Nationwide Sureties Archives | Nationwide Sureties

HSE Consultation Signals Stricter Asbestos Rules for UK Businesses

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a major consultation on proposed changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, prompting warnings that UK businesses may soon face tighter compliance requirements and increased liability risks.

According to law firm Clarke Willmott, the consultation signals the potential for tougher expectations around asbestos management. The HSE is seeking feedback on three key proposals aimed at improving safety standards and strengthening protections for workers and building occupants.

Three Proposed Changes to Asbestos Regulations

The consultation focuses on gathering views on reforms in three key areas:

Improving independence in the four-stage clearance process
Raising the standard and accuracy of asbestos surveys
Providing clearer guidance on asbestos management duties

The changes are designed to reduce exposure risks and ensure more consistent compliance. With HSE estimating that around 5,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, the regulator says improvements are essential for protecting both workers and the public.

Bridget Sanger of Clarke Willmott warned that while no legal changes have yet been implemented, the direction of travel is clear. She said: “While these proposals are not yet law, they indicate that compliance expectations may rise in the future. Businesses should take this consultation seriously and consider how the changes could affect their operations. It’s also a chance to think about practical challenges, influence guidance, and ensure that asbestos management processes are robust.”

Sanger urged firms to review internal procedures sooner rather than later: “Duty holders should review their asbestos management procedures, ensuring that surveys are up to date, clearance processes are independent and staff understand their responsibilities. It’s also important to clarify what counts as notifiable non-licensed work to avoid mistakes. Acting now can reduce the risk of fines, prosecution, or reputational damage, while ensuring a commitment to keeping people safe.”

Asbestos Still a Serious Risk in the UK

Despite asbestos being banned in the UK since 1999, it remains widespread in buildings constructed or refurbished before the ban.

New research published last month by High Speed Training highlights that the risks are far from historical. The training provider found that a significant number of employers and workers do not treat asbestos with the seriousness required.

According to the findings:

26% of tradespeople who encountered asbestos did not follow safe removal guidelines
Another 26% said their employers instructed them to ignore those guidelines
35% did not believe asbestos is hazardous
36% viewed it as merely a “problem of the past”

Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training, said the research underscores a major gap in awareness and compliance.

He said: “Whilst asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, it is still present in many buildings in the UK – with some reports stating it’s present in 1.5 million – and it can take as long as 30 years or more for symptoms of related diseases to appear, which really indicates the need for better awareness for tradespeople, their families, and the general public.

“Asbestos removal regulations are in place to make sure that the risk of exposure to harmful fibres is limited, and it’s imperative that guidelines are followed by a trained professional. It is never something that you should attempt to do yourself, whether you are a tradesperson or a member of the general public. There can be serious risks to your health if asbestos is disturbed and fibres are released into the air.”

The consultation provides an important opportunity for organisations to influence the future regulatory landscape while assessing their current level of compliance.

With the expected increase in enforcement and the ongoing risks highlighted by recent research, businesses that proactively strengthen their asbestos management procedures will be better positioned to meet rising standards and protect their workforce.

Construction Construction Costs Government Policy Nationwide Sureties

Construction industry reacts with relief to the 2025 Budget

The construction sector’s response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s 2025 Autumn Budget was a mixture of cautious welcome and frustration. Industry bodies praised measures aimed at planning capacity and skills but warned that higher taxes, wage rises and a lack of support for retrofit risk blunting the Budget’s positive signals for housing and infrastructure.

Ministers scored a clear win with a commitment to boost planning capacity. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) highlighted the Government’s pledge of £48 million over three years to strengthen planning departments — a move the FMB described as “welcome” given long-standing delays that hold up projects. At the same time the FMB flagged omissions: the Budget offered no new national retrofit strategy and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is being scrapped, leaving a gap in support for home upgrades.

Construction industry reacts with relief to the 2025 Budget — https://depositphotos.com/portfolio-3957801.html?content=photo

Housebuilders welcomed one specific reversal. Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), said it was “encouraging that the Chancellor has listened to industry concerns and chosen not to impose the 3000% increase in Landfill Tax consulted on earlier in the year,” but warned that even the revised measures still “represent an increase in tax on development when the economics of home building are already challenged.” The HBF urged ministers to tackle worsening scheme viability and a lack of support for potential homebuyers.

Merchants and suppliers voiced disappointment that the Budget lacked a strong growth stimulus for the sector. John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), criticised the package as “small incremental measures,” adding: “We needed to see a jumpstart to get the sector moving… The Budget has not done enough to bridge the gulf between the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes by July 2029, and the state of today’s market.”

