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)
