Daily News: 10/02/2026
Communities are set to benefit from fairer funding under the Final Local Government Financial Settlement, aimed at tackling deprivation and improving public services, with vulnerable people at risk of homelessness receiving more help to find suitable, stable housing, supported by a £272m uplift that takes total homelessness funding to over £2.7bn. GOV.UK
A housing association, Mount Green, has been ordered to pay £120,000 after fire safety failings led to the death of a disabled resident. The organisation pleaded guilty to charges by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, with a larger fine avoided due to potential community impact. Housing Today (register)
JRL Group has secured a £68m contract to construct a 30-storey housing tower in North London, stepping in after Clarion Housing Group rescued the long-stalled project. Meanwhile, the City of Edinburgh Council has acquired a major Leith development from CCG Homes for £30.5m, aiming to deliver a mix of much-needed affordable housing. Construction Enquirer, Scottish Housing News
H. Malone and Sons is strengthening growth through a strategic acquisition and a strong multi-sector order book, while Bellway is calling for more support for first-time buyers despite subdued demand, reporting higher completions. Meanwhile, Strata Homes has halved losses and increased turnover by 13% after shifting to lower-risk partnerships and forward-funded deals. Construction Wave, Business Live, and Housing Today (register)
The UK’s electrical skills gap is widening as apprenticeship starts fall 5.5%, even as demand for electricians rises. Meanwhile, RICS has modernised its continuing professional development framework, including a new member app. The Construction Index, The Construction Index
The Scottish Government is consulting on measures to accelerate housing delivery, including incentives and penalties, aiming to build more homes faster and ensure Scotland’s planning system actively supports high-quality, diverse developments. The Scottish Government
The government plans to create 13,000 construction apprenticeships and T Level opportunities as part of a programme to transform school buildings. GOV.UK
Muse has secured the green light for a 10-year, 1,600-home regeneration in Solihull town centre, while Gleeson can build 108 homes on an 18-acre Preston site. Plans have emerged for up to 750 homes near Bicester, 500 homes with a country park, 450 homes in Barnsley, and up to 250 homes on village-edge farmland. Midland Heart has agreed to deliver 137 new affordable homes in Ladywood, while public objections are growing for 117 homes proposed in Guisborough. Construction Enquirer, Place North West, Oxford Mail, Leigh Journal, Place Yorkshire, BBC, Housing Digital, and Teesside Live