FIVE firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have landed in Morocco as part of national research and rescue efforts following a devastating earthquake in the country. The GMFRS team flew out to Marrakech on Sunday evening (10 September) and are part of a UK International Search and
A housebuilder delivering new homes in Telford has teamed up with a recycling solutions provider in a bid to become more sustainable and positively impact the environment. Miller Homes, currently building new housing at its Earls Grange development in the Priorslee area of the town, has joined forces with recycling
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day this weekend, analysis by, RIFT, has shown that while the number of suicides across England and Wales has declined in recent years, it remains most prevalent amongst those in skilled trade occupations, particularly within the construction sector. The analysis of data from the Office
Many employees lack the knowledge and skills to help prevent suicide in the workplace, reveals new research by MHFA England ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10 September. Over 1 in 20[1] people make a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Data shows as many as
Two social landlords joined forces earlier this month to transform the grounds at a supported living scheme in Herefordshire. Platform Housing Group and Stonewater Ltd teamed up with Orphans Press to create a ‘happy to chat’ bench within the communal garden at Newman House in Leominster as well as tidying up the area to
Grassroots rugby league clubs are being given the chance to win building materials to spruce up their facilities and receive a visit from England stars in a new campaign. Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has launched its ‘Growing Grassroots’ campaign in conjunction with the Rugby
HS2 is asking for members of the public, living in Ealing, Brent and beyond, to help us chose names for the next two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will dig HS2 tunnels under the capital. In early 2024, HS2 will launch the two machines that will construct the Northolt Tunnel
A nearly 100-year-old company that has spent a quarter of its life in Nottingham is celebrating Nottinghamshire Day by reflecting on the past 25 years in the city. Clegg Group was founded in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, in 1932 – as D.E. Clegg & Co Ltd.After sustained growth, the
London Councils has responded to new research from the charity Crisis revealing that nearly a quarter of a million households across England are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, sofa surfing, and being stuck in unsuitable B&B temporary accommodation. The findings also show 85% of councils across
After living in a 75-year-old house in Bedworth, with all the associated renovation work and unexpected costs, Viral and Beena Modha (both 45) made a checklist of all the must-haves in their next home. They wanted to move into a new home that would allow them to enjoy their life
FIVE firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have landed in Morocco as part of national research and rescue efforts following a devastating earthquake in the country. The GMFRS team flew out to Marrakech on Sunday evening (10 September) and are part of a UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team made up of 60 operational crew members from 14 fire and rescue services. The team has been deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office following a request for support from the Moroccan government after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake stuck on Friday (8 September.) The GMFRS team consists of Station Manager Martin Foran who is acting as Operations Commander and who also travelled to Turkey earlier this year to support the UKISAR search and rescue operation following the earthquake on the Turkey-Syria border. He is joined by Watch Manager Gavin Kearsley from Ashton Technical Response Unit, who will be a crew leader; Watch Managers John Hughes and Simon Cording from Leigh TRU, and Crew Manager Ross Strother from GMFRS’s Technical Training team, who will all be technicians. They are being supported back in Greater Manchester by Watch Manager Mike Hirst who is coordinating the GMFRS response and who also joined the Turkey response in February. GMFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Barry Moore, said: “GMFRS is pleased to be supporting the national search and rescue operation in Morocco and we send our thoughts to the people of Morocco and everyone affected by this devastating event. “Our team of five highly skilled search and rescue technicians have safely arrived in Marrakesh where they have set up a base of operations and we expect to hear more from the team in the coming days, but we are grateful to them and to their families.” National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, Mark Hardingham, said: “The thoughts of the UK’s fire and rescue services are with all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Morocco. “A team of specially trained firefighters and medics from the UK has been deployed to assist following a request from the Moroccan government to the British government. “They will be providing specialist technical support where it is needed most to save lives and