Larger construction firms and professional services gave a more nuanced reading. David Young, chief executive of Bradfords Building Supplies, said: “Today’s Budget offers some positive signals for construction, particularly around housing ambition, skills and the transition to a lower-carbon economy. But it falls short of the reset the sector was hoping for. The real test will be how quickly planning is unblocked and investment flows into projects on the ground.”

Costs and labour remain dominant concerns. The Budget confirmed an increase in the National Living Wage (to £12.71 from April 2026) and froze income tax thresholds — measures that the FMB and BMF warned will squeeze margins for small firms and add pressure across the supply chain. Construction Management summarised the mood: with output fragile and workforce shortages persisting, “rising costs remain a major concern” that could push tender prices higher and curtail hiring.

Skills and apprenticeships were among the clearest positives. The Government announced free apprenticeship training for under-25s in small and medium-sized enterprises, a policy the FMB said should help firms recruit young talent without immediate training costs. Industry leaders urged prompt, practical rollout so apprenticeships translate quickly into on-site labour capacity.

Infrastructure certainty won plaudits but not complacency. Several commentators welcomed continued funding for major projects — such as the Lower Thames Crossing and other priority investments — because visible pipelines help the sector plan capacity and investment. James Corrigan, UK managing director for infrastructure at Turner & Townsend, described confirmed funding and pipeline clarity as “positive steps” but said government must now mobilise private investment to fill funding gaps.

Where the Budget disappointed most was its handling of retrofit and housing demand. Industry groups described the scrapping of ECO and the absence of a committed retrofit strategy as “missed opportunities” to mobilise skilled labour and long-term workstreams for SMEs. Meanwhile, housebuilders pointed to weak mortgage availability and affordability as barriers the Budget failed to address — constraints that blunt the impact of planning reforms and infrastructure spending on actual housing delivery.

What it means next: mixed but actionable. In the short term, firms will welcome reduced immediate risk from the most punitive tax proposals and the money for planning and skills. But many businesses say the Budget does not go far enough to fix structural problems: planning delays, project viability, labour shortages and the need for a national retrofit plan. If ministers and delivery bodies can translate the Budget’s commitments into faster planning decisions, clearer pipelines and targeted incentives for first-time buyers and retrofit work, industry confidence could recover. If not, firms warn the sector will remain fragile.

Developers Nationwide Sureties News

Emergency Guidance Issued by HSE Following Assent Collapse

In light of the sudden failure of Assent Building Control and its associated companies, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has moved swiftly to issue emergency guidance for higher-risk construction schemes. The collapse of Assent has created a regulatory and operational challenge for projects underway across the UK — and in this article we outline exactly what you as a developer, contractor or building owner must do now, how the guidance affects you, and what best practice steps you should adopt.

Why the Assent Collapse Matters for Building Control and Safety

The company Assent Building Control (alongside its subsidiaries) reportedly handled more than 30,000 projects a year and was registered as a building control approver under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR.)

When it ceased trading, this triggered disruption for both higher-risk buildings (HRBs) and non-HRB schemes:

The collapse left at least ten high-rise schemes in limbo at Gateway 2 stage.
The BSR has taken on responsibility for higher-risk schemes previously held by Assent, while non-HRB schemes revert to local authority unless a new registered building control approver (RBCA) is appointed.

The risk is that delays in building control approval, reallocation of oversight and confusion over responsibilities may lead to increased cost, programme disruption or – critically – compromised fire and structural safety. In this volatile environment, the HSE’s emergency guidance is effectively a regulatory “stop-work and reassess” directive for impacted sites.

Key Requirements of HSE’s Emergency Guidance

Immediate cessation and reassessment of higher-risk building projects

For projects classified as higher-risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act regime, the guidance states that work must stop and cannot restart until approval to restart is obtained from the BSR.

Non-HRB projects: appointment of a new RBCA within 7 days

For non-higher-risk building works:

The developer/owner must appoint an alternative registered building control approver (RBCA) within seven days of the cancellation notice issued by Assent (or its subsidiaries.)
That new RBCA must submit a new “initial notice” to the local authority within seven days of the appointment.
If no new initial notice is submitted within the required timeframe, the project defaults to the local authority for control.

Responsibilities for principal contractors, developers and duty-holders

Under the guidance, key duty-holders must:

Verify whether their project is HRB or non-HRB.
Confirm whether Assent or its subsidiaries were acting as RBCA for their scheme.
Secure documentation (cancellation notice, project status, initial notices, etc).
Liaise with the BSR (for HRBs) or the relevant local authority (for non-HRBs) to secure continuity of building control.
Review risk assessments, fire-safety documentation and building-control condition compliance as part of the hand-over.

