The UK government will invest £1.5bn over 10 years to improve 75 neighbourhoods, funding high streets, parks, and local services. Each area gets up to £20m, with projects starting in 2026. GOV.UK
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Lee Carter has ruled out a merger with Shropshire Council. In addition, Yorkshire Housing has launched “YH Homes 2.0,” a £7.8m investment in energy efficiency and safety. Furthermore, Newham Council is reviewing its £38m social housing improvement plan, which includes fire safety and Decent Homes upgrades. BBC, Yorkshire Housing Limited, and Newham London Borough
G15 chair Fiona Fletcher-Smith warns that the 1.5m homes target is at risk unless the government takes urgent action to restore financial certainty in the social housing sector. At the same time, the Northern Ireland Executive has pledged to deliver at least 5,850 new social homes by 2027, a commitment welcomed by NIFHA and CIH. Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register)
Over half of senior housing leaders say data issues hinder effective tenant complaint management, affecting response times and service quality. HQN
Burntwood-based Keon Homes has secured a place on the £1bn Wolverhampton Housing Development Framework, positioning itself for significant housing projects in the region. TheBusinessDesk.com
Construction has begun on a mine water heat project in Seaham, using a mine water treatment scheme to provide low-carbon heating for affordable homes. Elsewhere, First Choice Homes Oldham is set to invest £31.4m over the next five years to improve energy efficiency in its homes, with the next phase of work starting this spring. GOV.UK, Housing Digital
Galliford Try has upgraded its profit forecast after a strong first half, with pre-tax profits rising 54% to £20m. Meanwhile, VINCI has rebranded its UK testing and consultancy division as Initivo Consultancy. Ibstock exits the GRC cladding market after a £3m trading loss, ceasing production. Additionally, a judge has ruled that failed Hadden Construction must pay its former staff 90 days’ wages for breaching employment laws. Construction Enquirer, Construction Wave, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)
The Environment Agency, Scottish Water, and TfL pledge to cut emissions by signing the Construction Leadership Council’s five client carbon commitments. The Construction Index
Deliveries of bricks rose by 8.5% in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest construction materials report. GOV.UK
Wolverhampton’s 1,000-home regeneration scheme, including 70,000 sqft of retail, leisure, and commercial space, has been approved. In Scotland, 550 homes are planned for a 66-acre former industrial site in Armadale. Legal agreements are advancing for 1,100 homes in a Norfolk village. In Manchester, Oval Real Estate has doubled its high-rise flats to 800 across three towers. Bloor Homes eyes a £100m Stockport scheme with 675 homes proposed near Wilmslow-Handforth bypass, while a 250-home Charfield expansion is set for approval despite opposition. Construction Enquirer, Scottish Housing News, BBC, Construction Enquirer, Place North West, and Gazette