support local emergency service teams”. For updates, follow @Manchesterfire Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A housebuilder delivering new homes in Telford has teamed up with a recycling solutions provider in a bid to become more sustainable and positively impact the environment. Miller Homes, currently building new housing at its Earls Grange development in the Priorslee area of the town, has joined forces with recycling solutions provider Go Green, to provide a sustainable solution to its on-site wood waste. The trial period of the scheme began at the Telford development last year, and to date has seen more than 32 tonnes of waste wood repurposed through Community Wood Recycling, a leading social and environmental enterprise that has been recycling wood since 1998. Go Green introduced Miller Homes to Community Wood Recycling who have been using the housebuilder’s excess wood to create new products including benches, planters and bird boxes. Jo Stott, head of environmental sustainability for Miller Homes, said: “We’ve been working closely with our waste management partners over the past 12 months to drive waste reduction and increase recycling across our business, with our employees and trusted business suppliers across the group. “By working with partners like Go Green, we can find positive solutions for unavoidable waste from our sites, although our goal is always to reduce waste in the first instance. “We are very pleased with the outcome of the waste wood initiative at Earls Grange, which has contributed to achieving our 2025 waste recycling target of 75 per cent across all our sites ahead of schedule.” Haley Coggan, business development manager of Go Green, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with customers such as Miller Homes, who are dedicated to implementing the waste hierarchy in their waste management procedures and are actively advancing sustainability efforts.” Miller Homes’ trial scheme at Earls Grange in Telford is part of the national housebuilder’s wider plans to become more sustainable and achieve tangible targets towards its company goals to create a better place, where people and the planet prosper. For more information on the services provided by Go Green, visit https://gogreen.co.uk/services/. To find out more about the homes being built at Earls Grange in Priorslee, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/earls-grange-priorslee.aspx. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day this weekend, analysis by, RIFT, has shown that while the number of suicides across England and Wales has declined in recent years, it remains most prevalent amongst those in skilled trade occupations, particularly within the construction sector. The analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics by RIFT found that: – The construction industry is one that RIFT is heavily involved within and, as a result, the company has supported The Lighthouse Club – a charity dedicated to helping those within the industry who have fallen on hard times – for almost two decades. The Lighthouse Club’s many volunteers give a whole range of welfare and wellbeing advice as well as providing emotional and legal support. One of their most valued services is their emergency financial assistance. The Club raises money to give to those who need it, for example, if the family breadwinner can’t work because of illness or injury. If you work or have worked in construction and you’re in need, there’s somebody at the other end of the phone. The Lighthouse Club’s Construction Industry Helpline 0845 605 1956 is open for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. the Lighthouse Club has also recently launched its Make it Visible portal, with the aim of reducing suicide and improving welfare and wellbeing within the construction industry across the UK and Ireland. The portal provides access to a wealth of information, advice and guidance on a wide variety of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support. Bradley Post, MD of RIFT, commented: “The choice to take your own life is rarely down to one specific factor. While it is an extremely complex issue, the data does suggest it is more prevalent within certain occupations such as skilled trade roles and construction. We hear first hand about the range of issues facing those within the sector on a daily basis, whether it be financial or otherwise. That’s why we work so closely with The Lighthouse Club in order to provide support and advice during tough times and the work they do is quite frankly remarkable. They are available 24/7 and we would urge anyone struggling within the construction industry to give them a call, whatever the reason may be.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Many employees lack the knowledge and skills to help prevent suicide in the workplace, reveals new research by MHFA England ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10 September. Over 1 in 20[1] people make a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Data shows as many as 650 suicides in the UK each year could be work related – this is approximately 10% of all suicides.