Sales of existing homes in the United States bounced back in March with big gains in the Northeast and Midwest, according to the latest index data to be published. Total existing sales, which are completed transactions that include single family homes, town homes, condominiums and co-ops, increased by 5.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.33 million in March from a downwardly revised 5.07 million in February. The data from the National Association of Realtors also shows that overall sales rose in all four major regions last month and were up 1.5% compared with March 2015. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist said the rebound was welcome after an uncharacteristically large decline in February. ‘Closings came back in force last month as a greater number of buyers, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest, overcame depressed inventory levels and steady price growth to close on a home,’ he explained. ‘Buyer demand remains sturdy in most areas this spring and the mid-priced market is doing quite well. However, sales are softer both at the very low and very high ends of the market because of supply limitations and affordability pressures,’ he added. The index also shows that the median existing home price for all housing types in March was $222,700, up 5.7% from March 2015 when it was $210,700. March’s price increase marks the 49th consecutive month of year on year gains. Total housing inventory at the end of March increased 5.9% to 1.98 million existing homes available for sale, but is still 1.5% lower than a year ago when it was 2.01 million. Unsold inventory is at a 4.5 month supply at the current sales pace, up from 4.4 months in February. ‘The choppiness in sales activity so far this year is directly related to the unevenness in the rate of new listings coming onto the market to replace what is, for the most part, being sold rather quickly,’ said Yun. ‘Additionally, a segment of would be buyers at the upper end of the market appear to have been spooked by January’s stock market correction,’ he explained. Matching the lowest share since August 2015, properties typically stayed on the market for 47 days in March, a decrease from 59 days in February and below the 52 days in March 2015. Short sales were on the market the longest at a median of 120 days in March, while foreclosures sold in 50 days and non-distressed homes took 46 days. Some 42% of homes sold in March were on the market for less than a month, the highest since July 2015 when it was 43%. The data also shows that the share of first time buyers was 30% in March, unchanged both from February and a year ago. First time buyers in all of 2015 also represented an average of 30%. ‘With rents steadily rising and average fixed rates well below 4%, qualified first time buyers should be more active participants than what they are right now. Unfortunately, the same underlying deterrents impacting their ability to buy haven’t subsided so far in 2016. Affordability and the low availability of starter homes is still a major barrier for them in most markets,’ Yun pointed out. All-cash sales were 25% of transactions in March, unchanged from February, and are up from 24 percent a year ago. Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 14% of homes in March, down from 18% in February and unchanged from a year ago while 66% of investors paid cash in March. Distressed sales, that is foreclosures and short sales, fell to 8% in March, down from 10% both last month and a year ago. Some 7% of March sales were foreclosures and 1% were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 16% below market value in March compared with 17% in February, while short sales were discounted 10% compared to 16% in February. Single family home sales increased 5.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.76 million in March from 4.51 million in February and are now 2.6% higher than the 4.64 million pace a year ago. The median existing single family home price was $224,300 in March, up 5.8% from March 2015. Existing condominium and co-op sales rose 1.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 570,000 units in March from 560,000 in February but are still 6.6% below March 2015. The median existing condo price was $209,600 in March, 4.6% above a year ago. A regional breakdown of the figures shows that March existing home sales in the Northeast increased 11.1% and are now 7.7% above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $254,100, which is 5.8% above March 2015. In the Midwest, existing home sales were up 9.8% and are now 0.8% above March 2015. The median price in the Midwest was $174,800, up 7% from a year ago. Existing home sales in the South rose 2.7% to an annual rate of 2.25 million in March and are 2.3% above March 2015. The median price in the South was $194,400, up 4.6% from a year ago. Existing home sales in the West rose by 1.8% but are 2.5% lower than a year ago. The median price in the West was $320,800, which is 5.9% above March 2015.   BOOKMARK THIS PAGE (What is this?)      Source link

