The Regulator of Social Housing downgraded Canterbury City Council to C3 for failing consumer standards. Trident was upgraded to G1 for governance, keeping its V2 viability rating, while Cambridge, Trident, Lewes, and Eastbourne councils received C2 ratings for areas needing improvement. GOV.UK
West Northamptonshire Council is considering taking its 11,500 social homes back in-house from Northamptonshire Partnership Homes following safety and quality failings, with final approval required from the secretary of state. BBC
Auxesia Homes has secured a £25m loan from HSBC UK to help deliver 1,300 additional homes by 2030 as part of its expansion strategy. Meanwhile, Peabody’s latest ESG Report highlights a £9m investment in community initiatives, supporting thousands through food projects, training, and skills programmes. Insider Media, Peabody Trust
Renfrewshire Council has terminated its contract with Bell Group after just one year, citing poor performance on a programme of kitchen, bathroom, and rewiring works across 158 homes. The contract was originally awarded in October 2024. BBC
The Manchester Housing Providers Partnership has chosen Legal & General Affordable Homes to deliver 369 of 700 new homes from city council land disposals. Clarion Housing Group has appointed Lovell Partnerships for 61 homes in Plymouth’s Barne Barton regeneration, while Miller Homes, Stonebridge Homes, and Banks Property will deliver over 800 homes in a major North East development. Place North West, Housing Executive, and The Northern Echo
Mitie Group raised its FY2026 profit forecast and launched a £100m share buyback after a 10% revenue rise from organic growth and acquisitions. Gleeds reported stronger cost management revenue and profits from public sector work, while Hercules expanded in the energy sector by acquiring a majority stake in Lyons Power Services Ltd. Construction Wave, Construction Wave, and The Construction Index
New analysis shows housebuilding in half of London would be unviable even without housing and infrastructure costs, highlighting severe affordability pressures. Meanwhile, the UK government announced a £75m scheme to train over 12,000 people in three years to address the construction workforce shortage. Construction News (register), BBC
A new report stresses the need for warm, energy-efficient, accessible, and affordable housing near support networks for older adults, calling for more investment in age-friendly homes. At the same time, UK climate advisers warn current plans are insufficient and urge urgent adaptation of buildings and infrastructure for a 2°C rise in global temperatures. Age UK, The Guardian
Tide secured the UK’s first volumetric Gateway 2 approval for its 23-storey, 424-bed student tower. Belfast approved 160 new homes, and Bloor Homes launched a second consultation for 1,100 homes in Dunton. Gateshead Council is seeking feedback on a 974-home waterfront scheme, while a 500-home “village” with affordable and self-build plots was submitted in Stevenage. Residents oppose a 305-home greenbelt plan in Stoke-on-Trent, and 200 homes have been proposed on an Oxfordshire golf club, which will remain open. Construction Enquirer, BBC, Echo, Housing Today (register), The Comet, StokeonTrentLive, and This is Oxfordshire