Daily News: 03/06/2025
Housing providers spent £13.6bn on new social homes in the year to March 2025, down from £14.4bn the previous year, while repair and maintenance spending rose 13%, reflecting a stronger focus on existing stock, according to the Regulator of Social Housing. GOV.UK
A recent report questions Labour’s ability to meet affordable housing targets, urging the Chancellor to boost funding amid concerns housebuilding is overestimated. At the same time, a study shows a sharp rise in children in temporary accommodation, with numbers in England up 19,710 in a year and Greater Manchester’s rising 79% over four years. The Guardian, Shared Health Foundation
Cumberland Council has launched a £210m, four-year capital works framework seeking up to eight firms for building and civil engineering projects. Meanwhile, Esh Construction is now in the third year of its maintenance partnership with North Star Housing Group, having improved 200 homes in the North East. Construction News (register), Hartlepool Mail
Broadland District Council has exceeded its affordable housing target by delivering 289 new affordable homes in 2024/25, more than three times the annual target of 95 homes, providing crucial housing for local communities. In contrast, Northern Ireland has fallen short of its annual target, with funding allocated for only 900-1,000 new social homes against a goal of 2,000. Broadland District Council, Belfast Live
Kier has raised its profit margin target due to strong current trading conditions, signalling improved financial health. Conversely, MJ Gleeson has issued a profit warning, citing market headwinds that have affected its performance this year. Despite a 34% fall in turnover, Masterson Holdings reported a growing order book, reflecting confidence in future work. Similarly, Getjar has experienced a significant drop in turnover, attributing it to project delays caused by new Building Safety Regulator processes. The Construction Index, The Construction Index, Construction News (register), and Construction Enquirer
New research shows Section 106 agreements are adding an average of 16 months to the planning process, with local authorities reporting a 20% increase in finalisation time due to resource constraints delaying new home delivery. Home Builders Federation
Muller has proposed 530 homes in the third phase of its Northern Gateway plan in Crewe. Catesby Estates is consulting on 350 homes in Allhallows, raising local concerns. In Essex, 320 homes are planned in Corringham around a new village green, while Bellway has submitted plans for 133 homes on a former Green Belt site in Wilmslow. Place North West, Kent Online, Yellow Advertiser, and Place North West