Welsh Water has announced that it will make available an additional £32 million for projects that benefit its customers, as the not-for-profit company revealed its results today. The £32 million sum is the equivalent of the dividends that are paid to shareholders in other companies, but because of Welsh Water’s ownership model, this surplus is ploughed back into expenditure that will benefit customers. The money will be used to provide additional financial support for customers struggling to pay their bills; to invest further in renewable energy generation schemes, target improvements for areas suffering repeat problems with their water supply, and to part-fund a new visitor centre at the Llys y Frân reservoir in Pembrokeshire. This £32 million comes in addition to the company’s £1.7 billion capital investment programme for the 2015-20 period, and follows a positive set of results for the utility. Overall, Welsh Water made an underlying profit of £18 million during the year; its operating costs were £297 million with capital expenditure of £279 million. Welsh Water chairman Robert Ayling said: “I am glad and proud to report that after 15 years of our ownership, Welsh Water is in very good shape both operationally and financially. Our sole purpose is to achieve the highest standards for customers at the lowest possible cost. We have shown that our non-shareholder model of ownership can deliver that.” Chief executive Chris Jones said: “Our unique ownership model allows us to use, for the benefit of our customers, money that in other companies would be paid to shareholders. This will help cut our costs – and therefore customers’ bills – by generating more energy on our own sites; by improving the service in areas where we’re having repeat problems; providing additional support for customers struggling to pay; and to help build a new environmental visitor attraction in Pembrokeshire.” “Customers have indicated that they want to see us strike the right balance between keeping bills low today, improving performance where it isn’t to the standard they expect, and investing now to cut the cost for future customers. The additional £32 million of funding announced today will help us strike that balance and our research shows that customers support this package by four to one. “We also believe it is important that customers have a voice in how the value generated by our not-for-profit model is used in the future. We will shortly launch a consultation over the summer months inviting our customers to have their say on this most vital of public services.” Welsh Water’s environmental performance was reflected in the increase in Blue Flags awarded to Welsh beaches in 2016 (47, up from 42 in 2015) – as well as a reduction in pollution incidents during the year (112, down from 122) and internal sewer flooding incidents (222, down from 265 in 2014). Welsh Water’s customer consultation on how surpluses could be used in future years will be launched on 11 July. A version of this article first appeared on wwtonline Source link

Worker’s death ‘an important reminder of health and safety’ Published:  16 May, 2016 The death of a worker following his fall from the roof of a five-storey building has provided employers with an important reminder about the importance of implementing sufficient health and safety measures in the workplace. H20 Plumbing Services, a Birmingham maintenance company, was contracted to carry out repairs on two motor rooms situated on the roof of a building on the Hagley Road, Birmingham. Due to a lack of space, two workers set up a mixing station outside of a protected area, consisting of tarpaulin sheet placed on top of the roof with a plasterer’s bath placed on top. The corners of the tarpaulin sheet were weighted down with bags of rubble, however, while cleaning up at the end of the day wind caused the sheet to blow open and land over the edge of the building. When one of the workers tried to retrieve the sheet he stepped off the side of the building, falling 14 metres and suffering fatal injuries. Graeme Dryden, technical manager at APHC, said: “This case serves as an important reminder to employees about the vital role health and safety procedures play in helping to prevent workplace incidents. Employers have a responsibility to protect the welfare of their staff and, as evidenced by the incident with H20 Plumbing, the penalties of not taking care to do so can be severe.” An investigation carried out by Health & Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that H20 Plumbing Services had failed to ensure the safety of its employees during the external repair work. The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £100,000, with costs to pay of £25,000. HSE Inspector Amy Kalay said: “This incident was obviously foreseeable. The employees of H20 working at the site were effectively left to their own devices with equipment and a system that was not wholly suited to the task at hand. A suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk, suitable planning, implementation of suitable control measures and adequate and effective site supervision would have prevented this incident from occurring.”   Source link

Creating more resilient drainage systems will require a new level of collaboration between water companies, local authorities and community stakeholders, Water UK’s 21st Century Drainage report has said. The communication document of the multi-faceted programme seeks to be the ‘start of a conversation’ between stakeholders about how these groups can work together to reduce flood risk in sewers and urban infrastructure. It calls on organisations to put aside traditional silos to address shared challenges such as promoting the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), reducing infiltration of sewers, preventing plumbing misconnections, educating the public on what they should put into the sewerage system, replacing ageing infrastructure and reducing pollution from combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The 21st Century Drainage programme, led by a board chaired by Welsh Water’s director of environment Tony Harrington, contains seven distinct workstreams, for which working groups have been formed and project work in underway. These are: communications and engagement; defining and managing drainage capacity; addressing overflows that operate frequently; tackling sewer misuse; groundwater inundation of drainage systems; enablers to progress; and drainage infrastructure deterioration. “The water industry has invested billions of pounds over the last few decades on behalf of customers,” Tony Harrington, chair of the Water UK 21st Century Drainage Programme Board, said in the report’s foreword. “Working in partnership with the UK’s governments, regulators and community groups, we have rivers and streams that are now abundant with life. “There is much still to do, but we have seen the benefits of that investment. However, there are very real external pressures that we have to prepare for now, to ensure our children and grandchildren can build on this success. More people, bigger towns and cities and the effects of climate change will mean a greater demand for water when it’s hot and dry, fewer green spaces to absorb the rain when it’s wet, and more unpredictable weather.” “Everyone in the water sector realises the scale of the challenge, and that is why more than 40 organisations from across the UK – governments, regulators, local authorities, environmental charities, academics and community groups – have joined Water UK for this 21st Century Drainage Programme,” wrote Harrington. “Since the programme started, the political landscape has changed significantly. Those involved in the programme believe it is the right thing to do, irrespective of whether we are subject to wider European legislation, which is why we are seeking to identify the major risks for drainage in the future, and to provide options for policy makers based on sound research and evidence.” The programme is inviting views from all interested parties on how the sector can ‘increase the pace of collaborative action’ across communities, stakeholder and those investing in infrastructure. Views are invited by e-mail at comms@water.org.uk or on Twitter using the hashtag #21CDrainage. View the full report here: http://www.water.org.uk/policy/improving-resilience/21st-century-drainage This article first appeared on wwtonline Source link