What It Means For Project Timelines and Cost Control

Programme disruption and potential cost increase

The immediate halting of higher-risk projects until approval is secured will inevitably delay programmes. With at least ten high-rise schemes already identified as affected, the ripple effect across construction supply-chains is clear.
Delays may incur additional contractor standing time, remobilisation costs or more expensive design/approval routes via the BSR.

Risk of insurance/contractual implications

Projects governed by contract conditions (eg. JCT, NEC) must consider:

Whether the cessation constitutes a change event or employer’s risk.
The potential liability for stand-down, latent defects or remobilisation.
Insurance cover may be challenged if building-control arrangements are seen as materially disrupted.

Impact on remediation and regulatory compliance

For HRBs especially, time is not on your side: legislative deadlines (for example under the Building Safety Act) must still be met. Failure to timely re-submit or continue may also draw enforcement action from the HSE or the BSR.

Best Practice Steps for Developers, Contractors and Duty-holders

Here is a practical checklist to navigate the disruption:

Identify all schemes where Assent/its subsidiaries acted as RBCA.
Categorise each project as HRB vs non-HRB by reference to the Building Safety Act definitions.
Secure all cancellation notices and project documentation from Assent/RBCA.
For HRBs – contact the BSR immediately, submit new application for building-control approval, and implement hold on site work until approval is confirmed.
For non-HRBs – appoint a replacement RBCA within seven days and ensure a new initial notice is submitted to the local authority within seven days.
Communicate with your supply-chain and finance teams to model cost/risk exposure from delays or remobilisation.
Review contracts and insurance policies to determine the effect of the disruption and safeguard your position.
Update your site safety file, fire-safety strategy and condition surveys to reflect any change in building-control oversight.
Engage with your accounting adviser (such as CMA Accountancy) for financial implications, including cash-flow, cost overruns and contingencies.
Monitor regulatory updates from both the HSE and the BSR — further guidance may follow as the sector responds.

Why This Guidance Signals Broader Industry Risks

The abrupt failure of Assent not only poses immediate project-specific disruption but also catalyses concern over sector resilience, capacity in building control and regulatory integrity. Some key issues emerging:

The collapse raises questions over oversight of building-control companies, their financial resilience and their role in higher-risk building projects.
With a heavy workload transferring to the BSR and local authorities, resource bottlenecks may develop, further exacerbating delays.
Developers and contractors must now build contingency planning for building-control failure, not simply design/construction risk.
From a fire-safety, health & safety and regulatory compliance perspective, the event is a reminder that duty-holders cannot rely solely on third-party approvers but must maintain oversight of control arrangements themselves.

While this guidance originates in the high-rise/residential sectors, its lessons extend into the logistics and haulage sector and for fleet operators in a number of ways:

Companies with in-house premises, multi-storey logistics hubs or multi-tenant industrial buildings must check whether their building-control approver has changed or is at risk.
If buildings are under construction or extension, the collapse of an approver firm may delay occupation, affecting logistics roll-out, warehousing availability and contractor mobilisation.
Insurance and bond providers (such as those engaged by haulage firms expanding depots) will treat this as a warning sign: due diligence must include verifying the stability of the building-control supply-chain.
Smaller businesses should consult firms such as CMA Accountancy to assess the financial impact of any delay or change in building-control approval on cash-flow, project finance and contractual commitments.

The HSE’s emergency guidance issued after the Assent collapse is a wake-up call for the construction sector – and for developers, contractors and duty-holders it demands immediate action. By taking a systematic approach — identifying affected projects, categorising them correctly, engaging with the appropriate regulator and updating contracts/insurance — stakeholders can mitigate delay, liability and cost. The collapse of a building-control firm may seem niche, but its consequences are wide-ranging and underline the importance of robust risk-management across all stages of the build-process.

Construction Construction Vehicles Nationwide Sureties News

HyConstruct Targets Real-World Carbon Cuts on Construction Sites

Leading hydrogen technology company ULEMCo has announced the launch of HyConstruct, an industry wide collaborative R&D project aimed at significantly reducing CO₂emissions from heavy-duty off-highway equipment used on construction sites. The company and its partners – GeoPura, Plantforce, BAM and BRE – will work to develop and demonstrate an advanced control system to increase the proportion of energy coming from the company’s globally innovative hydrogen dual-fuel technology, and to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK construction sector.

The year-long project, which begins this month, is supported by funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) via its Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator 4 (ARMD4) programme. HyConstruct will develop and demonstrate the cutting-edge control system designed to substantially increase the hydrogen substitution rate in heavy machinery, and ultimately make investment in the transition to low-carbon in construction more commercially viable.

