Daily News: 02/10/2025
Abri Group reported turnover of £375m alongside record investment in existing homes to improve quality and tenant experience. Yorkshire Housing celebrated a strong year despite a “challenging environment”, completing 508 new homes across its portfolio. Origin Housing published its annual complaints and service improvement report for 2024/25, detailing complaints received, lessons learnt, and planned enhancements to services. Abri, The Yorkshire Post, and Origin Housing
Harlow Council has overhauled its housing repairs service, reducing the longest standard repair waiting times from 270 working days to just 25. In contrast, Dudley Council is still struggling to access over 2,000 properties for decent homes inspection. Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council provided an update on its PHSG programme, which supports owners and tenants in private housing. Harlow District Council, Dudley News, and Glasgow City Council
The G15 and NHF highlighted challenges with Section 106 affordable housing after MHCLG noted low take-up. L&Q CEO Fiona Fletcher-Smith criticised the HBF for “whinging”, warning that unregulated Section 106 agents risk compliance. Separately, MHCLG introduced mandatory qualifications for social housing managers to curb unprofessional practices. Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register), and Housing Today (register)
The Housing Forum and 1.5M New Homes report cites funding and viability pressures as the main barriers to local authorities meeting housing targets, while Shelter warns that missing the 90,000 social rent homes annual target could harm public finances and future housing availability. 1.5M New Homes, Shelter
The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a £61m fire safety upgrade contract to specialist contractor Harmony Fire. Construction Enquirer
Salford Council has parted ways with developer Vistry on the £60m Ordsall residential scheme, which was due to deliver 274 homes off Robert Hall Street and West Park Street. Concurrently, HG Construction has been appointed by developer Firethorn to build a purpose-built student accommodation block in Hackney Wick. Place North West, The Construction Index
Morgan Sindall Group expects its financial results to come in significantly ahead of previous expectations, driven by strong demand for its fit-out services. Also, RED Construction Group has seen profits double, supported by a 50% rise in turnover. The Construction Index, Construction Enquirer
Five major UK contractors have been recognised among the top 100 apprenticeship employers, highlighting their commitment to training the next generation of construction professionals. Meanwhile, construction material deliveries saw a decline, with brick deliveries down 5.2% in August 2025 compared with the same month last year. Construction News (register), GOV.UK
The BSR aims to cut high-rise Gateway 2 approvals from 48 to 12 weeks through application batching, dedicated account managers for major developers, and an IT system overhaul, announced at the Building the Future conference. Housing Today (register)
In Derbyshire, 180 homes were approved despite concerns over schools, healthcare, and roads. Greater Manchester unveiled 2,600 homes on Pomona Island, Bloor Homes plans 1,300 near Ipswich, and Bentry Capital aims to deliver 1,000 homes across Liverpool, Salford, and London. Story submitted plans for 219 homes in Brampton. BBC, Manchester Evening News, BBC, TheBusinessDesk.com, and Place North West