C

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Named after Awaab Ishak, a two year old who tragically died in 2020 from mould exposure, the law aims to ensure faster responses and better living conditions for tenants. The event brought together social landlords, suppliers and other professional services representatives to assess preparedness, share best practices and discuss key themes: repairs policies, tenant support, sector culture and service delivery.

 

Read the full discussion findings HERE  

 

 

 

 

 

This Month’s Housing UpdatesStealth tax set to add £50,000 to housebuilding costs
The UK Treasury is proposing a major increase in landfill and waste disposal charges for the construction industry, up from £4.05 to £126 per tonne over five years, which could add around £50,000 to the cost of building a home. Industry critics warn this could make many developments financially unviable and jeopardise delivery of the government’s 1.5 million homes target by 2030. ukestates

Labour MPs push back against reduced affordable-housing quotas in London
A group of Labour MPs is disputing the plan by the government and Sadiq Khan to lower the affordable housing quota for new London developments from 35% to 20%. They argue that reducing the quota to appeal to fast track planning risks worsening the city’s housing crisis and favouring luxury developments over the needs of local communities. The Guardian

Surging build costs threaten Scottish housing association ambitions
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations reports that the average cost of building a social home in Scotland climbed from about £150,293 in 2019 to £195,077 in 2023, with some specialist or remote area schemes facing up to £300,000 per unit. The rise, combined with unsettled standards and funding uncertainty, is putting delivery of new homes under severe pressure. Scottish Construction Now

Planning reforms announced to speed up housing & infrastructure
The government has published a pro growth package through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to remove barriers to housing development and infrastructure delivery. Measures include new powers for ministers to intervene when local authorities delay permissions and reforms aiming to accelerate large housing schemes, reservoirs and clean-energy projects. GOV.UK

 

 

 

 

Multiple Elements Framework – Awarded
The Multiple Elements Framework has now been awarded and the launch event took place on the 24th September at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The first call-offs are currently underway.

Merchants & Materials Framework – Re-Procurement Underway
Ongoing planning is in progress for the re-procurement of the Merchants & Materials Framework. In partnership with Efficiency North, we are refining documentation and scope to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and alignment with members needs.

Live Procurements

Decoration
Tenders for the Decoration Framework are now undergoing Evaluation and the Award stage will start shortly. Award is targeted for mid November.

Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids
The tenders for the Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids are now undergoing Evaluation and the Award stage will start shortly. Framework award is targeted for the end of November.

Frameworks in the Procurement Planning Stage

Initial planning is underway for the following frameworks which will, once procured, update and replace existing popular CHIC frameworks:
• Consultancy Services
• Compliance Framework - including lots and sublots for Audit, Water Hygiene, Asbestos and Abatement Services and General Risk Advisory Services

In parallel, CHIC is actively developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the CHIC Dynamic Marketplace, aimed at increasing procurement agility and supplier access. In line with the Procurement Act 2023, CHIC’s Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) must be progressively replaced by Dynamic Markets.

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

 

 

 

 

 

The programme supports young people, who face some of the greatest challenges in getting into employment, to achieve their potential. The programme offers long term 1-2-1 coaching to re-engage at risk young people into the world of work. Each young person has a tailored plan that supports them in every area needed to keep them on track and to achieve employment status. Support however doesn’t stop there. 1-2-1 support continues with Construction Youth’s engagement after they have secured a job.

What the PSTN Switch Off Means for Social Landlords

By Liam Gratty, Director of Strategic Services 

Many of our housing assets still rely on analogue phone lines, including lift emergency phones, intercoms, fire alarms and telecare systems. Once PSTN lines are withdrawn, these systems may stop working unless they are upgraded. That means now is the time to act.
Why it matters If a lift emergency phone or an alarm auto dialler fails because it is still on an analogue line, the safety and compliance risk is immediate. This is not just a telecoms issue, it is a core asset management and procurement challenge. Social landlords need to identify affected systems, plan for digital upgrades and engage suppliers early. Leaving it late risks not only disruption to services but also potential breaches of safety standards such as EN 81 28 for lifts. What you need to do
Start with a clear picture of where you stand. Audit your housing stock to find any system connected to an analogue line, including lifts, entry systems, fire alarms, telecare and building management devices. Once identified, talk to your contractors and telecoms providers to confirm whether existing equipment will still function after migration and what upgrades are needed. Build this work into your planned maintenance or capital programmes. Upgrading often involves new hardware such as GSM or VoIP modules, battery backups or broadband connections, so it is important to budget and schedule it in advance. Communicate internally so that asset, procurement and compliance teams are aligned and keep residents informed if systems in their buildings will be upgraded. 

