Daily News: 12/03/2026
Cardiff Council has approved progressing procurement for a framework for planned works to domestic properties, inviting shortlisted organisations to tender. Up to eight contractors will be appointed. The framework is scheduled to run from 1st June 2026 for two years, with an option to extend for a further two years. Cardiff Council
The London Assembly has heard that homes in London face rising overheating risks due to climate change, with the capital’s dense urban environment and outdated planning and design systems increasing vulnerability to extreme heat. BBC
Clarion Housing Group has agreed to acquire 261 affordable homes within the redevelopment of the former Leegate Shopping Centre in Lewisham, supporting the delivery of social rent and shared ownership homes as part of the wider regeneration scheme in south-east London. Housing Executive
The Welsh Government has welcomed the passage of the Building Safety (Wales) Bill by the Senedd, introducing a comprehensive safety regime for residents of shared buildings across Wales and making building safety a central principle in the management of homes and buildings nationwide. Welsh Government
Dartford Borough Council is preparing to tender a £25m town centre housing project linked to the Westgate Village redevelopment, including 20% affordable homes, which will proceed to contractor procurement following planning submission. Meanwhile, United Infrastructure has secured a £200m major works contract from the London Borough of Haringey to upgrade and maintain its housing stock. Construction Enquirer, Facilitate Magazine
In March 2026 a white paper reveals widespread fire door issues in England’s social housing. Despite mandatory inspections since January 2023, most doors remain unchecked, two-thirds fail the FD30 fire-resistance standard, and 63% of noncompliant doors await repair. Additionally, 51% of local authorities lack formal plans to address these safety gaps. Sentry Fire Safety Group
The Construction Industry Training Board has faced criticism over changes to funding for contractors. From April, only micro, small, and medium-sized employers can access support via the Employer Networks route, raising concerns that some contractors may lose access to training funds under the new system. Construction Enquirer
The UK government data reports 51,886 retrofit heat pumps were installed in 2025, up 7% from 2024 and more than four times the 2020 total. Additionally, market data from the Building Controls Industry Association shows the UK building controls and building energy management systems market remained stable at around £840m in 2025. Construction economists are increasingly cautious about tender price inflation amid global uncertainties, while analysis by PwC highlights infrastructure investment – especially in energy and water – as the main driver of construction growth in 2026. GOV.UK, Building Controls Industry Association, The Construction Index, and Construction News (register)