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Click here to download the SOCIAL_HOUSING_CROSSWORD_PUZZLE.pdf

The future of social housing was prudently addressed, following a riveting conversation held by Theresa Mays former chief of staff Nick Timothy at one of our own board awaydays, back in January.

Many believe that social housing is nearing the bottom of the agenda when it comes to the implications of Brexit and is being heavily overlooked.

Arguable, the main issue that the social housing sector is going to face is the logistical changes to supply chains. With materials like timber being heavily imported from the EU, many merchants have already begun contingency planning to maintain their sustainability, and have adopted the approach of stockpiling materials; however, it’s a very temporary solution

The overcomplicating of importing materials is set to have some implications on the affordability of social homes, whether this is going to be for the good or bad of renters in the UK.

But the question is, does anyone know what they are doing? Planning for the unknown is an impossible feat in all walks of life, let alone when looking to mitigate the effects of Brexit on an entire industry.

The potential knock-on effects are endless with the immediate ones possibly the most damaging. Will we begin seeing more or less jobs in the construction industry? Half of construction workers in London come from the EU and many have already gone back to avoid being ‘stuck’.

The effects that deal or no deal Brexit could be endless from temporary purchasing alternative materials to a complete logistical change, steering away from current just in time solutions.

Going from a blanket agreement to, well, who knows what, is going to be a huge change regardless of the specifics and the social housing market is inevitably going to learn to adapt no matter what comes its way; Deal or No Deal is just the beginning of something bigger.

With every future deal coming from UK Parliament, surely our government will do what is best for UK citizens? It is no secret that the UK has been in a housing crisis for some time now with the publication of reports like the Shelter’s “vision for social housing”.

Although the UK is going Brexit crazy, there’s no need to panic. CHIC has been actively collaborating with its members / suppliers to gather intel on what is the best course of action to mitigate the amount of disruption to the supply chain. 95% of Manufacturers and Distributors have already plans in place to mitigate for a No deal vote with the large majority being determined as low risk. (Testimonial from a supplier)

CHIC has engaged with it’s supply chain to ensure that members have contingencies in place for every aspect of property maintenance requirements.

CHIC’s Merchant Services Manager (maybe change it to Supply chain manager) is of the opinion that: “The worst thing that we in the social housing industry can do right now, is to put our heads in the sand and hope that this storm will pass us by. The first thing that will be affected will be supply chains, as we see in other sectors such as the automotive industry. Arguably if housing associations engage with purchasing groups, in respect of their suppliers, trends will be noticeable which means that steps can be taken to mitigate negative effects.”

As rightly pointed out purchasing groups such as CHIC, are better positioned to notice trends in the market that individual housing associations cannot see, and this is purely down to the number of suppliers each engages. Having a pool of suppliers providing the same type of service, normally via a framework, will allow members that purchase through that group a better understanding of where the market is going.

In these trialling times, co-operation is key, and instead of we can do it better, we need to do it better together.

The question is then, what has your association done to ensure that services will not drop.

Quote from Bournville to come: - need to chase giles again today.

If you are worried about the Brexit impact on your organisation, please give us a call.

Healthy Homes Collaboration Meeting – Key Findings & Next StepsOn 11th March, CHIC hosted the Healthy Homes Collaboration Roundtable, bringing together key framework stakeholders to review progress since the launch of the Healthy Homes Framework. The session provided a valuable opportunity to assess sector challenges, discuss best practice and to evaluate the framework’s effectiveness.

A key outcome of the discussion was the agreement that KPIs should be structured at three levels—framework, contract and optional / project specific —aligning with the suggested approach established in our previous Newbuild Framework Roundtable.

CLICK HERE to read the full findings.

We will continue this discussion at the CHIC Conference & Exhibition on 21st May, where we aim to finalise these KPIs and explore best practice contract for retentions and supply chain payment terms. You can register your place HERE

 

Fire & Building Safety Framework – ExplainedCHIC recently hosted a webinar that introduced the newly launched Fire and Building Safety Framework, designed to help housing providers navigate complex regulatory requirements while delivering safe, compliant homes.

With increasing pressure from the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the findings from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, ensuring fire compliance has never been more critical. By 2029, all buildings over 11 metres high with unsafe cladding must be remediated, making it essential for providers to act now.

The session explained CHIC’s new framework for all services and works associated with fire safety. It covers the procurement route, lot and workstream structure, options for awarding work and the wide range of service providers awarded to the framework.

CLICK HERE to watch the recording.

 

Event AttendanceFebruary ended on a busy note for the team as we participated in two key industry events.

At the Constructionline Meet the Buyer event, we had a fantastic opportunity to showcase our range of Dynamic Purchasing Systems, helping prospective suppliers understand how they can become approved suppliers. We also saw great interest in our Multiple Elements framework, for which tenders are due to be returned by 14th May.