How CHIC can help
At CHIC, we are already working with members and supply chain partners to ensure frameworks and DPS solutions include digital ready systems. We can help you review current contracts, run audits and source compliant upgrades through our frameworks. We have dedicated member services and supply chain teams who can help advise on your next steps.  The bottom line The PSTN switch off is coming, whether we are ready or not. By acting early, you can avoid last minute disruption and future proof your assets, whilst keeping your residents safe. At CHIC, we are here to make that journey straightforward, helping you plan early, act deliberately and deliver confidently for your residents. 

 

 

 

 

Why Waterproof Wall Panelling - Like Showerwall - is a Smarter Alternative to Tiles in Social Housing

In the ongoing effort to maintain and modernise social housing, local authorities and housing associations are increasingly turning to waterproof wall panelling systems as a practical alternative to traditional tiling. One standout product in this space is Showerwall - a solution specifically engineered to address the key challenges faced in high use, moisture prone environments like bathrooms in council homes.

Here’s why Showerwall is fast becoming the smarter choice.

Complete Waterproof Protection - No Grout, No Leaks

Traditional bathroom tiles rely on grout to seal the gaps between each tile. Unfortunately, grout is porous and prone to cracking, making it a hotspot for mould and a weak point in long-term moisture protection.

Showerwall eliminates the need for grout entirely. Each panel is constructed from a laminated surface bonded to a robust 10.5mm moisture-resistant plywood core, forming a completely sealed barrier. This 100% waterproof system prevents water from seeping behind the wall, reducing the risk of damp patches, rotting timber, and hidden structural damage—especially crucial in older properties or bathrooms with poor ventilation.

Sureseal System: A Watertight Base by Design

One of Showerwall’s standout innovations is its Sureseal four-point sealing system. Unlike standard silicone bead methods, Sureseal delivers a fast, reliable, and watertight base connection that maintains its seal even under prolonged use.

This makes it ideal for social housing settings, where bathrooms experience frequent and often heavy usage. The system not only reduces installation error but ensures long-term moisture protection, minimising future repair callouts.

Rapid Installation = Faster Turnarounds

Speed is vital when upgrading void properties or managing bathroom refurbishments across a range of properties. Tiling typically involves multiple trades and drying times, making it both time-intensive and labour-heavy.

In contrast, Showerwall panels can be fitted in half the time of tiles, and often directly over existing surfaces - including old tiles. This not only reduces disruption for tenants but also helps housing teams meet tight refurbishment timelines. Optional Proclick panels, which click together seamlessly without visible joins, eliminate the need for edge trims altogether and further reduce install time.

Designed to Withstand Wear and Tear

Council properties and housing association homes require finishes that can endure daily use over many years without constant upkeep.

Showerwall is built for exactly that. Its high-pressure laminate face resists impact, staining, and scratches, and the panels carry a 30-year domestic guarantee. This long service life translates into lower maintenance costs, fewer tenant complaints, and better use of budgets over time.

In addition, the panels are easy to clean, needing just a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth—eliminating the time and effort involved in scrubbing grout lines or replacing cracked tiles.

Aesthetic Flexibility That Tenants Appreciate

Practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of design. Showerwall is available in over 40 decors, including finishes inspired by stone, marble, woodgrain, concrete, and high-gloss colours. This allows specifiers to choose panels that complement the existing bathroom layout or reflect modern styling trends.

With panel widths of 600mm, 900mm, and 1200mm at a height of 2440mm, Showerwall panels suit standard UK bathroom dimensions, ensuring minimal waste and a tailored finish. Edge trims in white or silver offer a neat, professional finish that suits both contemporary and traditional housing schemes.

Built for the Demands of Social Housing

For local authorities and housing associations, the decision to move away from tiles is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about reducing long-term costs, improving hygiene, and increasing tenant satisfaction. Showerwall delivers on all counts—combining durability, hygiene, ease of installation, and visual appeal in one adaptable system.

Whether for refurbishment programs, responsive maintenance, or void upgrades, Showerwall provides a reliable, future-proof wall panelling solution for the social housing sector.

Learn more about Showerwall at: https://showerwall.co.uk/