Daily News: 10/04/2025
Housing for Women has implemented a comprehensive overhaul of its processes and safeguards after a resident was wrongly informed that she owed over £10,000 in rent. Housing Ombudsman Service
A new government report highlights the risks and benefits of lease-based Specialised Supported Housing, which helps people with complex needs live independently with care. Meanwhile, Capital Letters, a homelessness non-profit backed by London councils, is closing, with its CEO calling affordable housing finance in the capital “impossible”. GOV.UK, Housing Today (register)
Newcastle City Council still faces a major backlog of damp and mould repairs, months after the regulator raised concerns in January. The problems stem from the closure of Your Homes Newcastle, with hundreds of cases unresolved. Chronicle Live
Equans has started a retrofit project with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) to improve the energy efficiency of 372 social housing properties in Hertfordshire as part of a wider decarbonisation effort. At the same time, Chelmsford City Council is seeking a contractor for its £300m Chelmer Waterside housing development, set to run from January 2026 to January 2032. Facilitate Magazine, Construction Wave
Mears Group is focusing on expanding its compliance services amid rising regulatory demands, following strong profit growth. Lincoln-based Lindum Group posted a 28% rise in pre-tax profit to £10.4m and nearly reached £200m in turnover, crediting its employee-owned structure. Elsewhere, Phoenix ME reported a record 74% surge in turnover to £295m, rebounding after the collapse of main contractor ISG. The Construction Index, Construction Enquirer, and Construction Enquirer
Rogue payroll companies posing as legitimate labour providers are targeting subcontractors in a VAT fraud scheme that has drawn the attention of tax authorities, prompting a clampdown on these exploitative practices. Construction Enquirer
Durham County Council has approved a 181-home scheme in Stanley despite flood concerns. In Edinburgh, 141 homes with 35% affordable units got the green light at Turnhouse, overcoming 19 objections. Daventry councillors approved 114 homes after securing changes for gardens and play areas. The housing minister blocked Oldham Council’s attempt to exit a major 11,500-home scheme. Meanwhile, Wain Homes is progressing a 181-home plan within a 500-home masterplan at Blackburn’s former Sappi paper mill site. The Northern Echo, Edinburgh Evening News, Cambridgeshire Live, BBC, and Place North West