Daily News: 14/10/2025
A National Audit Office probe found 98% of insulation installed under the previous ECO and GBIS schemes was poorly fitted, affecting 23,000 homes and leaving many with damp and mould issues. The Guardian
The government has announced pro-growth reforms to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill aimed at speeding up housing, clean energy, and water projects by removing barriers to development and boosting construction nationwide. GOV.UK
Mayor Richard Parker is on track to fund a record 4,924 new homes this year through West Midlands mayoral investments-the highest number ever achieved. Meanwhile, Caledonia Housing Association has launched a £43m programme to deliver over 180 affordable and mixed-tenure homes across Scotland within 18 months, and Abri has secured a £36.7m Homes England grant to accelerate delivery of 280 new affordable homes by March 2029 under the Affordable Homes Programme. West Midlands Combined Authority, Caledonia Housing Association, and Abri
Bristol’s Goram Homes is partnering with The Hill Group to deliver 166 homes at Baltic Wharf, Spike Island, including 40% affordable housing. At the same time, Southern Housing has appointed Formation Design & Build to complete a 116-home Croydon project left unfinished after Henley Construct’s 2023 collapse. Goram Homes, Construction Wave
Bellway reported a 17% rise in revenue to £2.78bn for 2025, describing its performance as strong despite signs of slowing demand. Willmott Dixon saw a slight dip in turnover but maintained solid profitability through careful contract selection. Sunderland-based Brims Construction achieved a record trading year with profits up 31% and turnover rising 10%. Meanwhile, Premier Technical Services Group (PTSG) acquired ventilation and fire safety specialist System Hygienics. Administrators for collapsed contractor Surgo Construction are considering legal action to recover debts, warning proceedings could extend to 2027. Business Live, The Construction Index, Business Live, The Construction Index, and Construction News (register)
A new report finds 64% of England faces viability challenges for homebuilders despite plans for 1.5m new homes. Another study shows affordable housing providers have renewed confidence under the £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme and a 10-year rent settlement, though delivery challenges remain. Zoopla, Savills
Residential planning activity in the North has surged, with the number of homes submitted for approval in Q3 2025 rising 84% from 11,651 in 2024 to 21,379, reflecting broader national trends. Place North West
The University of Cambridge submitted a masterplan for up to 3,800 more homes and 50ha of open space at its 5,600-home Eddington scheme. Gladman Developments plans a 920-home neighbourhood in Sandbach, while Manchester seeks public input on 400+ homes in the £500m Wythenshawe regeneration. Local opposition has arisen to 350 homes in Littleover, Derby, and 345 homes at Almond Valley, Perth, are now on the market. Housing Today (register), Place North West, Insider Media, Derbyshire Live, and Scottish Housing News