Daily News: 26/03/2025
The Regulator of Social Housing has published regulatory judgements for seven housing associations. Cross Keys Homes, LiveWest Homes, Midland Heart, and Thirteen Housing Group received C1/G1/V1 gradings, while Places for People Group was rated C1/G1/V2. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has been upgraded to a G2 governance rating, with its regulatory notice removed after two years of intensive engagement. GOV.UK
The government has allocated £20m to boost community-led housing, supporting community land trusts and housing co-operatives in delivering over 2,500 homes in the next decade. GOV.UK
Thriving Investments has launched a £200m housing fund for essential workers in Greater Manchester, backed by GMPF, Better Society Capital, Places for People, and GMCA. Meanwhile, Thirteen Group spent £2.4m on decarbonising homes, insulating 3,394 lofts last year, aiming for all homes to reach EPC Band C by 2030. Thriving Investments, Housing Digital
The Guinness Partnership has renewed its two-year fire service and maintenance contract with Harmony Fire, ensuring continued fire safety across its properties. Insider Media
Vistry Group will develop around 150 homes at the Fenay Lane scheme in Almondbury/Fenay Bridge, while Muir Timber Systems will supply materials for WElink Homes’ Heartlands project in West Lothian, one of Europe’s largest regeneration schemes with over 1,000 homes. Kirklees Together, Scottish Housing News
Vistry Group’s profits have dropped by nearly two-thirds due to cost reporting issues in its southern division, impacting its overall performance. Construction Enquirer
The Scottish Government is accelerating cladding remediation with up to £10m in funding for building assessments through the new Single Building Assessment (SBA) process. The Scottish Government
UK construction activity declined in February 2025, with planning approvals down 21%, contract awards down 14%, and project starts falling 32% year-on-year. Few major £100m+ projects began in the past three months. In Scotland, 19,797 homes were completed and 15,050 new builds started in 2024, down 7% and 9%, respectively. Construction News (register), The Scottish Government
A 304-home development at Govan docks has been approved despite objections. Redrow has applied to Trafford Council for 558 homes in New Carrington. In Reading, John Lewis plans a 215-flat, 11-storey building, pending approval. Meanwhile, over 100 homes in Benfield Valley will be reviewed despite Brighton and Hove City Council withdrawing support. Insider Media, Place North West, BBC, and Brighton & Hove News