Daily News: 06/01/2026
Wales’ largest housing, care, and support provider, formerly Linc and Pobl, has rebranded as Codi Group from 1st January 2026. Codi Group
Newham Council’s housing service still has “some way to go” to address issues identified after receiving a C4 grading in October 2024, according to an independent investigation. Housing Today (register)
London boroughs are urging the government to introduce a £3-per-week social rent convergence from April, saying it is essential to stabilise housing budgets and support the delivery of thousands of new council homes. They warn that without it, long-term investment in both new and existing housing will remain constrained. London Councils
CIH Scotland has backed proposals to remove ‘hope value’ from compulsory purchase orders as part of a Scottish government consultation aimed at streamlining the system, though the move has raised concerns about fairness for landowners. Housing Today (register)
Tendering is under way for a £115m central enabling works package at Ebbsfleet Garden City in North Kent. In East Sussex, Thakeham has signed a JCT contract with Stonewater to deliver 124 affordable homes in Lower Horsebridge, Hailsham. Meanwhile, in Wales, a formal contract has been signed between the Gery Mor developer and Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver new public housing at the Saundersfoot site. Construction Enquirer, Sussex World, and Pembrokeshire Herald
Barratt Redrow has begun the second phase of its £100m share buyback programme to strengthen its capital structure and boost shareholder returns. Meanwhile, Balfour Beatty has sold 10 UK infrastructure assets for £87m to reinvest in new growth opportunities. Separately, Kier Group has launched a new infrastructure division following the delivery of a record group order book. Construction Wave, Construction Wave, and Construction Wave
Cardo Group is acquiring Gunfire, a passive fire protection provider in Cambridgeshire, as its revenues continue to grow. Bloor Homes has reported a 14% drop in pre-tax profit for the second consecutive year, while Churchill Living saw its pre-tax profit fall from £3.9m to £3.3m despite higher turnover. In contrast, Higgins Group more than doubled pre-tax profit to £1.05m on a 51% rise in turnover, and Story Contracting saw pre-tax profit rise 17% despite a £45m drop in turnover due to rail delays. McLaughlin & Harvey reported higher profits despite lower turnover from procurement delays, and Gratte Brothers improved margins and cash after closing a legacy project. Construction Wave, Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register), Construction News (register), Construction News (register), Construction Wave, and Construction Enquirer
The National Retrofit Hub report highlights how real-world data can improve retrofit delivery, guide policy, and inform funding, noting current schemes often focus on EPC ratings rather than actual performance. It also showcases the SMETERS-HTC tool for low-cost, robust data collection. National Retrofit Hub
Plans have been submitted for around 250 homes on the edge of Ashbourne, while Bellway is seeking approval for 176 homes with new green space at Hazel Grove in Stockport. In Scotland, Omnivale and Strawson have also lodged proposals for 157 new homes near Lochgelly in Fife. Derbyshire Live, BDC Magazine, and Central Fife Times