Daily News: 01/07/2025
New analysis by the CPS reveals that the UK faces a housing shortfall of 6.5m homes compared to equivalent levels of housing in similar European nations, highlighting the scale of the country’s long-term supply crisis. Centre for Policy Studies
Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and Mitsubishi Electric have launched a heat pump retrofit programme for social housing that installs in just two days, about 40% faster than usual, using existing radiators and pipework to reduce disruption and enhance customer experience. Sovereign Network Group
Swansea Council has revealed it faces a £900m bill to upgrade its social housing stock to meet new Welsh Government living standards, including energy efficiency improvements averaging £65,000 per property. Meanwhile, Mole Valley District Council is set to consider a new affordable housing strategy aimed at increasing the supply of homes for lower-income residents over the next five years. BBC, Mole Valley District Council
Fusion has secured £500m in funding to deliver five new purpose-built student accommodation schemes, highlighting growing investor confidence in the UK’s living sectors. The developer described the deal as a testament to the sector’s continued attractiveness. Housing Today (register)
The collapse of contractor ISG has cost Manchester City Council £3m and caused a six-month delay to a local project. The council had to redo parts of the work ISG left incomplete before its failure. Construction News (register)
SES Engineering Services reported a record turnover of £463.7m in 2024, a 55% increase year-on-year, with pre-tax profit rising 60% to £9.3m. Neilcott Construction is set to repay its employee ownership buyout loan five years early following a surge in profits last year. Meanwhile, TClarke posted record results after going private, marking a strong performance for the UK’s largest M&E contractor. Additionally, Blackpool-based Fox Brothers Holdings has expanded by acquiring Manchester-based J Fisher & Sons. Scottish Construction Now, Construction News (register), Construction Enquirer, and The Construction Index
Peterborough City Council approved plans for 870 homes, including a primary school and local centre. In Berkshire, a 215-home scheme between Bracknell and Wokingham, Wokingham’s first south of the railway, has been approved despite traffic concerns. Over 700 homes have been proposed across Cornwall. In Wales, plans for 600 homes in Wrexham may go to appeal in September. Bellway submitted plans for 428 homes in Darlington, with over 120 affordable. Cambridgeshire Live, Bracknell News, Cornwall Live, Place North West, and The Northern Echo