Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announce new powers to strengthen council planning
On Thursday (25 April), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced new planning powers under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act to give councils better tools to hold rogue developers to account. The measures include:
- Increasing enforcement limits from four to 10 years so councils have more time to stop developments without planning approval.
- Introducing unlimited fines against developers who fail to comply with planning permission or refuse to deal with rundown properties and overgrown fields.
- Doubling the length of temporary stop notices to 56 days to suspend all works if a council suspects building has gone ahead.
- Strengthening the Planning Inspectorate to dismiss appeals against developers trying to delay process, including refusal of site visits and access.
Renters’ Reform Bill passes without a timeframe for banning no-fault evictions
On Wednesday (24 April), the House of Commons voted through the Renters’ Reform Bill. This included a clause which indefinitely delays the outlawing of Section 21 notices until a review of the courts system has taken place. Section 21 notices allow landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason, and the review of the courts system is argued to be needed on the grounds that there will be an influx of court cases if Section 21s are banned.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities publishes official statistics for development on EPCs in England and Wales from January to March 2024
On Thursday (25 April), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities published official statistics on the development on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for January to March 2024. Findings include 453,000 EPCs in England being lodged on the Energy Performance of Buildings Register for both domestic and non-domestic properties, a 4% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2023. The number of EPCs for new dwellings in England (56,000) saw a 3% increase, while the number of existing domestic EPCs (350,000) saw a 2% decrease compared to the same quarter last year.
IN THE NEWS
Labour pledges to fully renationalise rail network – FT Labour pledges to fully renationalise rail network (ft.com)
Fear of supply chain failures boosting collaboration – Construction Enquirer Fear of supply chain failures boosting collaboration | Construction Enquirer News
Competition chiefs win legal fight for more construction raids – Construction Enquirer Competition chiefs win legal fight for more construction raids | Construction Enquirer News
Next-generation nuclear developers battle with ‘regulatory marathons’ – FT Next-generation nuclear developers battle with ‘regulatory marathons’ (ft.com)
Constructing the Gold Standard for Public Sector Frameworks – has anything changed?
Highly recommend taking a look at Professor David Mosey CBE‘s recent article in Building Magazine ‘Constructing the Gold Standard for public sector frameworks – has anything changed?’ Constructing the Gold Standard for public sector frameworks – has anything changed?
Digital Construction – A Creative Challenge?
Find out what we learned at our recent Digital by Default session where we got an insight into how gaming technology is being applied in construction. Digital Construction – A Creative Challenge?
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities publishes an open letter on the charges associated with managing safety in high rise buildings
On Wednesday (17 April), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities published an open letter from Lee Rowley, Housing Minister, and Philip White, Director of Building Safety, defending the Department’s changes with regards to building safety since the Grenfell fire. They argue that, in some cases, people will need to commission investigations or assessments to ensure than an individual building aligns with the safety case report that has been submitted to the Building Safety Regulator. They also emphasise that service charges must, by law, be reasonable and be communicated effectively to leaseholders.
Scotland announces plan to ditch climate change target
On Thursday (18 April), the Scottish Government announced plans to scrap its flagship target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 – however, the final goal of reaching net zero by 2045 will remain. Mairi McAllan, the Net Zero Minister, announced the move in an update to Holyrood on Thursday afternoon, following warnings made by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) back in 2022 that Scotland had lost its lead over the rest of the UK in tackling climate change. Scotland has missed eight of the past 12 annual targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes summary of the British Insulation Scheme for the last year
On Thursday (18 April), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published statistics on installation measures under the Great British Insulation Scheme between May 2023 and February 2024. Since the start of GBIS, there have been 7,506 measures installed in 6,238 households. Measure delivery has continued to increase, with 1,761 measures installed in February 2024 – the highest level since the scheme began. The most common measure so far has been cavity wall insulation, accounting for 55% (4,094 measures) of the total. This was followed by heating controls which accounted for 17% (1,278 measures) and loft insulation which also accounted for 17% (1,276 measures). The highest regional delivery has been in Yorkshire and The Humber (1,204 measures, 16%), followed by the South East (1,108 measures, 15%) and the North West (834 measures, 11%).
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes new proposals for better energy deals for consumers with smart devices
On Tuesday (16 April), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced a consultation on proposals to introduce minimum requirements for cyber security and grid stability, as well as minimum product standards for energy smart appliances in an effort to encourage consumer uptake of smart devices. The consumer protections are designed to ensure consumers with smart appliances can get the best deal, as well as incentivising people to shift their electricity use away from peak periods.
Labour unveils plans for new housing on ‘grey belt’ – BBC News
Labour has set out plans for building on the green belt to boost housing supply while improving “green spaces”.
Under new “golden rules,” councils will be required to prioritise building on brownfield sites and poor-quality areas in the green belt, dubbed “grey belt”.
IN THE NEWS
Gove puts another major building scheme on hold | Construction Enquirer News
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities issued an Article 31 notice this week on the plans for the redevelopment of the 140 and 150 London Wall sites, known as Bastion House and the former Museum of London.
Energy efficiency firms angry at lack of CITB support – Construction Enquirer
Construction Enquirer reports the Installation Assurance Authority Federation has criticised the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for not spending any of its £100 million cash reserve to promote training courses and a new National Energy Efficiency Centre Park, which has been calling for funding. The IAAF argues an opportunity is being missed to support the energy efficiency sector which has funded the CITB for over 30 years, despite receiving little funding back. The CITB in response has said it is committed to helping reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry and the retrofit sector.
