Daily News: 03/09/2025
Homes England has partnered with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority in a Strategic Place Partnership to accelerate placemaking, aiming to unlock major housing and regeneration projects and expand ongoing joint initiatives. GOV.UK
The LGA has urged the government to introduce a minimum £2-a-week rent convergence uplift, while the G15 group of housing associations is calling for £3. Housing Today (register)
Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a new five-year housing strategy designed to put tenants and leaseholders at the heart of its services. The Standard
The Scottish Government has launched its Housing Emergency Action Plan, aiming to end children living in unsuitable accommodation, support vulnerable groups, and invest £4.9bn in new affordable homes over several years, while the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership reports a record 2,066 empty homes were brought back into use in 2024-25. The Scottish Government, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership
Esh Construction has been appointed by Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust to build 123 affordable homes in New Earswick, York, while Bouygues UK has secured an £185m contract for the University of Exeter’s West Park student accommodation. Additionally, a new partnership has been launched to create a £500m+ UK student housing platform targeting purpose-built accommodation. Housing Digital, Construction News (register), and TheBusinessDesk.com
Civils specialist Clancy has reported a record £430m turnover, up 14% year-on-year, driven by a strong infrastructure boom, while Salford-based Lowbury Construction has transitioned to employee ownership to secure its long-term future and empower its workforce. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer
BCIS data shows rates for major works, minor works, and alterations & refurbishment rose 5% in Q2 2025 year-on-year, while Scotland’s property sector warns the proposed Building Safety Levy could hit SMEs, build-to-rent, and affordable housing, urging exemptions. At the same time, the Institution of Structural Engineers has issued new guidance for assessing the safety of existing contemporary structures. BCIS, Scottish Housing News, and The Construction Index
UK cement production falls to a 75-year low, hitting its lowest level since 1950, as the sector faces high energy costs, regulatory pressures, and labour challenges. In contrast, brick deliveries rose by 9% in July 2025 compared with the same month last year, reflecting ongoing demand in construction projects. Construction Enquirer, GOV.UK
A new survey reveals that only 47% of UK adults would encourage their child to pursue a career in construction, while 53% would not, despite FMB member firms averaging over £1m in annual turnover, highlighting the sector’s strong earning potential. Federation of Master Builders
Planners approve a 700-home scheme in Exmouth despite 1,100 objections. Merton Council greenlights 569 flats in South London with 35% affordable housing. In Kent, 350 homes in Tonbridge progress with a school and store. Lewisham Council has submitted plans to regenerate the Achilles Street estate in New Cross with 278 homes, 60% affordable, including 122 for social rent, while 140 homes in Essex raise flood and infrastructure concerns. Devon Live, MyLondon, Kent Live, Housing Today (register), and Essex Live