[2] MHFA England’s new research, among 2,000 people in work, found many don’t know what to do if they’re concerned a colleague is thinking of suicide. A third of people surveyed (33%) believe incorrectly that asking about suicide can put the idea in someone’s head. Only one in ten (13%) know to ask a colleague they are worried about whether they have a plan to end their life and nearly 40% admitted they didn’t know if asking this question was the right thing to do. However, all the evidence[3] shows that asking someone, who has a plan to take their own life, a direct question about suicide can save their life. Despite positive shifts in how we talk about mental health at work and in wider society, suicide is still stigmatised. MHFA England’s research shows a third (33%) of employees would speak to their manager if they were experiencing poor mental health but less than 1 in 5 (19%) would discuss having suicidal thoughts. The top reasons are, not feeling comfortable (61%), being worried it would impact their job (36%) or that they would be judged (35%). This research shows over 75% of employees do not believe suicide prevention is part of their organisation’s wellbeing strategy so MHFA England is calling on employers to explicitly include suicide awareness, prevention and support in their plans. One part of the solution is Suicide First Aid training. Suicide is preventable through education and intervention, which is why MHFA England has partnered with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training (NCSPET) to deliver Suicide First Aid (SFA) training to workplaces. MHFA England also offer consultancy to help employers develop and implement plans to support those having thoughts of suicide and those impacted by suicide. Suicide First Aid training provides people with a greater understanding of suicide, including how to spot the signs of someone who may be thinking about suicide and the confidence to intervene and help create a suicide-safety plan. Simon Blake, MHFA England’s Chief Executive said, “The stigma and silence surrounding suicide is harmful. To prevent deaths by suicide, we must do everything we can to eliminate stigma. Workplaces have the potential to play such an important role, yet our research shows a large number of people are unsure how to approach a colleague they are worried may be considering suicide. This means they may not ask the lifesaving question – ‘are you thinking about ending your life?’ Workplaces can help prevent suicides through awareness raising, education and ensuring support. Many people experiencing a suicide crisis are in workplaces day in day out. In addition, it is estimated that when someone dies by suicide, 135 people are affected [4]. “At MHFA England we want a society where everybody has the knowledge, skills and confidence to discuss suicide including at work. That is why we have produced a free resource to raise awareness about how we can support someone who may be experiencing a suicide crisis.” Jamie Compton-Rea, Chief Operating Officer at the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training said,“As two leading organisations dedicated to suicide prevention, the partnership between the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training and Mental Health First Aid England has expanded the reach of the lifesaving skills taught in Suicide First Aid. By merging our expertise, we’re not just delivering training – we’re fostering a proactive approach to suicide prevention that empowers individuals with the skills they need to have effective conversations that could save a life.” One organisation that has already trained a number of staff in Suicide First Aid is Colas Ltd, who deliver sustainable solutions for the UK’s transport infrastructure. Part of the international Colas Group, the organisation has 1,460 employees across 20 UK locations. Christian Veritas, Business Unit Manager Colas Ltd based in Leeds completed the Suicide First Aid training, he said, “For me, one of the main takeaways from the course was the importance of language – I’d never really thought the language around suicide and am so much more aware of the power of language in breaking down stigma. “I’ve also really noticed the change in how people are checking in on each other. In our working environment, there can be quite a lot of bravado, so it can be hard to break through to a more personal level, but the training has really taught us to ask the right questions, in the right way. I’ve noticed that people are talking more and looking out for each other which is just incredible to see.” To find out more about MHFA England’s Suicide Prevention offer and to access a free resource to learn how to talk about suicide in the workplace, visit: visit https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day-2023/ If someone is at immediate risk of attempting suicide, dial 999. If someone is having thoughts of suicide encourage them to call Samaritans on 116 123. [1] https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/media-guidelines/suicide-facts-journalists/ [2] https://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-Whole-story-2021.pdf [3] https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/supporting-someone-who-feels-suicidal/talking-about-suicidal-feelings/ [4] https://lifeinmind.org.au/suicide-prevention/approaches/postvention/postvention-australia-guidelines Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two social landlords joined forces earlier this month to transform the grounds at a supported living scheme