Daily News: 11/02/2026
The Regulator of Social Housing has issued a C4 grading to Northumberland County Council after finding very serious failings that require fundamental changes. Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings has affirmed its ‘A-’ long-term credit rating for Incommunities Ltd, though the outlook remains negative. GOV.UK, S&P Global
The MHCLG has allocated £10.5bn over the past decade to programmes aimed at unlocking land with capacity for 713,000 homes; however, only 33,300 homes (5%) have been built so far on land supported through these schemes, and MHCLG and Homes England do not fully track how many homes are ultimately delivered on unlocked sites. National Audit Office
Abri has launched its 2026-2031 corporate strategy, committing £467m to improve existing homes and deliver 5,000+ new homes while maintaining high customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, the Tees Valley Housing Partnership says the government’s £2.5bn low-interest loans scheme will unlock marginal sites beyond London, and Telford & Wrekin Council plans to invest tens of millions through its housing company to deliver around 300 homes, including 158 by Nuplace. Abri, Housing Today (register), and Shropshire Star
Clarion Housing Group has called on the government to raise London’s shared ownership income cap from £90,000 to £120,000, saying thresholds should reflect wage growth and house prices. Meanwhile, the City of Edinburgh Council has approved a new five-year Empty Homes Strategy to bring more vacant properties back into use and boost housing supply. Housing Today (register), Edinburgh City Council
Barratt Redrow has accelerated its £1bn building safety and concrete frame remediation programme, with works set to continue over the next four years. Developer Bruntwood posted a £13m pre-tax loss for the year to September 2025, though this marked an 82% improvement on the previous year. Meanwhile, Hercules reports robust operations and is well-positioned to capitalise on a forthcoming infrastructure boom. Construction Enquirer, Place North West, and Construction Wave
Demand continues to be the main concern for construction product manufacturers, with 71% of heavy-side and 60% of light-side firms citing it as the top risk to sales over the next year, according to the Construction Products Association’s Q4 2025 survey. Construction News (register)
Dorset Council has signed off plans for 316 homes in Shaftesbury and Gillingham, while Peterborough City Council greenlit 250 homes in Glinton after admitting a housing land shortfall. Environmental concerns have been raised over a 500-home scheme next to the A47 in Gorleston due to traffic noise. Housebuilder Pennyfarthing Homes has submitted detailed plans for 170 homes in Milford-on-Sea, and proposals for up to 120 homes near Crawley Road, Horsham, have also been unveiled. Daily Echo, Cambs News, Great Yarmouth Mercury, Show House, and The Argus