England
Travelling far and wide for urban vision
Travel broadens the mind, it’s said, and so scholars from CABE Space are set to travel overseas to see how urban landscape can be made car-free, child friendly, and greener.
Tenants get more room to move
Social housing tenants across the country are expected to have greater say in where they can live after the Government announced extra funding to expand choice-based lettings schemes.
Rok remains in firm standing
The regional newbuild market remains challenging for Rok plc, the company said in its latest trading update, though its repairs and maintenance operations have weathered the economic storm to perform well within expectations.
Lib Dem stance on empty homes welcomed
The Liberal Democrats' manifesto pledge to invest £1.4 billion in bringing thousands of empty homes back into use for people who need them was welcomed by two of the country’s leading housing bodies.
Slow return of rising prices
House prices have risen, albeit at a slower rate in December, as the gap between supply and demand narrowed in London and southern parts of England, according to RICS’ latest Housing Market survey, however in the North and West Midlands prices are still falling.
Unite welcomes council housing boost
The trades union Unite has welcomed the Government’s spending boost to deliver more council housing while accusing the Conservative Party of aiming to benefit the “better off”.
National register for tower blocks
Plans for a national register of social housing tower blocks in England are being outlined today by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA).
Households can trade in their old boiler
Up to 125,000 households in England will get £400 off the price of a new energy efficient boiler now that the Government has launched its boiler scrappage scheme. The initiative is intended to help eligible families to reduce their household heating bills and help to reduce the country’s domestic carbon emissions, as well as sustain work for the heating industry.
Deal us in on green scheme, say councils
Conservative Party proposals for a massive ‘Green Deal’ programme to help improve home energy efficiency was cautiously welcome by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), while a number of councils have pledged support to the scheme should the Tories form the next government.
Clark gets national role at Sanctuary
The housing provider Sanctuary Group has appointed Simon Clark to the post of group director for housing and communities.
