Daily News: 31/07/2025
Powys Council could increase its housing stock by acquiring 13 properties from Wales & West Housing as part of efforts to meet local housing needs and expand the availability of affordable homes in the area. Powys County Times
A £1m upgrade at Hintons, a Harlow Council Supported Housing scheme, improved 30 one-bedroom flats over seven months. East Devon is using a housing stock survey to guide maintenance and investment plans. Meanwhile, Cornwall’s housing crisis worsens, with over 25,000 people seeking homes, up from 9,000 in March 2020. Harlow District Council, East Devon District Council, and ITV News
A new report by law firm Winckworth Sherwood shows that strategic partnerships between local authorities, housing associations, and private developers are crucial for overcoming barriers and speeding up large-scale housing delivery. Housing Executive
Maidstone Borough Council is seeking a contractor for a £50m residential development on the former Springfield Library site, advancing the town’s regeneration. Meanwhile, the government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund faces delays and rising costs due to inflation and weak bids. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer
By May 2025, about 83,000 energy measures were installed in 41,500 homes through SHDF Waves 1, 2.1, and 2.2. July 2025 stats for the Green Homes Grant LAD and Home Upgrade Grant reflect installations funded until March 2025. Between April and June 2025, 495,000 domestic EPCs were lodged-a 21% rise from the previous year. By June, 87,379 Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers were applied for, with 97% supporting air source heat pumps. To improve housing quality in the Private Rented Sector, the government plans updated Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to reduce bills, boost comfort, and improve tenant health, though challenges remain in implementation. GOV.UK, GOV.UK, GOV.UK, GOV.UK, and National Retrofit Hub
Struggling SME construction firms are increasing, threatening the UK’s goal of 1.5m new homes. Over half of developers lack confidence in starting projects within 12 months due to funding issues. Meanwhile, listed construction and materials firms issued more profit warnings in H1 2025 than in all of 2024, with EY-Parthenon research showing widespread earnings downgrades amid ongoing pressures. City A.M., Housing Today (register), and Construction News (register)
The Royal Institute of British Architects has announced the 2025 shortlist for the Neave Brown Award, which honours the UK’s best new affordable housing and is named after social housing pioneer Neave Brown (1926-2018). RIBA
Up to 410 homes were approved despite concerns over a green gap near Swindon. TT Group will convert the former Masonic hospital in Hammersmith into 140 homes, a 65-bed care home, and community space. A hybrid application for 1,329 homes was submitted at Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self-build community. Wrexham Council will oppose a 600-home scheme off Holt Road. Wiltshire may see 300 homes near Melksham, while Essex plans 160 quality homes and 139 affordable homes at Elton Head Road. BBC, Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register), Place North West, Wiltshire Times, Essex Live, and St Helens Star