The UK government acknowledges growing financial pressures on social housing due to underfunding, rising costs, and rent cuts. Councils have overspent in four of the past five years, relying on reserves, while private providers’ interest cover has fallen from 174% in 2018 to 88% in 2024, raising sustainability concerns. Parliament.UK
Town hall leaders have condemned the proposed English council mergers as “ill-thought-out,” with senior officials sceptical of their impact on the financial crisis. Critics warn the changes may worsen instability rather than resolve it. The Guardian
Wales Pension Partnership is investing £30m in real estate debt to fund affordable housing in Wales, partnering with Pluto Finance to support housebuilders and developers. Thousands of social homes in the West Midlands have been treated for hazardous damp and mould through a £15m upgrade programme. Business News Wales, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
North Norfolk District Council is tackling long-term empty homes amid a shortage of affordable rentals. In 2024/25, only 238 affordable homes have become available, despite many properties sitting empty for over six months. North Norfolk News
Legendre UK has secured a £21m contract from Clarion Housing for the Lemon Tree House redevelopment in Tower Hamlets, delivering new affordable homes. Elsewhere, Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Surrey Heath, and Woking councils have approved a joint waste contract to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Construction Enquirer, Mole Valley District Council
Readie Construction’s administration remains unresolved, with £4.8m unpaid by its parent company, Readie Management Ltd. Meanwhile, Insight Data reports a 32% drop in builders’ merchants’ insolvencies in February. However, Creditsafe notes construction sector failures surged, with 32 firms entering administration-over three times January’s total-reversing a downward trend. Construction News (register), Builders Merchants News, and Construction News (register)
A 150-home estate in Lincolnshire has been approved, while Seaton’s 130-home plan is on hold due to voting scrutiny. Persimmon East Scotland seeks PPiP for 2,800 homes in West Lothian. Birmingham’s Digbeth ironworks will see a £100m regeneration with 240 homes. In St Helens, Gleeson’s 161-home plan awaits council review. BBC, East Devon News, Scottish Housing News, Construction Enquirer, and Place North West