HyConstruct Targets Real-World Carbon Cuts on Construction Sites — Image: ULEMCo

HyConstruct builds directly on the success of the recent DESNZ-funded Element1 project, which established hydrogen dual-fuel as a practical and viable ‘stepping-stone’ technology toward 100% hydrogen-powered construction equipment, enabling displacement rates of diesel with hydrogen that delivered significant CO2 reduction and demonstrated the full hydrogen supply chain approach to zero-carbon fuel on site.

HyConstruct will focus on applying advanced control algorithms and AI to the dual-fuel engine control system, that will increase the machine’s capability to use even more hydrogen. This will enable hydrogen consumption to be boosted to a level where the scale of use on site further improves the business case for wholesale plant upgrades and be competitive to diesel supply costs.

The advanced control system will be validated on real-world plant at a working construction site managed by consortium partner BAM, including upgrading Kobelco excavators previously enabled under Element1 with the new control system. And for the first time ever, a heavy-duty articulated dumper truck (ADT) supplied by Plantforce; essential pieces of equipment on construction sites that are notoriously difficult to decarbonise.

Hydrogen supply and logistics partner GeoPura will supply low-carbon hydrogen, off grid refuelling capability and zero emission power for the project via its HPU technology, enabling the safe and practical use of hydrogen-powered construction equipment, and creating a commercial foundation for large-scale hydrogen deployment in the sector. BRE will be responsible for learning capture and industry dissemination. The project will further test onsite refuelling and hydrogen supply options to ensure the whole-site feasibility of dual-fuel plant upgrades.

“Decarbonising construction plant is essential to support the UK’s net-zero goals, particularly as new energy infrastructure and construction investment is planned to drive economic growth”, said Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo. “Converting existing equipment to run on clean hydrogen points the way to saving the carbon from these machines now, as well as saving the embedded emissions from the actual construction phase itself.”

Alistair Gemmel, Chief Business Development Officer at GeoPura added: “HyConstruct is a significant next step in developing technology that demonstrates that zero-carbon fuels can power heavy machinery without disrupting productivity. By supplying and managing the hydrogen used on site, we’re helping the consortium prove how hydrogen can be safely and efficiently integrated into construction operations, which will ultimately bring the construction sector closer to being both commercially and environmentally sustainable.”

As an APC ARMD project, the upgraded hydrogen-enabled machines are expected to be available for display at the CENEX Expo in 2026, showcasing the UK’s leadership in sustainable off-highway transport solutions.

Earlier this month, ULEMCo announced the first commercial sale of its HyTANKa^® mobile hydrogen refuelling bowser.

Construction Nationwide Sureties News

FLS VISITOUR wins Best Approach to Decarbonisation at UK Housing Awards

Dynamic field service planning solution FLS VISITOUR has won the Best Decarbonisation Approach at a prestigious UK housing Awards.

Technology leader FLS – FAST LEAN SMART won a Housing Executive Award for innovation and efficiency for its focus on tangible environmental benefits and resident communication.

The inaugural Awards, which were held at Bolton Wanderers FC Stadium, celebrated FLS’ solutions to support the critical reduction of carbon emissions in line with the UK’s Net Zero goals.

FLS VISITOUR wins Best Approach to Decarbonisation at UK Housing Awards — (L-R) Winners of Housing Executive’s Best Decarbonisation Approach Award, Lee Hawkes, Senior Sales and Partnerships Manager, FLS – FAST LEAN SMART with Gareth Gathern, Head of Operations for category sponsors Cyd Innovation and Chris Welsh, UK Sales Director, FLS – FAST LEAN SMART

Across the UK housing sector, FLS VISITOUR enables DLOs and contractors to cut travel distances and emissions. AI-enhanced, algorithm-driven planning reduces wasted travel, helping field teams – from repairs and maintenance operatives to compliance inspectors and housing officers – reach appointments faster while lowering fuel use and carbon output.

FLS VISITOUR minimises no-access rates and is operative-friendly thanks to intelligent real-time optimisation, including same day and rapid response.

Typical results include a 30–50% cut in driving distances, boosting capacity by more than one extra appointment per shift, with SLA adherence rates as high as 99.5%.

Comments from the Judges included:

“The Judges were particularly impressed with FLS’ innovative scheduling and planning approach, which drives efficiencies and delivers a massive reduction in carbon emissions.

“Although the technology is there to help their customer with efficiencies and reducing their carbon footprint, there are also benefits to the tenant with real time information.

“This is an innovative technology where the customer is also engaged with their self-service portal.”

Jeremy Squire, UK Managing Director at FLS – FAST LEAN SMART, added: “The FLS team is proud to have won this prestigious Award which is testament to the innovation delivered by our development and consultancy teams, as well as the critical carbon reduction efforts and results that our users have achieved.

