordable housing and Vico-funded schemes, and East Ayrshire Council has approved nearly £244m for its new affordable housing programme. Investegate, The Housing Finance Corporation, and East Ayrshire Council
Blochairn Housing Association has chosen Sanctuary Scotland as its preferred partner for a potential Transfer of Engagements, following an October 2025 committee decision. Blochairn Housing Association Ltd.
The report highlights severe failings in handling leaks that left homes damp, mouldy and unsafe, with delays putting vulnerable tenants at risk. Named landlords include A2Dominion, Birmingham City Council, ISHA, Camden, Ealing, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, L&Q, Onward, Riverside and Southern Housing. Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Sovereign Network Group’s (SNG) ‘A-‘ long-term rating with a stable outlook, citing its strong financial position and ability to manage investment pressures. Housing Ombudsman Service, S&P Global
West Dunbartonshire reports strong housing and homelessness performance under the Scottish Social Housing Charter. Bridgewater Housing Association’s 2025 survey shows rising tenant satisfaction since 2022. In England, Tameside Council will consider unlocking council-owned land for up to 485 affordable and social homes. Glasgow City Council has also returned more than 3,000 empty homes to use since 2019 through its Empty Homes Strategy. West Dunbartonshire Council, Bridgewater Housing Association Ltd., Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, and Glasgow City Council
Radix Big Tent warns the UK could face a “health emergency” without urgent action to climate-proof homes. Muse is backing new purpose-driven development research with ReGenerate and the Quality of Life Foundation. In Wales, the Bevan Foundation says progress toward the 20,000 social homes target is real but more complex than headline figures suggest. Radix Big Tent, Muse, and Bevan Foundation
Cumberland Council has appointed 15 contractors to a new four-year, £525m capital works framework for building and civil engineering projects, while Accent Housing has agreed a deal with Persimmon Homes East Midlands to deliver 57 affordable homes at the Hampton Green development in Peterborough. Construction Enquirer, Housing Digital
Mitie has bought Midlands-based refrigeration firm Forest Group Holdings for up to £7m. Easy-Trim has filed to appoint an administrator, and Breedon reports lower organic turnover amid “subdued demand” in the UK, Ireland, and the US. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)
New home completions in Northern Ireland fell 15% year-on-year for July–September 2025 compared with the same quarter in 2024. Housing Today (register)
Human rights monitors say weak labour-supply oversight is exposing hundreds of UK construction workers to modern slavery. At the same time, new data shows housebuilding is stalling, with developers urging the government to address rising costs, taxes, and regulatory pressures slowing new homes. The Guardian, Sky News
Peel has secured approval for two GatewayEast schemes totalling over 1,000 homes. A 406-home estate has also been approved. Birmingham has backed the £100m Phoenix Yard scheme with 240 homes. Another 233 homes have been approved at Norwood Farm. Watford has approved a 192-home plan with 50% affordable housing. Broughton Astley villagers are opposing a 550-home proposal. Plans have been unveiled for up to 300 homes in a Surrey borough. Place Yorkshire, BBC, The Construction Index, BBC, Watford Observer, Harborough Mail, and BBC