Thought Leadership at CHIC
At CHIC, our team’s insight is shaped by hands on experience across asset management, development, compliance and service delivery - not procurement alone. Our team understands the real operational challenges facing housing providers, contractors and partners and we are committed to sharing that knowledge to support better decision making across the sector. By acting as a hub of practical expertise, we translate policy changes, market pressure and technical issues into clear guidance that helps our members and supply chain partners manage risk, deliver quality outcomes and plan for the long term.
Here are some of the recent developments from the housing sector we think our members should be aware of:
Repairs and Maintenance: Big Shock or Big Celebration?
Rising repairs and maintenance costs across the housing sector can feel like a double edged sword - a “big shock” to budgets, yet a necessary investment in safer, warmer and more sustainable homes. Providers are grappling with inflationary pressures, ageing stock, compliance demands and evolving resident expectations, all of which are driving demand for increased spending. Rather than a short term spike, this trend reflects a structural shift. Organisations are moving from reactive fixes to proactive asset management, long term planning and resilience focused investment. Read More
This perspective is reinforced by the latest sector intelligence. According to Inside Housing’s 2026 Repairs Tracker, England’s largest providers collectively spent £10bn on repairs and maintenance in 2024/25 which is a fourth consecutive record year and 42% above pre pandemic levels. Data drawn from the Regulator of Social Housing Global Accounts highlights drivers including damp and mould remediation, fire and building safety works, energy efficiency upgrades and tighter regulatory standards. With forecasts approaching £11bn annually over the next five years, the sector’s challenge is not whether to invest, but how to do so efficiently while delivering better outcomes for residents. Read More
Quality Over Cost: The New Direction of UK Procurement
UK procurement is moving beyond a lowest price mindset toward decisions based on long term value, quality and resilience. Economic pressures and supply chain challenges have highlighted the hidden risks of choosing the cheapest option, from poor performance to higher lifecycle costs. As a result, organisations are placing greater emphasis on reliable suppliers, sustainability, social value and outcomes that deliver lasting benefits rather than short-term savings. Read More
When Suppliers Go Bust, How Frameworks Can Help
Supplier insolvency remains a significant risk across the UK construction and housing sectors, where financial pressures, tight margins and late payments continue to drive business failures. When key suppliers collapse, projects can stall, costs can rise and essential services for residents may be disrupted. Smaller subcontractors are often hit hardest, as cash flow issues cascade through the supply chain, increasing the likelihood of further failures.
Procurement frameworks help reduce this disruption by providing pre-vetted suppliers, financial checks, and compliant routes to quickly appoint replacements. While they cannot prevent insolvency, frameworks enable organisations to respond faster, maintain service continuity and protect residents by drawing on an established network of approved contractors and structured contracts designed to manage risk and maintain accountability. Read More
Welsh Government Announces £99m Boost for Social Housing Retrofit and Energy Compliance
The Welsh Government has allocated almost £99 million to its Optimised Retrofit Programme this year to help social housing providers upgrade properties with energy saving insulation, low carbon heating and renewable technologies. This supports better regulatory compliance, lower bills and reduced carbon emissions while creating opportunities for compliant suppliers. So, what does this mean for our members and supply chain partners. Read More
Welcome To Our New Starter
We are delighted to introduce a new colleague to the Business Intelligence & Optimisation Team:
Yasmin Elmi
"I’m Yasmin and I have recently joined the team as a Credit Controller, bringing with me over two years of experience in accounts management and financial reporting. Before this, I was an Accounts Executive at Entrepreneurs Circle, where I managed high volume invoice processing, reconciled complex accounts and specialised in credit control to maintain healthy cash flow. I’m excited to apply my expertise in debt recovery and financial software to my new role, where I’ll be focused on generating accurate invoices and effectively managing income to support our operational efficiency."
Decorations Framework Explained
Our recently launched framework allows CHIC Members to procure cyclical and responsive repairs, void property works, decoration and finishing services and can also support newbuild and regeneration projects. In this video, Ian Mackinnon, CHIC's Head of Strategic Procurement, explains how the framework was developed, the structure of the lots and what it means for our members.Watch the full video
Meet our Housing Horizons Exhibitors We are excited to announce that Housing Horizons, our pilot event in partnership with The Housing Forum, has officially sold out of sponsorship and exhibition packages. Thank you to all the supply chain partners who have supported the event, we look forward to welcoming you on the day. The one day conference opens with an interview by Mark Easton with Fiona MacGregor, CEO of the Regulator of Social Housing. For those wishing to attend as delegates, a limited number of free tickets are still available. Secure yours HERE or find out more on our website
This Month’s Housing Updates
Building Safety Regulator Becomes Standalone
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has officially transitioned to a standalone regulator, separating from the Health and Safety Executive. This move strengthens oversight of higher risk residential buildings, streamlines decision making and represents a key step toward a single construction regulator to improve compliance and safety outcomes.
Read more: Gov.uk
Thousands More Families to Get Warm, Secure Social Homes
The government has unveiled a new social and affordable housing package aimed at delivering thousands more warm, secure homes for families. The measures will give councils, housing associations and other providers greater financial support and flexibility to accelerate housebuilding, while also raising expectations on quality, energy efficiency and the management of disrepair.
Key elements include expanded low interest loans to support development, updated Decent Homes Standards to tackle issues such as damp and poor insulation and reforms to Section 106 arrangements to unlock uncontracted affordable homes. The package also places renewed emphasis on energy-saving improvements, helping social landlords enhance property performance while enabling tenants to reduce their living costs.
Read more: Gov.uk
Government Accelerates Planning Reforms
The UK government is advancing planning system reforms in 2026 to speed up housing delivery, clarifying expectations for councils and developers, updating design guidance for new build developments and streamlining decision making as part of its wider housing growth agenda.
Read more: Gov.uk