NuGen has unveiled the shortlists of two design competitions for its proposed nuclear plant in Cumbria. In January this year NuGen commissioned the Royal Institute of British Architects to come up with designs for a visitors’ centre and office building at Moorside, as well as a train station and accommodation for workers at its separate Mirehouse site. The Landscape Institute was similarly tasked with finding designs for “screening mounds” for the nuclear plant.   An independent panel of experts shortlisted five designs for each of the competitions. The eventual winners will get the chance to bid for a contract to help with the design of the nuclear plant. NuGen chief executive Tom Samson said: “We have had an overwhelming response to the competition, both in terms of numbers and the level of creativity in the designs. “The architecture and landscape community have embraced the challenge and have delivered some thoughtful, considered and visually breath-taking proposals for our Moorside Project. We’ve narrowed the entries down to five – but we’re very keen to hear what the public think of our selection.” Source link

The move was made on Monday in the final session of the report stage of the Housing and Planning Bill and will see the reintroduction of the zero-carbon homes standard, which was scrapped by the government last July. Plans to row back on the government’s pledge to make new homes carbon neutral from 2016 were first mooted in the Infrastructure Bill in 2014. Yet at the time a survey carried out by National Building Specification suggested that 48 per cent of architects, consultants, contractors and clients thought that zero-carbon standards should be made compulsory. The backlash by the Lords, which saw the government defeated by 48 votes, could mean that all new homes built from April 2018 will now have to achieve the carbon compliance standard. The House of Lords also backed an amendment which would see local authorities require developers to build affordable housing on small-scale developments and another which would require all new schemes to include sustainable drainage systems. Commenting on the House of Lords defeat, UK Green Building Council CEO Julie Hirigoyen said: ”During the ten years prior to July 2015, the leading players spanning the housebuilding industry – developers, product manufacturers, contractors and engineers – got behind Zero-Carbon Homes, investing heavily and innovating to make it a reality. ”The unexpected and unwanted scrapping of the policy made a mockery of the government’s green credentials, and demonstrated complete disdain for the quality of the nation’s new homes and the industry’s investment.” She added: ”Having supported the Paris climate agreement with much fanfare, cutting carbon from new homes and buildings will be vital to achieving our commitments. ”Reintroducing the zero-carbon homes standard would be a clear next step on this journey, and would provide the certainty the industry needs to continue investing in new skills and technologies.”     Source link

A Worcestershire-based manufacturer was fined after a worker nearly lost his life when a door collapsed and pinned him to a baler. Hereford Magistrates’ Court heard that on 5 May 2015, two maintenance workers were replacing the bottom of a heavy sectional door at the factory. While removing the hinges and brackets the door collapsed, pinning one of the workers between it and a baler that was next to the door. The worker suffered serious injuries including broken ribs and asphyxiation which led to a lost of consciousness for eight hours. He has since made a full recovery. HSE investigated the incident and found that managers had failed to recognise the risks involved in the maintenance work that was taking place. There was no appropriate equipment, instruction or training provided to the workers to ensure the method of work was safe. Essential Supply Products Limited of Enigma Business Park in Malvern pleaded guilty to Section 2(1) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £2,714.10 in costs. For more information on safe maintenance visit HSE’s website – http://www.hse.gov.uk/safemaintenance/index.htm Notes to editors  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/  and guidance at HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk       Journalists should approach HSE press office with any queries on regional press releases. Source link

27 May 2016  BIFM has been working with an employer Trailblazer group to develop a new apprenticeship for FM supervisors.   The new apprenticeship for FM supervisors aims to prepare an individual for managing a facilities management service, or a group of services, which can be labelled as ‘hard’ (estate/building management) or soft (catering/cleaning/administration/security).   All apprentices would be required to supervise others, to understand the contractual requirements and service delivery targets between their employing organisation and the client/customer in order to achieve service targets. The apprentice will have to provide customer service skills and be proactive in finding solutions to problems.   As part of this development, the employer Trailblazer group has produced a draft assessment plan to support the previously approved apprenticeship standard and is seeking feedback from industry on the suitability and feasibility of its proposals.   To participate in the employers’ consultation, visit: www.bifm.org.uk/TrailblazerFMSconsultation   Fraser Talbot, Professional Standards and Education Manager at BIFM, said: “It is important that the industry has apprenticeships that provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to meet their needs. That is why it is crucial that the trailblazer groups consult with the wider industry to gather feedback on their proposal. That is why we are now asking employers to respond to the consultation as it is imperative that a representative view of the industry is taken – from large companies to SMEs.”   The apprenticeship standard has already been approved and published by the government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and is attached to this consultation for reference. Please read through the standard before the assessment plan to provide the context for the assessment plan.   The employers’ consultation will remain open until Friday 24 June. Download the documents here:   Source link