in Herefordshire. Platform Housing Group and Stonewater Ltd teamed up with Orphans Press to create a ‘happy to chat’ bench within the communal garden at Newman House in Leominster as well as tidying up the area to provide a better environment and peaceful retreat for the residents to enjoy. The initiative came about as part of a 150th birthday celebration; Orphans Press – a print, publishing, design and web agency based in the town – was established in 1873 to support the Leominster Orphan Homes, founded in 1869 and located at Newman House until its closure in 1951. The home housed 18 destitute children from industrialised parts of the country who had been orphaned. Henry Stanley Newman – founder of the Leominster Orphan Homes and Orphans Press – was determined to make sure that the children felt at home there, providing access to education, training and religious teachings. The event also included the planting of a ceremonial apple tree. Helen Bowden, Director at Orphans Press explained: “We discovered that there used to be an orchard in the garden at Newman House where the children used to pick apples. We decided to commemorate Henry Stanley Newman by planting an apple tree where the orchard used to be.” Newman House is run by Stonewater Ltd; since March 2022, Platform Housing Group has been undertaking repairs on Stonewater homes in the Herefordshire area. Matthew Stock, Grounds Maintenance Delivery Manager at Platform Housing Group said : “We were absolutely delighted to be approached by Orphans Press to undertake such a fabulous project on behalf of Stonewater. The history behind the home is fascinating and being involved with it has really brought it all to life. We hope the residents of Newman House will enjoy their new bench amidst the beautiful grounds.” Helen Holland, Connected Communities Peer Leader, Neighbourhoods, at Stonewater, said: “We’re so thrilled that Stonewater can be part of such a positive and essential initiative. We understand how necessary it can be for people to be able to chat to others, especially given the difficulties we’ve all faced over the last few years. We’re glad to be able to help strengthen the sense of community among new and future residents.” Helen Bowden concluded : “Newman House is such an important part of the history of both Orphans Press and Leominster. We felt it was important to do something really special for our 150th birthday and collaborating with Platform and Stonewater to transform the grounds at Newman House was the perfect way to commemorate Henry Newman and give back to the residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grassroots rugby league clubs are being given the chance to win building materials to spruce up their facilities and receive a visit from England stars in a new campaign. Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has launched its ‘Growing Grassroots’ campaign in conjunction with the Rugby Football League (RFL), of which it is an official partner. Any grassroots rugby league club is entitled to enter the competition for the chance to win a top prize of £2,000 worth of building materials, a visit to the club from England players and tickets to one of the national team’s Autumn Series internationals against Tonga. Clubs must explain in no more than 100 words how the £2,000 donation would benefit them and entries can be made at https://www.selcobw.com/info/growing-grassroots-rugby-league-competition Carine Jessamine, marketing director of Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We have a long and proud record of supporting the sport of rugby league over the last decade. “We’ve backed a number of different professional clubs, including Salford Red Devils currently, are supporting the national team through the RFL and were an official partner of the Rugby League World Cup last year. “Throughout our time being involved in rugby league, we have always looked at different ways we can support local clubs because they are the lifeblood of the sport. “Our Growing Grassroots campaign is designed to help a local rugby league club which does outstanding work in its local community carry out vital work to its playing or training facilities. “Each of our branches has thousands of products under one roof so, whatever the needs of the club, we will be able to supply the materials to get the job done. “We know money is tight across all amateur sports so we have no doubt there are many clubs across the country for which this prize would make a huge difference to the way it operates, both now and in the future.” Bobby Bahadori, head of partnerships for Rugby League Commercial, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for grassroots clubs and typifies Selco’s commitment to supporting rugby league at all levels. “An injection of £2,000 into a grassroots club will create opportunities for vital work to be done which, without this funding, may otherwise be left to go into a state of disrepair. “With the England player visit and tickets to one of the big games against Tonga included in the prize, it’s a fantastic all-round package for a grassroots club to win.” With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 75 UK branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver and Click & Collect services and a new app – as well as a ‘Dial & Deliver’ telephone service – to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople. For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 is asking for members of the public, living in Ealing, Brent and beyond, to help us chose names for the next two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will dig HS2 tunnels under the capital. In early 2024, HS2 will launch the two machines that will construct the Northolt Tunnel East travelling through Brent and Ealing. The TBMs will set off towards Greenpark Way in Greenford, travelling 3.4miles from HS2’s Victoria Road site, near to new Old Oak Common station. Before the TBMs set off, they are given names. As per convention, they will be named after influential women and HS2 is asking the public to vote for two names from a shortlist of five with connections to Ealing. TBM naming helps communities remember and celebrate great local woman from all walks of life. The names on the shortlist are: The selected names will be displayed on the side of the TBMs which are to be lowered into a shaft ready to tunnel in the Autumn. Before launch, there will be a ceremony to bless the TBMs featuring a statue of St Barabara, the patron saint of tunnelling, conducted by a local priest. Speaking about the naming, HS2’s Head of Community Engagement, Maddelyn Sutton, said: “As HS2 construction begins to reach its peak, we are preparing to launch our next duo of tunnel boring machines in London. Giving the TBMs names with local connections is a great way for us to celebrate the achievements of women and for the local community to get involved in this once in a generation infrastructure project.” Both TBMs are170 metres long and over 1,700 tonnes in weight. They will be operated by HS2’s main works civils contractor building the London Tunnels, Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture. The tunnel they are building will be 8.4miles in total, stretching from Old Oak Common station to West Ruislip. The other 5miles of the tunnel is under construction with two further TBMs, Sushila and Caroline, already one mile into their journey. More information on HS2’s TBM naming can be found here and more information can be found on HS2 at https://www.hs2.org.uk/. The voting is open from Monday 21st August until Monday 4th September 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A nearly 100-year-old company that has spent a quarter of its life in Nottingham is celebrating Nottinghamshire Day by reflecting on the past 25 years in the city. Clegg Group was founded in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, in 1932 – as D.E. Clegg & Co Ltd.After sustained growth, the company relocated to The Lace Market in Nottingham in 1998 and is this year celebrating being in the city for 25 years, operating as both design and build contractor (Clegg Construction Ltd) and food sector specialists (Clegg Food Projects Ltd). On Nottinghamshire Day (25th August), Clegg Group is reflecting on the way it has helped to shape the city and the county, and the links the company has built with a range of good causes and charities in the area. Key projects delivered by Clegg Construction include the £27m River Crescent apartment development, which is at the forefront of the Trentside regeneration, Center Parcs’ highly sustainable offices and headquarters, situated within Sherwood Energy Village, two state-of-the-art stands (Bridgford Road and Fox Road), floodlights and an electronic scorecard for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club at Trent Bridge, plus a first-class training facility created for Nottingham Forest Football Club. Clegg has developed multiple projects with the city’s universities and also local schools. Its partnership with the University of Nottingham began in 2000 with an extension to the East Midlands Conference Centre and the company is currently on site modernising the university’s historic Florence Boot Hall building – a project that was highly commended in the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards. Clegg also delivered the University of Nottingham’s Energy Technology Building – which was awarded the country’s first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for an educational building – plus the RIBA Award-winning, BREEAM Excellent Lyth Building recently completed for Nottingham Trent University, as well as a sixth form centre for Rushcliffe Academy in West Bridgford, Victoria House student accommodation in the city centre, and a 191-bed student accommodation scheme on Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus. The company is currently on site at Carlton le Willows Academy. In addition, Clegg Food Projects, which designs and builds specialist manufacturing facilities nationally, has delivered a wide range of schemes in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the years, including multiple projects at Pork Farms, including factory extensions, three developments at Northern Foods in Bulwell, including a pizza factory, two projects at Freshcut Foods, plus two schemes at Riverside Bakery, which included a food factory extension and office refurbishment. Clegg Construction Pre-Construction Director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “Clegg Group has a long history in the East Midlands, having been founded more than 90 years ago in Derbyshire. “Today, on Nottinghamshire Day, it’s fitting that we