Daily News: 17/03/2025
London faces a tenancy fraud crisis, with 50,000 social homes affected, 70,000 families in temporary accommodation, and £1bn lost annually. Detection rates have dropped 43% in a decade. The report urges stronger regulation, funding, and collaboration to recover homes, combat short-term letting fraud, and ease housing shortages. Tenancy Fraud Forum (TFF)
North Lanarkshire Council will keep its three arms’ length organisations after a 2024 review assessed in-house service delivery. These entities remain independent but under some council control. Daily Record
Cornwall Council will introduce a new Homechoice policy on April 1 to prioritise housing for those in greatest need. Labour-run Enfield Council left 100 families homeless as they refused relocation under a policy placing people in homes far from their area, leading to the highest refusal rate in England. BBC, The Guardian
Robertson Construction Group has reported losses due to three problematic contracts, highlighting financial challenges in the construction sector and the risks associated with complex projects impacting company performance. Construction Enquirer
Northern Ireland’s plan to build 5,850 social homes by 2027 is at risk due to budget constraints, with fewer than 1,000 expected next year. Financial limitations could delay affordable housing, increasing pressure on social housing demand and homelessness. Belfast Telegraph
Dundee has the highest number of households in Scotland affected by defective and potentially hazardous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Nearly 900 homes in the city have been identified as impacted, raising concerns about safety and necessary repairs. Scottish Housing News
More than 100 housebuilders urge Rachel Reeves to reconsider the £3.4bn building safety levy, which the Home Builders Federation says will reduce housing delivery, meanwhile affecting Labour’s 1.5m homes target. Housing Today (register)
The UK construction sector is seeing rising demand for workers, following a period of low activity due to economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, think tank IPPR urges the government to introduce collective bargaining in housebuilding and ensure fair pay agreements in the sector. The Guardian, Housing Today (register)
Berkeley Homes’ 2,100-home gasworks scheme progresses, while Brighton plans 500 homes at a former hospital. Brighton & Hove City Council plans to convert the Grade II-listed Brighton General Hospital into 500 homes. Furthermore, Landsec has submitted plans for 879 homes in Manchester’s Mayfield regeneration. Additionally, Persimmon has applied for 217 homes on a brownfield site in Bromborough. North Tyneside Council approved 160 homes at Smith’s Dock, part of an 800-home redevelopment. Moreover, Swindon’s Woodlands project will deliver 271 homes (134 by Taylor Wimpey, 137 by Vistry), with 20% affordable housing and contributions to infrastructure, transport, and green spaces. Housing Today (register), The Argus, Place North West, Place North West, Chronicle Live and Swindon Advertiser