Daily News: 15/12/2025
Keystage CIC’s regulatory grading is under review after the Regulator of Social Housing launched an investigation into potential serious failings against the Governance and Financial Viability Standard. Separately, Abri has retained its A3 stable credit rating from Moody’s, alongside its G1/V1 regulatory ratings, reflecting continued financial resilience and strong governance. GOV.UK, Abri
A government evaluation reviewed the early operation of Capital Letters, a non-profit set up to help London boroughs tackle housing pressures collaboratively by reducing reliance on costly private and temporary accommodation and improving access to permanent homes. GOV.UK
The City of London Corporation has approved a £152m funding boost to accelerate housing upgrades across the 12 estates it manages in the City and six London boroughs, aiming to address disrepair and improve living standards. In contrast, Leeds City Council has cut back a planned house repairs scheme due to a £1m funding gap, reducing the number of terraced homes in Holbeck receiving upgrades from 240 to 180. Housing Today (register), BBC
Southampton City Council has reported a sharp and unexpected surge in applications to join its housing waiting list, with thousands more households coming forward than officers had anticipated, underlining growing pressure on social housing demand in the city. Daily Echo
North Yorkshire Council has launched early market engagement ahead of an £871m works framework covering a wide range of building and infrastructure projects across the county, while Torus has appointed 13 contractors to its £224m framework to support housing delivery and investment across the North West. Meanwhile, maintenance specialist Cardo has secured a £52m roofing repairs and replacement contract for council homes in Lewes and Eastbourne, and Equans has been appointed to lead a major Warmer Homes retrofit project on Haringey’s Coldfall Estate. Construction News register), The Construction Index, Construction Enquirer, and LABM
Sigma Capital will manage the transfer of the UK’s largest single-family BTR portfolio to Northern LGPS and LPPI, while Van Elle has sold its loss-making Canadian arm. Scottish builder CCG reported a 12% drop in turnover to £214m, citing political uncertainty and supply chain pressures. Scottish Housing News, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)
Approval for an 856-home, council-led redevelopment of Camden’s West Kentish Town estate in north London. Downing securing Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for a delayed Newcastle student accommodation scheme delivering 411 beds, Taylor Wimpey gaining approval for a new 200-home estate in Knowle, and Story Homes receiving full consent for a 169-home development at Killingworth Moor. Elsewhere, plans have been submitted for a major mixed-use “Manchester island district” featuring up to 2,600 homes, alongside proposals for up to 480 homes near Eccleshall, 149 homes on village farmland in Nottinghamshire despite local objections, and 120 homes on Green Belt land in Bradford. Housing Today (register), Construction Enquirer, Birmingham Live, Housing Executive, The Construction Index, Express & Star, West Bridgford Wire, and Telegraph & Argus