“With the recent addition of Wates Property Services, our customers provide repairs and maintenance services to two million properties across the UK and Europe. FLS is committed to supporting the housing and wider sectors to achieve efficiency through optimisation, with reducing driving distances and minimising wasted materials presenting a huge opportunity to address carbon footprints.

“It’s fantastic to be working with so many partners across so many sectors, which together are all helping us to realise this success, with our best-of-breed dynamic scheduling unlocking huge net zero value.”

FLS VISITOUR’s groundbreaking dispatching delivers lightning-fast route optimisation, which is continually updating in the background to provide the most efficient routing for all field service teams.

FLS VISITOUR also supports tenant satisfaction measures (TSMs) and Awaab’s Law response with intelligent features such as predictive, traffic-based driving times to ensure reliable service. The software designs valuable new ways of working such as reduced depot visits and allows planning teams to factor EV charging breaks into schedules.

Construction Health and Safety Mental Health Nationwide Sureties

Construction team take part in suicide research

A team of construction workers are taking part in suicide research to help others in the industry across the UK.

With construction among the industries with one of the highest suicide rates, staff from Evolution, based in Blackpool, are supporting research by a Lancaster University postgraduate student into how to prevent suicides in the UK construction industry.

JJ Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Evolution, who is supporting and encouraging any member of his team who wants to take part in the research, said: “The construction industry knows only too well, and all too often, the effect suicide has right across the community.

“We want to show our support and create an environment and a society where people feel safe to talk and seek help.

“By taking part in this research, we’re helping to shine a light on an issue that is too often kept in the dark, and we’re contributing to real, lasting change.

“We’re aiming to send a message that Evolution stands united in support of our colleagues, families and friends across the construction industry, in all workplaces, and throughout the wider community.”

Phoebe Savill, a trainee clinical psychologist and postgraduate researcher at Lancaster University, is researching experiences of suicidal thoughts in the UK construction industry.

By backing Phoebe’s research Evolution is hoping other construction businesses across the UK will follow suit.

Phoebe is looking to those who have had suicidal thoughts 12 months or more ago, who were working in the construction industry at the time, to give up an hour of their time to talk with her as part of her research.

She is researching those who did not go on to attempt to take their own life, so she can understand what support has been helpful at reducing the number of suicides. Similar research in Australia has resulted in a reduction in suicides in the construction industry.

Phoebe said: “I hope this research will add to understanding why these rates in the UK construction industry are so high and what support and changes within the industry could be helpful.”

Recent research from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), titled Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025, found that 28 per cent of respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.

Last month Evolution supported a Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network event to launch this year’s Baton of Hope UK tour – a suicide awareness and prevention initiative founded by two bereaved dads. Evolution staff also took part in the tour in front of Blackpool Tower. The Baton of Hope will reach its London finish line on Friday (October 10), which is World Mental Health Day.

Evolution workers also took part in a charity fundraising stunt in the Irish Sea to raise awareness of suicide.

The Big Puddle Jump was organised by Empowerment Charity ahead of the launch of the UK Baton of Hope tour in Blackpool on September 1.

Samantha Southern, Solace Suicide Prevention & Bereavement Manager at Blackpool-based Empowerment Charity, said: “Each life lost to suicide sends ripples through families, friends and communities—affecting an average of 135 people. Through the Big Puddle Jump, we aimed to create waves of hope, solidarity and change.”

Anyone in the construction industry who wants to find out more about taking part in Phoebe’s research is asked to contact her at p.savill@lancaster.ac.uk

Government Policy House Building Nationwide Sureties

Why the 1.5 million homes target is in danger of slipping away

The UK government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029 has become one of the defining policy challenges of the decade. Current data show that, at today’s pace, only around half of that figure will be achieved.

Lanpro’s latest analysis suggests net additional dwellings in 2024–25 totalled just 196,500 — far below the 300,000-a-year average needed to hit the target. With housing delivery already running 10 percent below the ten-year trend, the total shortfall could exceed 850,000 homes by the end of the parliamentary term.

The situation is particularly acute in London and the South East, where housing need is highest. In these regions, completions are meeting just 35 to 47 percent of demand. By contrast, parts of the Midlands and the North have exceeded local targets, but those gains cannot offset the chronic under-supply in the south.

Why Is the UK Missing Its Housing Target?

Planning Delays and Policy Fragmentation

The planning system remains one of the biggest barriers to meeting housing targets. Prolonged decision times, inconsistent local policies and stretched planning departments all slow the process. Many local plans are years out of date, and authorities are struggling to align housing allocations with infrastructure and environmental requirements.

