Tackling Damp and Mould in London’s Aging Housing Stock – Event Reminder
Last month we announced our forthcoming roundtable meeting on Tackling Damp and Mould in London’s Aging Housing Stock, taking place on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at 30 Euston Square, London.
It’s open to CHIC members and supply chain partners involved in damp, mould and disrepair remediation.
Below, Jennine Kirkwood, Head of Member Services (London), shares why this is such an important discussion and why you should attend.
Join CHIC at the Housing Community Summit 2025
The CHIC team is excited to announce we will be exhibiting at the Housing Community Summit 2025, taking place on 8 - 9 September 2025 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. You can find us on stands C16 and C17, conveniently located near the Housing Management and Engagement Theatre stage, sponsored by our colleagues at ARK Consultancy. We will be discussing all things asset management and procurement and we look forward to welcoming our members, catching up with our supply chain partners and making new connections.
CHIC Community Pavilion at HOMES UK 2025 – Sold Out!
We are excited to announce that the CHIC Community Pavilion at HOMES UK 2025 is now sold out! Taking place on 25–26 November 2025 at ExCeL London, our Pavilion brings together a fantastic lineup of CHIC supply chain partners, all ready to engage with delegates on the latest in housing, asset management, and procurement.
This year’s exhibiting partners include:
• Emplas Commercial• Novus Property Solutions• Hewer – Showcasing Heat Saviour• ARK Consultancy• Broad Oak Group• EFAM Air • Synergize • Sovereign Group • Pennington Choices• United Living Property Services• Ecosafe Group• Anglian Building Products• AKW
Our pavilion features a dedicated café area with free refreshments, ensuring plenty of opportunities to meet, network and engage with our partners. So please come and visit us at the CHIC Pavilion in the Unlock Next Zero area, adjacent to the stage, and connect with our team and exhibitors.
This Month’s Housing UpdatesScotland Launches £4m Homelessness Prevention Fund
The Scottish Government has unveiled a £4 million fund, managed by Advice Direct Scotland, to support organisations trialing new “ask and act” duties under the Housing (Scotland) Bill. These measures require public bodies, including health boards, police and prisons, to take steps to prevent homelessness. This builds on a prior £1 million investment in homelessness prevention. (Scottish Government)
London’s Land Fund Hits 8,000 Homes Milestone
The Mayor of London’s Land Fund, launched in 2017, has enabled over 8,000 homes and is on track to meet its 2030 target. With £736 million in funding, including £486 million from central government, the Fund invests in land acquisition, mezzanine finance and partnerships with commercial developers. Projects include housing on the former Holloway Prison site, surplus NHS land in Enfield and Haringey, and Mitre Yard in Old Oak & Park Royal. (Greater London Authority)
Social Rents Lag Behind Inflation
Analysis by the Housing Forum shows social rents have fallen in real terms over the past decade. Average weekly social rents rose from £92.30 in 2014 to £109.44 in 2023/24, below the inflation adjusted £123.73. The share of income spent on rent dropped from 29.2% to 26.4% and those struggling to afford rent fell from 41% to 28%. Contributing factors include past rent caps, temporary cuts and the scrapping of rent convergence. (Housing Forum / English Housing Survey)
Urgent Clarity Needed on Social Rent Grant Rates
Development directors are calling for government guidance on grant rates under the new £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP). The programme, announced in the June Spending Review, aims to deliver 300,000 homes over 10 years, with 60% for social rent. Officials say grant details are crucial to accelerate development planning. (UK Government / SAHP)
New Guidance for UK Fire Door Manufacturers
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published the Ironmongery Manufacturers’ Guidance Document to help manufacturers comply with fire safety standards. Developed with industry groups, the guidance clarifies responsibilities for product selection, fitting and maintenance, addressing past confusion and inconsistent standards in the construction supply chain. (OPSS)
Wales Plans Long Term Housing Strategy
Following a consultation on housing adequacy, the Welsh Government will develop a comprehensive housing and regeneration strategy. The October 2024 white paper proposed a framework based on UN housing standards. Measures include rent data collection, an annual property condition record and policies addressing affordability, eviction protections, and housing quality. (Welsh Government)
