The Regulator of Social Housing has published judgements for 11 social landlords, with ForHousing improving to G2, while West Lancashire BC and Westminster City Council received C1. However, Wandsworth, Central Bedfordshire, and Anchor Hanover failed consumer standards, receiving C3 grades. GOV.UK
Dundee City Council plans to approve £2.4m in council house improvements to enhance tenant living conditions. Elsewhere, key housing projects in Argyll and Bute are set for UK Government CRP funding, with £20.34m committed to the council. Scottish Housing News, Scottish Housing News
The Still Waiting for a Home – February 2025 report highlights Scotland’s social housing shortfall, with 250,000 applicants waiting, including tenants seeking transfers. It underscores the urgent need for greater investment in affordable housing. Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Local authority procurement specialist LHC has chosen 126 consultants and contractors for a £660m public sector retrofit and decarbonisation framework. Meanwhile, Lovell Partnerships has been named the preferred bidder to deliver 2,260 homes for the Cardiff and Vale Housing Partnership. In addition, Latimer has appointed JJ Rhatigan as the principal contractor for the £84m Twyford Abbey development in west London. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, and The Construction Index
Taylor Wimpey is suing an architect for up to £50m, alleging responsibility for cladding defects at a 450-home high-rise development in Cardiff. At the same time, Morgan Sindall has achieved another record-breaking year, with its fit-out division, Overbury, contributing over half of the group’s profits. Sigma Homes has halted housebuilding due to financial pressures and planning delays, shifting focus to land acquisition and planning. Construction News (register), Construction Enquirer, and Housing Today (register)
The UK Build to Rent Market Update – Q4 2024 reports a record-breaking year, with BTR investment surpassing £5bn for the first time, reflecting strong investor confidence and demand for quality rental housing. Savills
The Seventh Carbon Budget – February 2025 sets a target of an 87% emissions reduction by 2040, with electrification contributing 60% of cuts. Separately, Angela Rayner will reveal the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report this afternoon, addressing key recommendations. Climate Change Committee, Housing Today (register)
A £70m student accommodation scheme in Bristol has been delayed due to Gateway 2 fire safety approval issues, while Link Group has submitted plans for 433 homes in Dunbeg, Argyll & Bute. In Preston, 429 homes and 106,000 sqft of industrial space are set for approval, and Watford’s former police station is moving closer to becoming a 314-home development. Meanwhile, the final phase of Runcorn’s residential masterplan is nearing approval, with Keepmoat and Homes England seeking consent for 200 homes. Construction Enquirer, Scottish Housing News, Place North West, Watford Observer, and Place North West