The government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could streamline delivery, but until local authorities have the resources to process applications efficiently, delays will persist. Developers, too, are cautious about submitting large-scale proposals without planning certainty.

A Market Under Pressure

The private sector delivers most new homes in England, but economic headwinds are curbing output. Rising construction costs, high borrowing rates, and weaker buyer confidence have made new developments less viable. Analysts estimate the private sector will struggle to exceed 170,000 completions annually under current conditions.

At the same time, housing associations and local councils face borrowing constraints and high remediation costs, limiting their ability to build affordable homes. This combination has created a delivery vacuum at both ends of the market.

Social Housing Shortfall

Affordable and social housing supply has declined sharply over the past decade. To meet national demand, experts argue that 90,000 new social homes need to be built every year — a figure far beyond current delivery levels. Without a significant expansion in public investment, the affordable housing crisis will deepen.

Skills and Infrastructure Deficits

Labour shortages and stretched supply chains are now structural problems within the UK construction industry. Even if planning reform unlocked new sites, the sector lacks the skilled workforce to build at the required scale. Simultaneously, infrastructure constraints — from schools to transport and utilities — make large new developments difficult to deliver.

Forecasts Paint a Grim Picture

Across multiple independent analyses, the conclusion is consistent: the 1.5 million homes target will be missed by hundreds of thousands.

The Office for Budget Responsibility projects roughly 1.3 million completions by 2029.
Savills forecasts delivery closer to 1.0 million, equating to a 500,000-home shortfall.
The National Housing Federation echoes this figure, warning the UK could miss its target “by half a million homes” without immediate policy action.

The pattern is clear: at the current rate, the UK will build only two-thirds of what’s required.

Closing the Gap: What Needs to Change

Comprehensive Planning Reform

To unlock delivery, the UK must implement faster, more predictable planning processes. This means:

Introducing binding local housing targets monitored at national level.
Releasing more land through greenbelt and grey belt reviews where sustainable.
Simplifying local plan adoption and ensuring all authorities maintain up-to-date frameworks.

Without these reforms, private developers will continue to face uncertainty, and public housing bodies will struggle to plan long-term investments.

Reinvestment in Social Housing

Delivering the government’s housing ambition will require a major public sector build programme. Funding must be directed toward housing associations and councils to enable new developments at scale.

Public land, particularly brownfield sites owned by local authorities, should be repurposed for mixed-tenure schemes, ensuring affordable housing remains central to every development plan.

Stimulating Buyer Demand

To encourage home ownership and stimulate the construction market, policymakers should consider:

Mortgage guarantees and equity loans for first-time buyers.
Stamp duty relief on new-build homes.
Flexible tenure models, such as rent-to-buy or shared ownership, to support those priced out of the market.

Building Skills and Infrastructure

Meeting housing demand also requires investment in people and places. Expanding construction apprenticeships, improving material supply chains, and aligning infrastructure funding with housing growth areas will ensure delivery remains sustainable.

The Road Ahead: Turning Targets into Homes

The government’s 1.5 million homes target remains achievable — but only with decisive action. Meeting it will demand a combination of planning reform, public investment, market stability, and skills growth.

It’s not enough to set targets; the UK must shift to delivery mode. That means empowering local authorities, funding affordable housing properly, and coordinating national infrastructure with regional housing need.

If these steps are taken, the UK could still reverse the trajectory — transforming political ambition into tangible homes for the next generation.

Construction Government Policy Nationwide Sureties

UK sees unprecedented surge in infrastructure approvals

In its first year in office, the Labour government has overseen a record-breaking number of infrastructure approvals, setting a new pace for national investment. The decisions taken span across energy generation, transport upgrades, aviation expansion, waste management facilities and water treatment. Together, they mark a significant step in reshaping the UK’s physical and economic landscape.

Key Figures and Highlights

Within the first twelve months, twenty-one major projects received approval, more than any equivalent period in recent history. This represents a major start on the government’s “Plan for Change,” which sets a target of 150 major decisions across the parliamentary term. Among the approvals are the Lower Thames Crossing, valued at an estimated £9 billion, the £2.2 billion expansion of Gatwick Airport, and the Simister Island improvements at the M60, M62 and M66 interchange. These flagship projects sit alongside a host of renewable energy developments, demonstrating that the government’s ambitions are not only broad but also strategically aligned with its climate commitments.

Energy and Renewable Power

A significant share of approvals in Labour’s first year focused on renewable energy. Major solar developments, including the Gate Burton Energy Park, the Mallard Pass Solar Project, the Sunnica Energy Farm and the Heckington Fen scheme, will expand the UK’s clean power generation capacity. Additional approvals such as the Cottam and West Burton projects further consolidate solar as a cornerstone of the energy transition. Offshore wind received strong backing, with projects like Rampion 2, the Mona Offshore Windfarm and the Morgan Offshore Wind farm gaining the go-ahead. This wave of energy approvals underscores Labour’s commitment to strengthening energy security while progressing towards net-zero targets.

