So what is the government’s housing policy?

The next few months could define the new government’s housing credentials and firmly set out its housing agenda until the year 2020. Yes the next election does seem a long way into the future but implementing new housing policies is... View Article

What the doctors ordered

Mark Smulian takes a look at the University of Leicester’s new Centre for Medicine, which will be the UK’s largest non-residential Passivhaus project to date Fitting the people and equipment from three departments into a single structure on a constrained... View Article

Specifying external sliding doors

Latest developments in window technology have radically improved the design, performance, and security of fully-glazed external sliding doors for residential use. However, as sliding doors become increasingly sophisticated, specification also becomes more complex. Andy Trewick, VELFAC direct sales manager, comments Site suitability To... View Article

The retail revolution

A tectonic shift has overtaken the retail construction sector over the past five years as retailers have responded to the challenges of persistently weak consumer spending and changes to how and where people shop. Stephen Cousins asks “where is it... View Article

Humid ‘hot spots’ pose health risks

Moisture is produced continuously within the home with the average family generating a staggering 20 litres of water per day. Whilst this may sound harmless, excess moisture within the home can leave occupants vulnerable to a host of health risks.... View Article

New housing stats comment from Mactaggart & Mickel Group

Ed Monaghan, chief executive of Mactaggart & Mickel Group comments on today’s Scottish Government house building figures: “The statistics released by the Scottish Government today showing a continued rise in new build completions are welcome news for the industry and... View Article

Government’s fuel poverty stats

Commenting on the latest fuel poverty statistics, Bob Mayho, Principle Policy Officer for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), said: “The fuel poverty statistics do not exactly make for good reading. While the fuel poverty gap has been reduced,... View Article

Right to buy pledge will increase housing pressure

The Conservative pledge to re-introduce the Right To Buy for Housing Association tenants as highlighted in the Queen’s speech today could scupper plans for a much-needed expansion in public sector housing according to Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick Development... View Article

Story Homes’ statement on Queen’s Speech

Steve Errington, Chief Executive of Story Homes, commented on the Housing Bill outlined in the Queen’s speech. He said: “Story Homes welcomes the Government’s plans for Starter Homes which will help to provide more houses for first-time buyers – who are... View Article

CIOB responds to the Queen’s Speech announcements

As the Conservatives begin their term in government, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) provides its reaction to today’s Queen Speech. With the announcements in today’s speech already documented, the CIOB is keen to engage with policy makers on the... View Article

Queen’s Speech – Royal Town Planning Institute response

Following the Queen’s speech, Trudi Elliott, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The RTPI welcomes more powers devolved to cities as outlined in the Queen’s Speech, including the widening of the functions of combined authorities. But it... View Article

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff responds to Queen’s Speech

Responding to today’s Queen’s Speech, Darren Reed – UK head of rail at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff – said: “We welcome the increased powers proposed to the UK’s cities and towns in the City Devolution Bill, which will empower regional... View Article

CITB statement in response to today’s Queens speech

Steve Radley, Director of Policy at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), said: “It’s great to see the Government  setting out its ambition for three million more apprenticeships. Employers and Government now need to get together to work out how to... View Article