Government Updates
Developers believe that the government has “given up” on the 300,000 homes target and are warning of a collapse in the industry. Michael Gove has made several amendments to the plan stating that Councils will now be in charge of controlling their housing numbers and they will not be forced to build. However, Mr Gove has said that the Government is still committed to the target of building 300,000 homes a year and it is one “we’re determined to meet”.
As well as this, Ministers are now facing pressure from Damian Green to launch the promised taskforce to increase the number of homes built for older people. Earlier this year the Government announced the need for a taskforce to coincide with the Levelling Up White Paper, released in February, however no progression has been made.
Mr Green has since spoken about the benefits of levelling up older people’s housing, stating that not only would it free up housing for younger people but also reduce the impact of the ageing population.
Read more here: https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/goves-plans-will-lead-to-fewer-new-homes-warns-housing-select-committee-chair-79362
Free Cyber Services for Social Landlords
A government agency is now offering social landlords access to free cyber security services. With councils and housing associations being targeted by hackers, it is being strongly encouraged that social landlords sign up for this free service to prevent them falling victim to cyber-attacks.
To access this service, click here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/active-cyber-defence/introduction
Construction Growth
Construction output has continued to grow despite the cost of living crisis for the fourth month running.
“The overall 0.8% rise in October output came from increases in both new work (0.5%) and repair and maintenance (1.3%) on the month. This was ahead of the 0.5% seen for the UK economy as a whole.” – The Construction Enquirer
Read more here: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/12/12/construction-output-grows-for-fourth-month-running/