Building Safety Update – Construction Leadership Council
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities publishes research on tackling fuel poverty and energy inefficiency in Hastings
On Wednesday (10 April), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities published its analysis of the Partnership for People and Place (PfPP) programme pilot in Hastings. The project focussed on hyper-local issues that could be tackled through better central or local government coordination, with Hastings being selected due to it having the highest percentage of fuel poor households in the South East. The research found insights into:
- the barriers for landlords in making changes to their properties
- the impacts of energy inefficient homes on tenants
- the lack of open dialogue between tenants and landlords
- the levers required at the central government level to affect change in regard to enforcing housing and energy efficiency standards
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities publishes Homes England Public Bodies Review 2023
On Monday (8 April) the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) published a report outlining the findings of the 2023 Public Bodies Review into Homes England. This review considered the effectiveness of Homes England in meeting its objectives and supporting the government’s plans to regenerate cities and deliver new homes in the right places. The review gave recommendations to both DLHUC and Homes England including:
- Determine the balance between the funding for regeneration and placemaking in Priority Places and other funding programmes
- Propose changes to Homes England’s funding arrangements in the next spending review to allow it to commit to large, long-term schemes and to grant it larger delegations
- Define clear objectives and outcome measures for each Priority Place
- Develop the operating model to focus its work as much on places as on national funding programmes, build closer relationships with priority local authorities, and show how resources are being deployed around the country.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero calls for evidence on the barriers to community energy projects
On Monday (8 April) the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published a call for evidence on the barriers to community energy projects in England. Potential projects include solar panels, wind farms, hydro power, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points and car clubs, and fuel poverty alleviation schemes.
IN THE NEWS
Majority of British homes only meet insulation standards of the 1970s or earlier, study finds – Housing Today
Housing Today reports (along with the Mirror, H&V News, Energy Live News, and PBC Today) research by EDF has found over ten million homes in England and Wales face higher rates of heat loss due to insufficient insulation, wasting an average of £500 per year, per household. This analysis of 25 million homes found 55% meet standards from 1976 or earlier, and lose more heat through poor cavity wall, loft and floor insulation, and double glazing than modern regulations insist on today
Heavy rain causes 1.9% construction output fall: Heavy rain causes 1.9% construction output fall | Construction Enquirer News
UK should consider wider range of nuclear power options, says top official (ft.com)
CESW Climate Crisis Focus Group members are actively driving sustainable change across the region. The contributors to this publication represent differing perspectives and roles across the construction industry.
Their passion and motivation to initiate sustainable change and make an impact has led us to compile this publication. The aim is to demonstrate the vast opportunities and challenges that exist for the construction industry in the South West region, by way of real-life case studies, practical advice and detailed data analysis……
We’re delighted to announce the launch of our new Constructing Excellence South West website. This exciting update brings a fresh, contemporary design and enhanced features adapted to streamline your experience and provide greater value.
During the transition period from the old to the new website, we kindly ask for your patience as there may be temporary disruptions to accessing your online account. Rest assured, we’re working diligently to minimise any inconvenience and ensure a smooth transition for all Members.
What can you expect from the new website?
– Sleek Design: Enjoy a modern, user-friendly interface that adapts seamlessly to all devices, making it easier than ever to access important resources and connect with fellow Members.
– Enhanced Membership Benefits: Smarter management and automatic recognition of your Membership level, including Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers. Primary contacts will have the ability to add a Logo, Profile, nominate Clubs, and select Focus Groups to tailor their Membership experience.
– Dynamic New Feature: Introducing the ability to create and manage Teams within your organisation. Team Members will receive communication regarding their new login details, ensuring a seamless transition.
Our network of eight Clubs, including Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire, offers opportunities to strengthen connections with like-minded businesses in the construction sector. Additionally, our five Focus Groups – Building Safety, Climate Crisis, Cultural Leadership, Skills Advisory Panel, and Smart Construction provide avenues for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative working towards positive industry change.
Our G4C Group and has been rapidly gathering momentum as the South West’s young professional voice of the UK built environment agency and is particularly focused on encouraging students of school age to consider a career in the industry.
As your new Membership Engagement Manager, my main aim is to ensure that you are getting the best from your Membership and to also welcome new Members. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or the wider team. You can contact me on emma.pardede@cesw.org.uk
Thank you for being a valued Member of Constructing Excellence South West. We appreciate your continued support and understanding during this transition period and look forward to unveiling our new website and continuing to serve you better.
My name is Sarah Kearsey and I am undertaking a research project as part of my university course at the University College of Estate Management.
My research is looking at the representation of women in the construction industry, focusing on the experiences of those who have started a construction-based higher / further education course at the age of 25 and above, their motivations for doing so, and exploring how women can be better represented in the sector. The types of courses include, but are not limited to: apprenticeships, degrees in construction management, quantity surveying, building surveying, structural engineering, or trades-based courses.
I am looking for interviewees for my research and wondered if you have any contacts within your committee or network who might fit the bill and would be willing to spare around 15 to 20 minutes to undertake an interview via Zoom over the next few weeks. Ideally, I am looking for participants who started their degree in any year since 2020.
I would be very grateful if you could forward this email to any contacts who may be suitable.
I am more than happy to answer any questions potential interviewees may have and will send an information sheet and consent form upon expression of interest. My email address is: sk1066@student.ucem.ac.uk.
