Daily News: 07/10/2025
A special investigation reveals Lewisham Council needs a better understanding of its homes, as serious concerns were found over hazard management, complaints handling, and repairs, with 92% of cases handled poorly. Housing Ombudsman Service
North-west landlord Torus more than tripled its surplus in 2024/25, delivering a record number of homes by purchasing shared ownership units from housebuilders. The organisation built over 1,000 homes, significantly boosting its shared ownership income. Housing Today (register)
Soho Housing has secured £1m in government funding to support its sustainability drive, launching plans to decarbonise its social housing stock and help alleviate fuel poverty across London. Housing Executive
Since 2019, Glasgow has seen a surge in mould and damp reports, with thousands of renters suffering in poor, unhealthy homes, highlighting a ‘total failure’ to address the issue. Glasgow Live
The NHQB has been chosen to run a new voluntary code aimed at significantly improving shared ownership standards, transparency, and the overall customer experience, while Rotherham Council is set to consider an ambitious scheme to enhance housing conditions, tackle anti-social behaviour, and better protect tenants and local communities. Housing Today (register), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Procurement group South East Consortium has appointed ten firms, including Wates, Morgan Sindall, and Fortem, to its new £1bn Decarbonisation Partnerships Framework. Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) has awarded Fortem a contract to deliver a major retrofit programme across 1,243 homes, aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability. Construction Enquirer, Housing Executive
Southern Housing has appointed Formation Design & Build to complete a housing scheme in Croydon that was left in limbo following the collapse of its previous contractor, Henley. Construction News (register)
Acquisition-driven RSK Group has surpassed £2.2bn in revenue, continuing its rapid expansion across global consultancy and construction markets. Meanwhile, Scotland’s largest steelwork contractor, J&D Pierce (Contracts), saw profits fall last year due to rising costs, delayed projects, and lower-margin work. Administrators for the collapsed Buckingham Group have also begun preparations for legal action against one of its debtors. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)
The construction sector may need to boost output by up to 40% to meet government ambitions, potentially requiring over a million new recruits. Without major investment in UK construction manufacturing, billions could be spent on imported materials, the October 2025 capacity constraints report warns. CIOB
An Oxfordshire town will see 150 new homes after council approval, despite local concerns. In the Cotswolds, Bloor Homes faces strong opposition to 195 homes near the Business Village. In Devizes, plans for 160+ homes progress, with half the site set for a new developer, while Impney Estate proposals for 127 homes and a hotel gain strong local support. This is Oxfordshire, Punchline Gloucester, Gazette & Herald, and Worcester News