Monday: 24/03/2025 / News

Daily News: 24/03/2025

South Yorkshire Housing Association and Places for People are in merger talks to strengthen their impact, potentially improving housing services and development opportunities. Places for People Group

The Church of England’s Church Housing Association has registered with the Regulator of Social Housing, advancing its plan to deliver 32,000 homes, prioritising affordable and social housing. Housing Today (register)

The UK government will invest £600m to train 60,000 construction workers, supporting its goal of 1.5m new homes under the Plan for Change. Announced ahead of the Spring Statement, the initiative aims to boost housing and economic growth. GOV.UK

Cardiff Council plans to borrow over £100m for council house building and improvements to address housing shortages. Additionally, a £24m boost to Scotland’s Charitable Bonds programme brings total funding to £500m for affordable housing. Nation Cymru, The Scottish Government

London’s housing crisis persists as housebuilding targets are missed despite a goal of 90,000 new homes annually until 2030. A new report explores challenges and solutions to boost development. London Gov.UK

Nottinghamshire County Council has partnered with Vertas Group for catering and facilities management, with the joint venture starting in September 2025 to improve service delivery. West Bridgford Wire

Ipsum has acquired Shrewsbury-based Wootton & Wootton, its second power sector acquisition. However, M Price Group’s administrators report missing financial records, complicating the assessment of inter-company loans. Construction Enquirer, Construction News (register)

More than 8,300 bounce back loans issued to the construction sector during the pandemic are suspected of fraud, raising concerns over financial mismanagement and misuse of emergency funding. Construction News (register)

The latest PHMI report for January 2025 reveals that total value sales over the past 12 months have declined by 1.3% compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing market challenges. Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index

Plans for 900 homes near Graveley have received outline approval. A 515-home scheme in North Somerset could transform a village into a town. Warrington has approved 237 homes at Grappenhall Heys. In Belfast, Havelock House will become 104 social homes despite concerns. Cromer’s largest housing project in generations will add 550 homes. Wates Residential seeks feedback on an £86m, 248-home scheme in Guildford. BBC, Somerset Live, Warrington Guardian, News Letter, North Norfolk News, and BBC