Transport and Connectivity

Transport infrastructure also features heavily in the government’s first-year decisions. The Lower Thames Crossing, designed to ease congestion and improve freight movement between Kent and Essex, represents one of the largest road projects of its kind. Improvements to critical junctions such as the Simister Island interchange and the M5 Junction 10 Upgrade are aimed at relieving traffic pressure points that have long frustrated drivers and logistics operators. Together, these projects support the smoother movement of goods and people while bolstering regional economies.

Aviation and Expansion

Air transport has also received a boost. Both London Gatwick and London Luton airports have been granted approval for significant expansions. These decisions reflect confidence in long-term growth in air travel demand and underline the government’s willingness to support the aviation sector as it seeks to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The expansions are expected to increase capacity, support jobs and reinforce the role of aviation in connecting the UK to global markets.

Utilities, Waste and Water Management

Beyond energy and transport, a range of critical infrastructure approvals target utilities and environmental resilience. The Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant will undergo a major upgrade to support housing growth and improve environmental outcomes. Similarly, approvals for the Viking CCS Pipeline, the Immingham Green Energy Terminal and the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal strengthen the UK’s industrial capacity and its ability to integrate carbon capture and low-carbon fuels into national systems.

Drivers Behind the Surge

The unprecedented pace of approvals reflects a deliberate policy reset. Labour has sought to streamline planning rules and accelerate decision-making, placing infrastructure delivery at the heart of its Growth Mission. Economic stimulus is a central motivation, as these projects are expected to generate construction contracts, support thousands of jobs and activate supply chains nationwide. At the same time, climate policy pressures have necessitated rapid investment in renewable energy and carbon capture facilities, ensuring that the UK can meet both energy security needs and environmental obligations.

Challenges and Risks

While the surge in approvals is notable, delivery is far from guaranteed. Large-scale infrastructure projects often face environmental challenges, with legal objections and habitat protections slowing progress. Financing remains a critical issue, as inflationary pressures and global competition for capital could affect project viability. The construction sector itself must contend with labour shortages, skills gaps and supply chain pressures, which threaten to undermine delivery schedules. Governance also remains complex, requiring coordination across central government, local authorities and regulators to prevent bottlenecks.

Implications for Stakeholders

For developers and investors, the increase in certainty around approvals encourages long-term planning and reduces perceived risk. Local authorities and communities, meanwhile, must prepare for heightened consultation demands and the delivery of associated local infrastructure. For the construction and engineering sectors, the approvals translate into concrete opportunities to expand operations, recruit skilled workers and pursue regional growth strategies. Policymakers and regulators must ensure that the new pace of approvals is matched by robust governance, transparency and accountability mechanisms.

Outlook for UK Infrastructure

The first year of Labour’s administration has set a clear precedent: infrastructure delivery is to be accelerated and scaled. With 129 major approvals still required to meet the government’s stated target, the coming years will test both the resilience of planning reforms and the capacity of industry to deliver. Net-zero ambitions will demand increased focus on carbon capture, grid modernisation and renewable expansion, while pressures on cost and supply chains will continue to test delivery. If the current momentum can be maintained, the UK could enter a period of unprecedented infrastructure development, reshaping the economy and the built environment for decades to come.

Accidents Construction Nationwide Sureties Safety

Unqualified contractors pose critical safety risks

The construction industry faces an escalating safety crisis as unqualified contractors continue to perform specialist work without proper certification or training. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have issued a stark warning regarding the dangers of multi-trade firms operating beyond their competencies. Recent investigations have highlighted the severe consequences of such practices, including increased health hazards and fire risks.

Specialist Work Requires Verified Competence

Projects carried out by non-accredited contractors frequently involve complex installations, such as ductwork and thermal insulation. Poorly executed work in these areas can lead to serious structural and environmental issues. One cited case revealed ducting installations with inadequate insulation, causing rapid condensation, mould growth, and subsequent health hazards. The presence of mould can escalate within 24 to 48 hours, spreading spores throughout affected areas, significantly endangering residents’ health and wellbeing.

Nathan Wood, BESA’s London & South East regional chair, emphasised that price pressures often force clients to engage multi-trade contractors, whose lack of specialised knowledge results in substandard installations. “Specifications are frequently value engineered, pushing multi-trade firms to compete on price rather than expertise, creating a high-risk environment,” he stated.

