Daily News: 17/11/2025
A new parliamentary report warns that rising housing demand has left over 700,000 homes overcrowded, 1.3m households on social housing lists, and 160,000 children in temporary accommodation. It challenges the lazy narrative that environmental protections block housing, emphasising that a healthy environment supports resilient communities. Parliament.UK
Action on Empty Homes, analysing government data, has found that more than 300,000 homes in England are officially long-term empty, highlighting a worsening housing market described as being in “crisis”. PBC Today
The leader of Arun District Council has issued a “sincere and unreserved” apology to tenants following the council’s poor housing service score, acknowledging serious failings and committing to improvement. Sussex World
The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) has increased the value of its four-year Refurbishment and Modernisation Framework by 50% due to higher-than-expected demand. Initially valued at £100m, the framework will now be worth £150m. Construction News (register)
Dubai-based developer Arada has acquired an 80% stake in the £2.5bn Thameside West regeneration in London’s Royal Docks, gaining control of one of the capital’s largest development projects with 5,000 homes. Meanwhile, Keon Homes will deliver 95 new affordable homes at the former Tower Ballroom site overlooking Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham. Construction Enquirer, TheBusinessDesk.com
Into Plumbing and Heating Ltd has partnered with the National Housing Association to provide high-quality plumbing and heating maintenance services across its housing stock. Pressat
The report Growth from the Ground Up: The Builders’ Manifesto for Scotland 2026 highlights Scotland’s construction sector, with 47,000 businesses contributing £10bn to GVA and a need for 3,590 new workers annually. Meanwhile, the consumer protection minister has rejected a national builders’ licensing scheme despite concerns over rogue builders. Federation of Master Builders, The Construction Index
A £164m West Lancashire regeneration has been approved, delivering 680 homes, businesses, and a solar farm. Planning permission granted for 125 homes at Eastwood’s former Raleigh site. Consent secured for a reworked 31-storey PBSA tower on Stratford High Street. A 350-home scheme near Hereford is moving toward approval. New mixed-use plans at 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, feature 381 student homes, 167 co-living units, and a public Arts Square. BBC, West Bridgford Wire, Housing Today (register), BBC, and Scottish Housing News