celebrate and look back on the 25 years that we have been based in Nottingham. We are immensely proud of the role we have played in the community – helping to shape the city and the county, and supporting a number of good causes.” In 1998, following almost 70 years of being based in Derbyshire, Clegg (then known as D.E. Clegg) made the decision to switch counties, with the company’s 23-strong employee base packing up the office and moving to Nottingham’s vibrant and historic lace market – based at the Grade II listed Bishops House building, which overlooks St Mary’s Church – the oldest parish church in Nottinghamshire. Coincidently, Clegg had refurbished the building some years previously. Clegg Construction PA Julie Dallison is one of a handful of employees who have been with the company since it was based in Ilkeston. She said: “Clegg has grown considerably in the years that I have worked for the business, and it’s been great to have shared several significant milestones in the company’s history, including our move to Nottingham 25 years ago and the subsequent growth that has been achieved. Nottinghamshire continues to offer us a wealth of opportunities and we are proud to be a key member of the construction and development sector here. It’s also been a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting in the Lace Market, in the heart of the city.” Clegg Group, which had a joint turnover of more than £165m in 2022, is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) company which ranked 34th in the Nottinghamshire Top 200 list last year. Focusing on repeat business it continues to work with some of the world’s largest companies. During its long history, it has built strong relationships with charities and social enterprises and to mark its 25th anniversary of being in Nottingham is supporting 25 good causes including continued sponsorship of Erewash Partnership, participation in EDGE’s and SCAPE’s charity football matches, and collections for Peterborough and Maltby foodbanks. Clegg representatives have also taken part in two careers days at South Notts Academy and have supported numerous local and national charities such as Emmanuel House Support Centre, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, The Salvation Army, Prostate Cancer UK, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK. In addition, the Clegg Group supports Nightingale Primary School in Eastwood through the Greggs Breakfast Club, which provides a free, nutritional breakfast to children who need it, to ensure pupils are prepared for the day ahead. Clegg Group is a privately owned company that has been delivering construction projects across a range of sectors for over 90 years. Its services are provided through two principal operating companies – Clegg Construction and Clegg Food Projects – to offer specialist knowledge and experience as well as deliver a tailored service for clients. For more information visit www.clegggroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Councils has responded to new research from the charity Crisis revealing that nearly a quarter of a million households across England are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, sofa surfing, and being stuck in unsuitable B&B temporary accommodation. The findings also show 85% of councils across England are facing an increase in people experiencing homelessness – the highest number in any year since the annual research began. London is the epicentre of the national homelessness emergency, accounting for well over half of all homeless households living in temporary accommodation in England (emergency housing provided by local authorities for homeless households). London Councils’ own recent research revealed that one in 50 Londoners is now homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough, including one in 23 children. Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said: “The homelessness situation is fast-becoming disastrous and requires urgent action from the government at a national level. “In London we face increasingly unmanageable pressures. It is utterly unsustainable to have one in 50 Londoners living in temporary accommodation. There is at least one homeless child in every London classroom – an appalling statistic showing the massive social impact of the worsening housing crisis. “Ministers must work with councils and other partners across the housing and homelessness sectors to reverse these trends. There are at least 143,000 potential new homes we could begin building immediately in London if the government addressed the barriers to delivery, including by providing additional infrastructure and affordable housing grant funding. “We cannot afford delay – this is an emergency situation needing an emergency response.” London Councils estimates that almost 170,000 Londoners are now homeless and in temporary accommodation. London Councils’ research shows the number of households entitled to homelessness support from a London borough (i.e. owed a homelessness prevention or relief duty) increased 15.2% between April 2022 and April 2023. There has also been a dramatic 781% increase in homeless families placed in bed and breakfast accommodation beyond the legal six-week limit. This equates to 1,287 London families stuck in unsuitable B&B accommodation in April 2023 compared to 146 the same month last year. Rising homelessness numbers are putting immense strain on boroughs’ finances. London Councils estimate that boroughs are collectively spending at least £60 million each month on temporary accommodation costs. London Councils is urging the government to: Raise Local Housing Allowance (LHA). LHA, which eligible households receive as part of their housing benefit or Universal Credit if they have a private landlord, has been frozen since 2020 despite private rents increasing since then. Boroughs believe LHA should be increased to cover at least 30% of local market rents – a policy the government adopted successfully at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Support councils to buy accommodation sold by private landlords. 