Unqualified contractors pose critical safety risks — Image by Pawel Szymczuk from Pixabay

Implications of Awaab’s Law on Contractor Competence

The forthcoming implementation of Awaab’s Law in October 2025 underlines the importance of verified contractor competence. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to prolonged mould exposure, the law imposes strict deadlines on landlords to resolve damp and mould issues. However, without trained and accredited professionals, the legislation risks becoming a procedural formality rather than an effective safeguard for public health.

Fire Hazards from Improper Insulation

Beyond mould and condensation, incorrect installation of flammable materials has emerged as a pressing concern. The use of non-certified Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards in ductwork, which can possess Euroclass E or F fire ratings, exemplifies the heightened fire risks associated with unqualified work. Chris Ridge, TICA’s technical director, stresses that a competent insulation specialist would avoid such hazardous applications. The failure to verify contractor capabilities often results in these dangerous oversights, endangering both buildings and occupants.

The Need for Rigorous Contractor Vetting

Both BESA and TICA call for stringent verification of contractor qualifications and organisational capabilities before awarding contracts for safety-critical projects. Ensuring that all operatives are properly trained and accredited is essential not only for compliance but for safeguarding residents and building users. Organisations must adopt thorough vetting procedures, evaluating prior project experience, certification credentials, and adherence to industry safety standards.

Moving Towards a Safer Construction Sector

Addressing these risks requires a cultural shift within the construction sector, prioritising safety and expertise over cost-cutting. Multi-trade contractors must operate transparently, with clients rigorously assessing their capacity to execute specialised work safely. Industry associations recommend continuous professional development and mandatory accreditation for all workers performing high-risk installations, fostering a culture of competence and accountability.

Accidents Civil Engineering Construction Nationwide Sureties Safety

A417 Missing Link scheme clocks up 2,000,000 hours without incident

Since the A417 Missing Link scheme hit the ground in Spring 2023, there have been nearly 2,000,000 hours of work with no RIDDOR reportable incidents – that’s the equivalent of 8,300 days of keeping workers safe on site.

Excellent safety record on the A417 Missing Link scheme

A RIDDOR reportable incident refers to Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Regulations, which must be followed if a serious incident, or specified injury, or fatality occurs, and is a standard measure across construction to monitor safety performance, all of which could mean delays to the scheme’s delivery.

Around 500 people each day are working on the £460 million transformation of the A417, an important route between Gloucester and Swindon that helps connect the Midlands/North to the South of England. It’s an alternative to the M5/M4 route via Bristol.

Since work began, the improvements scheme has also:

poured over 3,050 cubic metres of concrete
moved 1.6 million m3 of earth
laid 18km of drainage pipes
fitted 1,682 tons of reinforced and structural steel
laid 10,000 tons of road surfacing
progressed building six new bridges

Contractor Kier is carrying out the work for National Highways and is aiming to have the project open for traffic in Spring 2027.

Excellent safety record on the A417 Missing Link scheme — Cowley Lane overbridge bridge lift

Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is always the number one priority for National Highways. We think nobody should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads and do all we can to try to make that happen.

“For our contractors, Kier, to record over two million working hours without a serious incident is a fantastic achievement. We are pleased that the stringent safety measures put in place on site are paying dividends, and I’m confident that it will continue to do so.”

RIDDOR, which stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, is a UK law that requires employers and those in control of work premises to report certain workplace incidents HSE. This includes work-related deaths, injuries, specified occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences (near misses).

Gavin Jones, Project Director for Kier, added: “The health and safety of our people and supply chain is our number one priority, so to see this reflected in this project by achieving no RIDDOR reportable incidents since 2023 is something I am extremely proud of.”

Among measures taken by contractor Kier to ensure safety include a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management system, with the procedures strictly enforced on site; numerous industry-leading, innovative and award-winning processes, tools, and equipment have been introduced to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all team members; an open and honest culture, where everyone on the project has a voice meant issues and concerns could be dealt with quickly; and lessons learned for improvement.

The landscape-led A417 scheme is not only creating a vital transport link in the Cotswolds, but also incorporates world-class environmental practices that respect and enhance the surrounding landscape and habitats, including:

four miles of new dual carriageway connecting the existing A417 Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley
a section to the west of the existing Air Balloon roundabout that will follow the existing A417 corridor. However, the section to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout will be offline, away from the existing road corridor
a new junction at Shab Hill, providing a link from the A417 to the A436 towards Oxford and into Birdlip
a new junction near Cowley, to replace the existing Cowley Roundabout
the existing A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley Roundabout is being repurposed. We are converting some lengths of this existing road into a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while retaining other sections to maintain local access for residents.

The latest information on the scheme is available at National Highways’ A417 Missing Link.

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