Daily News: 02/09/2025
Riverside returned to a £10.1m surplus for the year to 31 March, up from a £15.2m deficit, citing its merger with One Housing, cladding work, and exiting loss-making ventures as past challenges. Housing Today (register)
The NHF urges a £3/week social rent uplift to help associations raise £3.4bn over 10 years, while the Northern Housing Consortium backs a £2 limit. Meanwhile, councils spend millions on one-off landlord incentives, and Lambeth Council has introduced a licensing scheme to improve tenant protections and housing standards. Housing Today (register), Generation Rent, and Love Lambeth
Scotland’s projected affordable housing need for 2026-31 is 15,693 homes per year, almost 50% higher than in 2020, requiring a major increase from the current target of 10,000 homes annually. Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Sky News reports that while Sir Keir Starmer prioritises housebuilding and criticises NIMBYism, the government’s own regulator is also delaying people from moving into new homes, worsening the housing crisis. The BBC reports that London councils have spent an estimated £120m on housing projects for over 3,800 private and social homes that are now on hold. Sky News, BBC
Southwark Council is preparing two major electrical works contracts worth an estimated £140m and has launched early market engagement to attract suitable contractors. Construction News (register)
Patrizia and Fabrix launch a £100m+ joint venture to provide sustainable, affordable, and alternative housing in London. Separately, Picture Living, backed by Thriving Investments, commits £36m to tackle UK rental housing shortages. Patrizia, UKreiif
John Sisk & Son is set to acquire Farrans Construction from CRH, marking a notable industry move. Winvic surpasses £1bn in sales, with profits soaring 70% across its logistics, multi-room, and civils divisions. Meanwhile, brickmaker Michelmersh faces a dip in first-half profits amid intense market competition. Haydon Mechanical & Electrical continues its winding down a year after entering administration, leaving £10m in debt. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)
In H1 2025, construction experienced its first growth in workloads, employment, and enquiries since Q2 2023, signalling a clear industry upturn. Meanwhile, the government plans to build 1.5m homes and is reviewing all Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs), closing, merging, or reintegrating those deemed unnecessary. Federation of Master Builders, Re:State
A Somerset town has approved a ‘once-in-a-generation’ estate of 600+ homes. South Shields greenlights 124 extra care apartments, while North Yorkshire sees revised plans for 1,500 homes on a village edge. In the Highlands, a major housing association plans 600 affordable homes. Wain Homes proposes 208 homes in Poulton, Bloor aims for 200 sustainable homes at Abbots Well, and St Albans council considers a 124-home Green Belt development. Somerset County Gazette, Housing Digital, BBC, The Herald, Place North West, Place North West, and The Herts Advertiser