Welcome to the new starterWe are delighted to welcome Asya Parveen to the CHIC team as a Procurement Manager. Asya will play a key role in ensuring the compliant procurement of frameworks, DPS solutions and call of contracts, supporting our members with efficient and structured procurement processes. Her expertise will help deliver robust, value driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of our members.
Procurement’s Role in DecarbonisationWe have written an article for the Unlock Net Zero hub, exploring the crucial role of public sector procurement in driving decarbonisation. By setting clear sustainability requirements and partnering with suppliers committed to net zero goals, CHIC is supporting housing providers to integrate low carbon solutions into their procurement strategies, delivering both long term value and positive environmental impact. Read more: Procurement’s Role in Decarbonisation
Recent Contract AwardsHere is a look at some of the latest contracts awarded through CHIC, highlighting the wide range of services our members and partners provide. This will be a regular feature in CHIC CHAT going forward.
This Month’s Housing UpdatesAs a new CHIC CHAT feature, we summarise the latest news from the housing and construction sectors. If you find this useful, please let us know.
Over 200 Landlords Join Section 106 Clearing Service
In its first 50 days, Homes England’s new Section 106 clearing service has signed up 140 providers and over 70 local authorities as buyers. The platform was launched to address declining social landlord purchases, which were delaying private housing projects. Many housing associations are shifting focus to land led development or other priorities like fire safety. (Source: Homes England)
Government Blocks Bill for Mandatory Solar Panels on New Homes
The UK government has rejected the Sunshine Bill, which proposed requiring solar panels on new homes from 2026. While supportive of greener homes, officials cited regulatory complexity and concerns about housing supply. Instead, future building regulations will encourage, but not mandate, solar panels. (Source: UK Government)
Homes England Expands SME Housing Fund to £47.5m
Homes England has nearly doubled its lending fund with Invest & Fund, increasing support for small housebuilders. The expanded £47.5 million fund aims to finance 600 more homes, offering development loans of up to £4 million. The initiative extends through March 2030 to assist micro-SMEs. (Source: Homes England, Invest & Fund)
Two-Thirds of Councils Face Housing Budget Crisis by 2030
A survey of 76 local authorities found that 67% risk failing to balance their Housing Revenue Account within six years. Many councils have already paused housebuilding, reduced maintenance, or dipped into emergency reserves. Some may be forced to sell homes or borrow just to cover regular costs. (Source: Southwark Council)
MPs Launch Inquiry on Land Value Capture
A parliamentary inquiry will examine how rising land values can fund public infrastructure and affordable housing. The review will assess policies like Section 106 agreements and explore reforms to developer contributions and compulsory purchase rules. (Source: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee)
Only 10% of Building Safety Fund Reaches Social Housing
NHF CEO Kate Henderson told MPs that most safety funding benefits private landlords. Social housing providers can only access funds if costs would otherwise fall on leaseholders. She criticised using tenants' rent for remediation, calling it “unfair.” (Source: National Housing Federation, HCLG Committee)
40% of Building Applications Fail to Meet Safety Standards
A senior Building Safety Regulator official revealed that nearly half of applications cannot prove they meet long-standing safety rules. Delays in the new Gateway 2 approval process have slowed construction, but regulators emphasize strict compliance. (Source: Building Safety Regulator, London Assembly Fire Committee)
Government Aims to Introduce Leasehold Reform This Year
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner confirmed plans for new leasehold reforms, including making commonhold the default for new flats. The move follows a recent ban on most new leasehold house sales. (Source: HCLG Committee, UK Government)
Report: Cost and Speed Still Prioritised Over Safety in Construction
Despite new building safety regulations, contractors say developers prioritise low costs and fast completion. The Building Engineering Services Association warns that safety compliance remains overlooked, calling for stricter enforcement and clearer guidance. (Source: BESA Report)
