Daily News: 25/06/2025
Anchor has been downgraded to a G3 governance rating by the Regulator of Social Housing. First Garden Cities Homes and Southway Housing Trust were rated G2/V2 with C2 gradings, while Pickering and Ferens Homes received top marks (C1/G1/V1). Tuntum Housing was graded C2/G1/V2. Meanwhile, Local Space retained its AA- credit rating from S&P Global for the ninth year. GOV.UK, Local Space Housing Association
Southwark Council has launched a five-year homelessness strategy focused on prevention, including over £11m from the Local Authority Housing Fund to buy back former council homes. Elsewhere, Moray Council and housing partners plan to invest nearly £10m in affordable housing over the next year with support from the Scottish Government. Southwark Council, Moray Council
JV North has appointed contractors and consultants to its £500m social housebuilding framework to support affordable homes across the North. In London, Islington Council has chosen Polyteck to provide repairs and maintenance services for around 35,000 tenants and leaseholders. At the same time, Gateshead Council is seeking contractors to deliver £1.5m in government-funded energy efficiency upgrades to homes. JV North, FMJ, and Chronicle Live
BESA has suspended 14 specialist contractors for failing core competence audits. In parallel, Quintain’s construction director told the House of Lords that building safety sign-off delays are deterring investors and suggested firms would pay more for clearer regulation. Construction Enquirer, Housing Today (register)
The Unlock Net Zero Awards 2025 named Birmingham City Council, Abri with Low Carbon Exchange, and Plus Dane Housing with Next Energy Solutions as regional Retrofit Project of the Year winners. Unlock Net Zero
An analysis of data from the National Fire Chiefs Council reveals that over 2,000 premises each year are found to be breaching fire regulations. Housing Executive
According to the Housing Statistics for Scotland, 19,288 homes were completed and 15,053 new builds were started in 2024-25, down 4% and 11%, respectively, from the previous year. The Scottish Government
Bellway Homes has secured planning permission for 217 new homes in Prestonpans, and final approval has been granted for 200 homes in a Berkshire village. In Wales, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is consulting on plans for nearly 400 homes near Barry’s Porthkerry Country Park. Proposals have also been submitted for 262 homes at Chorlton Square in Manchester, with One Manchester preparing plans for 133 homes at Grey Mare Lane. In Stoke-on-Trent, over 100 affordable homes are proposed on a former factory site. Scottish Housing News, BBC, Wales Online, Place North West, Place North West, and BBC