Daily News: 04/06/2025
The Chancellor has been urged to use the upcoming Spending Review to significantly increase investment in social and affordable housing, with warnings that such funding is crucial to meeting the target of 1.5m new homes. Meanwhile, a House of Lords Committee has heard concerns that a blanket 40% affordable housing requirement in new towns may threaten the financial viability of such developments. Parliament.UK, Housing Today (register)
New analysis by the CIH reveals that upgrading social housing to EPC Band C could save the NHS over £85m annually from 2030, highlighting the health and economic benefits of investing in warmer, energy-efficient homes. Chartered Institute of Housing
Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) has published its preliminary financial results for 2024/25, reporting a rise in total revenue to £454m (up from £423m) and an increase in underlying operating surplus to £148m (from £127m). At the same time, although social housing complaints in Kirklees have decreased, the council acknowledges that some areas still “aren’t good enough”. Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH), Examiner Live
Keepmoat has delivered two major housing developments in Bradford, transforming brownfield sites to deliver 603 energy-efficient new homes. Housing Executive
Pre-tax profit and turnover at Novus Property Solutions rose last year despite significant industry volatility. Sustainability contracts in social housing also helped drive a 30% revenue boost at Fife-based window and door manufacturer CR Smith, which created 40 new jobs to meet council demand. A year after its collapse, administrators for Geoffrey Osborne are still handling financial disputes and counterclaims over incomplete projects. Construction News (register), Insider.co.uk, and Construction Wave
Deliveries of bricks rose by 10.4% in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, indicating a positive trend in construction material supply. Concurrently, a study by the BSRIA emphasises the importance of independent testing to close the confidence gap between construction professionals and the public on retrofit effectiveness. GOV.UK, LABM
A new 249-home estate is proposed for Glasgow’s Easterhouse, awaiting approval. In Wrexham, Harworth Group plans a £200m development of 900 homes on 100 acres at Erlas Park, starting in Q2 2026 with completion targeted for 2035. Canary Wharf will see a new 54-storey tower at 77 Marsh Wall, featuring over 800 homes and mixed-use space. In Yarm, a developer is consulting the public on plans for 600 homes despite strong criticism from the local MP. Meanwhile, Witney faces mounting objections over plans for more than 350 homes, with residents saying the town is ‘on its knees’. The Herald, Place North West, Housing Today (register), Teesside Live, and Oxford Mail