Daily News: 25/03/2025
The Chancellor has announced a £2bn grant to deliver up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes, aiming to provide safe and secure housing for hardworking families. GOV.UK
The UK Housing Review 2025 examines the impact of the Bank of England’s policies on mortgage costs and financial stability, highlighting the need to align monetary policy with broader housing goals. Chartered Institute of Housing
Lessons from the Grenfell tragedy will shape a safer, more caring housing service in Kensington and Chelsea, improving housing choices for residents. Meanwhile, an independent report has flagged 45 financial risks at Somerset Council, with 32 rated as highest risk, highlighting severe financial challenges. Kensington and Chelsea London Borough, BBC
Anchor, the largest not-for-profit housing and care provider for older people in England, has partnered with Equans to launch Anchor Repairs and Property Services (ARPS) in the North East, aiming to transform repairs and planned works for residents. Anchor
Legal & General has partnered with Japan’s Nomura Real Estate Development to deliver over 1,000 high-quality rental homes in the UK, starting with a Central London site. In addition, Lloyds Banking Group has launched its first fully affordable housing development in Pudsey, seeking proposals from developers to bring the scheme to market. Legal & General Group, Lloyds Banking Group
Morgan Sindall has upgraded its profit forecast for the next 12 months following strong results last year. Bellway has increased homebuilding output and profits, driven by lower interest rates and rising buyer confidence. Meanwhile, Henry Boot Construction is undergoing a restructure after struggling to fill its order book, with a new management team now in place. Construction Enquirer, Business Live, and Construction Enquirer
Developers in upmarket London boroughs like Chelsea will face a building safety levy of up to £10,000 per home as part of efforts to fund post-Grenfell safety improvements. Construction Enquirer
Rising pay rates are now the main driver of construction cost inflation, overtaking materials. Turner & Townsend urges firms to focus on workforce retention and retraining to mitigate rising tender prices. The Construction Index
The UK homebuilding industry faces a skills shortage, with only 25% of construction graduates entering the sector. Without attracting new recruits, meeting government housing targets may be difficult. Home Builders Federation
The Deputy PM has called for support in Parliament for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to speed up housing delivery. In North London, Wates Residential and Harrow Council have submitted plans for 1,000 homes on a former civic centre site. Taunton has approved new wetlands for 915 homes and a primary school. The University of Manchester plans a £400m redevelopment of its Fallowfield campus, including 3,300 student beds and new homes. Nuneaton’s Arbury Estate proposes up to 1,525 homes, and a 140-home development in Shelf, Calderdale, is under review. GOV.UK, Housing Today (register), Somerset Live, Construction Enquirer, TheBusinessDesk.com, and Halifax Courier