Daily News: 28/05/2025
The government has introduced reforms to support SME housebuilders, aiming to deliver thousands of homes faster on smaller sites. The measures include streamlined planning rules, reduced regulatory burdens, and improved access to finance. GOV.UK
The Regulator of Social Housing’s latest judgements reveal that Brent Council has failed to meet consumer standards, receiving a C3 grading. Metropolitan Housing Trust was rated C2/V2, while Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group improved to C1 after responsive engagement. GOV.UK
The English Housing Survey found that about 15% of homes in England were non-decent, 8% had a serious (Category 1) hazard, and 5% suffered from damp issues. GOV.UK
Procure Plus has launched a £1.5bn framework to deliver low and zero carbon technologies across social housing stock, supporting green retrofit goals. Places for People is preparing a £480m, four-year framework for repairs and planned works across homes in England and Scotland. Telford & Wrekin Council has proposed an eight-year, £240m building works framework, while Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has launched procurement for a new £250m construction framework. In Bristol, Ian Williams Ltd has secured a contract to provide repairs and voids services for Brighter Places’ 3,300-home portfolio. Construction Enquirer, Construction News (register), Construction News (register), Construction Enquirer, and Housing Executive
Birmingham City Council is seeking investors for its Digbeth regeneration, aiming to deliver 6,000 homes near HS2 Curzon Street across 10 sites. Incommunities has been named the preferred partner for the first phase of Bradford’s City Village regeneration. Hackney Council has revised its fire door replacement target following new safety rules. Housing Today (register), Housing Executive, and BBC
Willmott Dixon has returned to profit after recovering £20m in cladding remediation costs from third parties. Rydon Group narrowed its pre-tax losses to £1m after spending £27m on fire safety repairs. Dorset-based CG Fry & Son reported a record year in 2024 with strong growth in profits and turnover. Luddon saw turnover rise 8.9% to £157m, despite ongoing staffing challenges. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, The Construction Index, and Construction News (register)
Three-quarters of housing association homes have achieved EPC rating C or above, according to the 2024 SRS annual review by Sustainability for Housing, marking a key milestone in ESG reporting across the sector. Meanwhile, UK build-to-rent investment has surged by 50% year-on-year, reaching a new record high. Sustainability for Housing, The Construction Index
Deputy Prime Minister urges housebuilders to ‘Get on and Build’ with new penalties for those delaying projects or speculating on land. Simultaneously, government launches skills reforms creating 120,000 training places for future builders and carers. A working paper also seeks feedback on speeding up housing delivery by increasing transparency and accountability on build-out rates. GOV.UK, GOV.UK, and GOV.UK
Network Rail and Kier have won approval for a £200m, 423-home scheme near Bishop’s Stortford station. In North Devon, 150 homes were approved in Landkey. Blueberry Homes proposed 500 flats at a former gas depot near The Strand, Gillingham. In West Ealing, John Lewis Partnership won approval for 428 homes with affordable units despite opposition. Cheshire East Council plans to sell land for a 225-home scheme on a nature reserve, causing controversy. Near Bristol, 154 homes are set for approval. Housing Today (register), Devon Live, BBC, Ealing.News, Cheshire Live, and Business Live