We also attended ProcurementActLive to mark the launch of the Procurement Act 2023. Our team provided guidance on how the new legislation will impact attendees and shared insights into our upcoming procurement pipeline, which will be tendered under the new Act. If you have any questions about the changes, feel free to reach out to our procurement team at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

This month, we also joined a decarbonisation roundtable in partnership with Aico and Niyaa People. The discussion brought together senior representatives from social landlords and contractors to share insights, explore challenges and strengthen connections—all with the goal of advancing net-zero initiatives. While we didn’t solve the challenge in one evening, the conversations we had were a useful step in the right direction.

Finally, the CHIC team held its quarterly team meeting, hosted by CHIC supplier Bristan. It was a valuable opportunity for our team to come together, to review our internal processes and discuss industry trends and challenges that will impact our members and supply chain.

 

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 Month’s Housing Updates

Awaab’s Law to Force Landlords to Fix Dangerous Homes
Awaab’s Law, effective from October, mandates social landlords to address damp and mould within set timeframes, with emergency hazards fixed within 24 hours. Named after Awaab Ishak, a toddler who sadly died due to mould exposure, the law allows social tenants to take non-compliant landlords to court. Implementation begins in October 2025, expanding to cover more hazards by 2027. Future reforms may extend the law to private rentals and introduce safety and energy standards (UK Government, 2024).

£69bn Finance Settlement for Councils in 2025-26
The UK government confirmed a 6.8% increase in council spending, ensuring no reductions in core revenue. A 5% cap on council tax hikes remains, with stricter rules for larger increases. An extra £60m will improve local government operations. The Local Government Association acknowledged the funding but warned of service cuts due to financial strain. Social care authorities will receive up to £3.7bn, including an £880m social care grant uplift (HM Treasury, 2024).

£350m Boost for Affordable Housing Programmes
An additional £300m will support the Affordable Homes Programme, adding 2,800 homes, half for social rent. The Local Authority Housing Fund gains £50m for 250 council homes. This follows a £500m boost in October, aiming for 130,000 new homes by 2026. Labour plans a multi-year housing programme, pending the June Spending Review (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, 2024).

New Towns and Building Safety Regulator Funding
Keir Starmer announced over 100 proposed sites for new towns, each delivering 10,000+ homes. The Building Safety Regulator gets an extra £2m to speed up applications, while £1m each is allocated to National Highways, Natural England, and the Environment Agency to fast-track planning approvals (New Towns Taskforce, 2024).

£1bn Spent on Empty Social Housing in 2023-24
Around 300,000 vacant social housing properties cost over £1.1bn in repairs and £220m in lettings, totaling £1.6bn. The average re-let time rose to 74 days, compared to under 30 days five years ago. Some landlords address repairs during new tenancies, while others engage tenants pre-move to reduce end-of-tenancy issues (Housemark, 2024).

Single Construction Regulator Announced
The government introduced a new regulator to oversee building safety, merging the Building Safety Regulator with construction product regulation. The regulator will conduct inspections, impose sanctions, and enforce safety standards but will not test products itself. The detailed framework will be unveiled in autumn (Grenfell Tower Inquiry, 2024).

Green Paper on Construction Product Reforms
The government proposed stricter construction product regulations, requiring manufacturers to assess safety risks. Unregulated products must meet new risk-based requirements, and all products must carry clear safety labels. A national database will store compliance records, and digital product passports will track product details. A 12-week consultation runs until 21st May 2025 (Department for Business & Trade, 2024).

Half of Homes Should Have Heat Pumps by 2040
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) recommends that 50% of UK homes use heat pumps by 2040, up from 1% in 2023. Installation rates must rise to 450,000 per year by 2030 and 1.5m by 2035. The CCC advises against hydrogen for home heating and suggests mandating low-carbon systems in new homes by 2026. A long-term energy efficiency programme is also recommended (CCC, 2024).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procurement Update for CHIC MembersCHIC remains committed to developing comprehensive procurement solutions that align with our members' asset management service delivery needs. Below is the latest update on our ongoing procurement activities:

Fire & Building Safety FrameworkThe Fire & Building Safety Framework has just been launched. This framework provides a full suite of fire safety services, covering installation, maintenance and remediation of both passive and active fire safety systems, ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act. More details on this framework can be found here.
Mechanical & Electrical FrameworkThe Mechanical & Electrical Framework has just been launched. This framework provides members with access to a wide range of specialist contractors for the installation, servicing and maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems, including heating, ventilation and electrical safety testing. More details on this framework can be found here.

