Daily News: 29/08/2025
A survey of supported housing providers found responses from 126 members, representing 60% of NHF members’ supported housing stock and 55% of all supported housing stock owned by housing associations (PRPs) in England. The survey included housing for older people. National Housing Federation
The UK government has relied on a report rather than its own analysis for the largest council reorganisation in decades, with Deputy PM Angela Rayner noting that merging councils in 21 areas into single authorities could save up to £2.9bn over five years. BBC
South Lanarkshire Council will purchase 40 new homes from Barratt Homes, boosting council housing. In Aberdeen, a refreshed housing strategy aims to ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable homes, whereas in Herefordshire, complaints about damp and mould in rented homes have more than doubled, raising concerns about housing conditions. South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Housing News, and Rayo
The Welsh Procurement Alliance has announced plans to procure a new four-year framework covering public building construction, refurbishment, and associated civil infrastructure works across Wales. Construction News (register)
Fit-out and joinery specialist EE Smith Contracts has secured a £60m contract to fit out a dozen super-prime houses near London’s Regent’s Park. The Construction Index
Ardmore Construction Limited has filed for administration as its parent group seeks to draw a line under mounting costly claims linked to fire safety remediation work on legacy residential schemes. Construction Enquirer
Sir John Hayes MP has urged urgent action on the construction skills crisis, supporting the FMB’s push for licensing to protect consumers from rogue builders, who have cost Britain £4.3bn over five years, while housing association Irwell Valley has taken High Court action against Vistry over life-critical fire safety defects at a 2009 development built by its subsidiary Countryside. Federation of Master Builders, Housing Today (register)
Wales has recorded its lowest ever number of housing starts, with fewer than 3,800 new homes begun in the past year, as residents blame “too much red tape”, while analysis of the top 100 UK construction companies shows average profit margins rising to 2.4% for leading contractors. Wales Online, The Construction Index
In Bristol, over 400 homes will be built as part of a £500m regeneration, while Persimmon North Scotland has gained approval for 140 homes in Newmachar. Dandara and Places for People will deliver 104 affordable homes in Kent, and Mosscare St Vincents with Manchester City Council will redevelop a Moss Side site into 212 homes. Bellway has proposed 175 homes in Wem, whereas Bedford residents have raised concerns over 170 homes planned near Moor Lane. Insider Media, Scottish Housing News, Housing Executive, Place North West, Shropshire Star, and Bedford Today