Daily News: 11/02/2025
The study by Housemark reveals that around 300,000 social housing properties became void in 2023/24, costing the sector up to £1.6bn in repairs, lettings, and lost rent. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for action. Housing Executive
The parents of Awaab Ishak have told ITV News the government has “broken its promise” by delaying the full implementation of Awaab’s Law, and the delays “will cost lives”. ITV News
Herefordshire Council is poised to set up its own housing development company because of “a critical need for additional housing in the county”. Shocking problems with damp and mold at social housing flats in the city centre have been highlighted in a new report, with £700,000 set to be spent to address the issue. The number of empty council properties (voids) in West Lothian is at its lowest level in several years. BBC, Bath Echo, and Scottish Housing News
Fusion21 is renewing its £175m national Construction Consultancy Services Framework and is now inviting bids from interested suppliers providing regional or national coverage. Construction Enquirer
Developer Regal has secured £115m of funding to progress its distinctive purpose-built student accommodation scheme next to the Camden Roundhouse in North London. VIVID, the fifth largest housebuilder among housing associations in England and a leading provider of affordable homes, has successfully completed the handover of several key schemes from developer Foreman Homes. Construction Enquirer, VIVID
Housebuilder Bellway has reported a rise in the number of homes finished across the last six months and a stronger order book, expressing optimism about early spring selling interest while confirming its full-year building target. Low-cost housebuilder MJ Gleeson expects better performance in the coming months after increasing home sales, despite a profit decline in the second half of last year. Meanwhile, Balfour Beatty has restructured its UK executive committee to focus on growth markets. Business Live, Business Live, and The Construction Index
A new report reveals that Guildford Council missed several “red flags” when appointing a contractor with whom it had previously experienced significant overspending. Construction News
The British Property Federation (BPF) has joined calls urging the chancellor to allocate additional resources to clear the building safety backlog. PBC Today
Volumes of the main timber and panel product imports in the 11 months to November 2024 were nearly identical to 2023 levels, with a slight decrease of just 0.2% (around 20,000m³). Additionally, NHBC’s Annual New Home Statistics Review 2024 reported 104,232 new homes registered in 2024, marking a 1% decline from 2023’s total of 105,071. Builders Merchants News, NHBC
Plans for 106 sustainable homes in Southville, Bristol, have been approved. A six-week public consultation will start for 700 homes near Exmouth. Nearly 400 homes are proposed for a mini-village in Laindon, while 230 homes in Twyford have been approved after a planning inspector overruled local restrictions. Additionally, 215 new homes are planned beside a controversial estate in Devizes. Housing Digital, East Devon News, Echo, Maidenhead Advertiser, and Gazette Standard