Multiple Elements & Merchant and Materials FrameworksThe procurement of the Multiple Elements Framework (for planned maintenance) is well underway, with framework tenders due for return by 14th May 2025. In parallel, CHIC continues to plan the re-procurement of the Merchant and Materials Framework, working closely with Efficiency North to refine the scope and tender documentation. This framework will be structured to provide efficient and compliant procurement routes in line with the new Procurement Act 2023.

Consultancy Framework Re-ProcurementCHIC has commenced planning for the re-procurement of the Consultancy Framework. This early stage preparation ensures the new framework will effectively meet the diverse consultancy needs of our members. Further updates will be shared as planning progresses.

Central Digital Platform RegistrationCHIC is now fully registered on the Central Digital Platform, ensuring that all procurement activities are conducted efficiently through a centralised digital system. This enhances transparency, compliance and accessibility for all stakeholders.

Preparing for the Procurement Act 2023To align with the now launched Procurement Act 2023, CHIC has updated all relevant templates and processes. These updates ensure full compliance and create improved procurement efficiencies for our members.

Scoping Out Future Re-Procurements

CHIC is in the early stages of planning for further framework renewals. Key areas currently being assessed include:
• Risk Assessments
• Asbestos Abatement Services
• Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids

Members will be kept informed as these plans progress.

For more details on CHIC’s procurement programme, please contact Sam Domican, Director of Procurement, at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

 

 

Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing: Supporting CHIC Members

Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing provides repair and maintenance material solutions tailored to the needs of CHIC members and the wider social housing sector. By offering a range of products and services, the focus is on improving first-time fix rates, increasing operational efficiency and enhancing resident satisfaction. With a strong track record in the field, the company continues to expand its supply chain and support services, ensuring that social landlords have timely access to the latest technology and expertise.

Comprehensive Supply Chain Support

Registered Providers benefit from a robust supply chain, supported by over 360 branches nationwide and dedicated distribution hubs. These hubs provide access to approximately 37,000 plumbing, heating, spares, electrical and renewable technology products. Daily deliveries ensure that materials arrive when and where they are needed, helping housing providers complete repairs and maintenance efficiently. The company’s expanding supply chain guarantees continuous access to new products and innovations that align with the evolving needs of the sector.

Partnerships with Trusted Brands

CHIC members can access a network of well-established brands, including City Plumbing, PTS, Direct Heating Spares, National Shower Spares, The Underfloor Heating Store, The Bathroom Showroom, Plumbworld, PlumbNation, and Commercial Hub. The combination of in-house distribution hubs and a dedicated fleet of delivery vehicles ensures a reliable supply chain that supports housing providers in delivering essential services to residents.

Resident-Centric Approach

Understanding the importance of resident engagement, Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing is a member of Tpas and TPAS Cymru, enabling direct collaboration with housing providers and residents to shape effective solutions. The company also supports the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign, providing training for customer service teams and operatives to reduce stigmas associated with social housing residents.

Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Support

To assist CHIC members in meeting decarbonisation goals, Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing offers a range of energy-efficient solutions. These include air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar PV, solar thermal, underfloor heating, wastewater heat recovery, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, biomass boilers and EV charging. A fully indemnified in-house technical design team is available to provide impartial advice and guidance to support informed decision-making on retrofit projects.

Technology and Data-Driven Solutions

By embedding technology into its supply chain, Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing helps registered providers streamline their operations. Digital solutions ensure that operatives have the right parts in hand, management teams have access to relevant data and overall processes remain efficient. Established relationships with manufacturers and suppliers also ensure that social landlords have access to the latest products and innovations available on the market.

Proven Track Record in Supporting CHIC Members

As a trusted partner, Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing works closely with CHIC and its members, supplying materials valued at over £15 million annually. This includes the delivery of more than 9,000 boilers, over 20,000 bath suites, approximately 1,000 monitored systems and around 25,000 gas spares each year. These figures highlight the scale and reliability of the company’s operations, ensuring CHIC members can access the materials they need efficiently and cost-effectively.

For more information, visit: www.integratedsolutions.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrated-solutions-at-city-plumbing

 

 

 

By working together, businesses and organisations can help shape Worcestershire’s future workforce. Further information is available by contacting the Inspiring Team by email: cec@worcestershire.gov.uk. 

 

Amanda Long, CHIC’s Independent Chair and Chief Executive of CCPI welcomes Government response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report.

The Government response to the Grenfell Phase Two Inquiry Report and publication of the Green Paper confirms the Government’s commitment to bring forward system-wide reform of the construction products regime. From the perspectives of both the ‘hats’ I wear, as Independent Chair of CHIC and as Chief Executive of CPI Ltd, the not-for-profit organisation set up to guard and manage the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), I welcome this and applaud the tougher stance on compliance and enforcement. This is crucial to preventing further tragedy. It is also crucial to supporting housing associations and local authorities as they build and maintain their estates.