40% of all homes listed for sale in London in 2022 were previously let by a private landlord. The government should build on initiatives such as the Local Authority Housing Fund by providing increased capital investment for housing acquisitions, particularly to acquire homes being sold by private landlords as they exit the market. Boost Homelessness Prevention Grant funding. Local authorities play a vital role in supporting struggling households to avoid homelessness. Councils require an immediate emergency funding increase to ensure local services have the resources needed in the face of rising levels of demand for support. Increase Discretionary Housing Payments. These payments are used by councils to help residents in financial crisis meet their housing costs. They are an essential homelessness prevention tool, but government funding for Discretionary Housing Payments in 2023-24 has been frozen at 2022-23 levels, despite significantly increasing homelessness pressures.Bring forward a cross-departmental strategy to reduce homelessness. Tackling homelessness must become a major priority at a national level with government departments working together – in addition to key partners such as local authorities – as effectively as possible. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After living in a 75-year-old house in Bedworth, with all the associated renovation work and unexpected costs, Viral and Beena Modha (both 45) made a checklist of all the must-haves in their next home. They wanted to move into a new home that would allow them to enjoy their life more and make the most of every day, and that meant one thing – choosing a newbuild. That led them to Davidsons Homes’ Grange View development in Lower Bardon, not far from Beena’s job as a dental assistant in Leicester. Viral, a senior category manager for an automotive parts company, said: “Between Beena and I, we had an extensive checklist for our perfect home. We knew it had to be a three-bedroom detached house with a driveway and a garage, and we particularly wanted a corner plot to give us plenty of space.” Beena added: “There were smaller, yet important, details too – like a built-in microwave at eye-level in the kitchen, a utility room, good lighting and good windows, and spacious rooms too. We looked around lots of new homes developments in the Nuneaton and Leicester areas, but although some ticked some of the boxes, none of them ticked all. “That was until we visited the three-bedroom Ford at Davidsons Homes’ Lower Bardon development. There wasn’t a single box it didn’t tick. In fact, we loved it so much that we reserved it there and then.” As they already owned a property, Viral and Beena used Davidsons’ Part Exchange scheme to sell their existing property and buy their new Ford. Viral said: “The Part Exchange process couldn’t have been easier – in fact, as our home was ready to move into, from seeing it to moving in took just five weeks. It was very smooth and we really didn’t have a single issue. Every step of the way we were communicated with, and even Davidsons’ recommended solicitors were brilliant to work with.” Asked what they particularly like about their new home, Beena said: “As we’re on a corner plot, we have green space right around our house. In fact, my favourite part of the house is the kitchen as it opens right up onto the side garden, so we both love sitting in that room and enjoying the views outside. “We’re also not too far from a lovely area of green open space on the development itself, so we really enjoy walking there, and a little further afield too.” Viral added: “We’re quite near the outskirts of Grange View which is nice as we’re just a short way from pretty countryside walks. It’s perfect too as we are off a cul-de-sac which means that it’s very quiet but we have got to know our neighbours really well already. We really like everyone, and it definitely feels like a community has formed already. “The customer service at Davidsons Homes has been very good, we’d recommend them to anyone. Our Sales Manager Amber has also been great, she’s guided us through the process really well and kept us updated every step of the way. “Having lived in a newbuild before, we’re looking forward to lower energy bills this winter, along with no maintenance and repair costs! From our initial reason for moving – to enjoy our lives more and spend less time worrying about our house and more time doing things that we love – we definitely feel that we’re doing that here at Grange View.” For more information, visit davidsonshomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
