Daily News: 02/07/2025
The government has launched a £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme to deliver 300,000 homes over the next decade, with at least 60% for social rent. The initiative aims to transform housing and provide secure homes for hundreds of thousands of families. GOV.UK
The Housing Ombudsman’s July 2025 report finds severe failings by 12 landlords, including L&Q, Peabody, and Hackney Council, in handling antisocial behaviour, urging urgent improvements to protect tenants. Housing Ombudsman Service
Vinci UK Developments and ION Property Developments have been chosen to lead regeneration schemes in Chester and Northwich, delivering 500 homes. Henley Restoration and Remedials will restore Midland Mill in Leeds as part of the Sky Gardens redevelopment. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer
Procurement Hub has extended its £4.2bn Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2) by two years to 2028 after surpassing £300m in social value generated since its 2022 launch, marking a major milestone in public sector procurement impact. Construction News (register)
Family-owned contractor Henry Brothers reported a turnover of £92.1m for the year ending March 2025, driven by repeat business and key clients. Keltbray Built Environment posted a sharp recovery with a £3.2m pre-tax profit, up from just £44,000 the previous year. Meanwhile, The Hill Group announced another record year, achieving its highest-ever turnover and profit for the second year running. Construction Wave, Construction Enquirer, and The Construction Index
Deliveries of bricks rose by 22.9% in May 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest government building materials statistics, indicating a notable rebound in supply levels. GOV.UK
Build UK has released an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard, now requiring all companies involved in design or construction work under the Building Safety Act to complete the building safety section. The Construction Index
A senior official from the Department for Levelling Up says the government aims to give local authority planners resources comparable to developers during viability negotiations, addressing public-private sector imbalances. Housing Today (register)
A 150-home scheme in Doncaster has been approved after a brief delay. In Wales, Llandrindod Wells Town Council has backed a 122-home plan, including 37 affordable units. A developer is appealing a 700-home proposal near Brackley. Early plans for 300 homes at Hersham Technology Park in Surrey have been unveiled, while proposals have been submitted for 275 homes near Maldon Cemetery and 250 apartments with retail expansion in Redhill. Dolphin Living has submitted plans to redevelop a 1950s west London estate, adding 138 new homes. Doncaster Free Press, Shropshire Star, Banbury Guardian, BBC, Essex Live, Surrey Live, and Housing Today (register)