HGVC, a leading HGV training specialist, has seen 127 construction firms sign up to train more than 366 new drivers so far this year.
The marked increase in the number of construction firms training new HGV drivers illustrates growth in the sector – reflected in recent government announcements regarding investment in construction and infrastructure. In July 2024, the government announced plans to build more than 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
While the increase in construction firms looking to train new drivers suggests a positive outlook for growth in the sector, it raises questions as to how firms will fund HGV driver training beyond 2025, when funding for the Skills Bootcamp in HGV driving initiative ceases. Since launching in 2021, Skills Bootcamps in HGV driving have provided a valuable option for training new drivers, or upskilling existing employees. After 2025, firms in all sectors will need to seek alternative routes to train new drivers if the UK is to avoid exacerbating the current HGV driver shortage – an issue of particular concern for sectors experiencing rapid growth.
Since 2021, HGVC has had a leading role in delivering the Government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. The company has partnered and delivered Bootcamp courses to 965 different UK companies, of which 838 were SMEs and 127 Enterprise firms. In the last 12 months, over 2,000 employees have been upskilled using HGVC scheme alone. Over 85% of starters end up with a licence, and 98% of those who obtain their HGV licence end up in an HGV driving role with their employer.
James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “To boost Britain’s economy, we need a truly sustainable HGV driver workforce, and this is especially true for the construction sector. The growth in the number of construction firms signing up to train new drivers this year illustrates how important it is that there are ongoing, affordable routes available for firms to ensure they have enough drivers to meet demand and to prevent any systemic issues from hindering growth, ambition, and productivity in the UK.”
Homes England has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in driving forward sustainable housing growth across England. With hundreds of new homes backed by substantial public investment, the latest funding round is expected to unlock strategic development sites, catalyse regeneration, and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing aligned with local and national needs.
The agency’s funding packages, part of the government’s broader housing acceleration plans, are being deployed to tackle brownfield land constraints, improve local infrastructure, and support housebuilders in bringing forward quality developments that might otherwise stall due to financial or technical barriers.
Photo by Steffen Coonan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photo-of-brown-3-story-house-2098624/
Multi-Million Pound Allocations Support Regional Regeneration Plans
Recent announcements detail how the agency is allocating multi-million-pound grants through the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) and the Brownfield Infrastructure Land Fund (BILF). These schemes are actively facilitating:
The transformation of former industrial land into thriving residential neighbourhoods
The delivery of new homes where market demand is acute, but financial viability remains a barrier
Infrastructure-led site preparation to support mixed-tenure housing solutions
Examples include:
Wolverhampton and the Black Country: Over £15 million committed to the preparation of contaminated land to enable the construction of more than 800 homes
Bradford, West Yorkshire: A £10 million investment unlocking 500 new homes, including a significant proportion of social rent properties
Milton Keynes: Targeted support to deliver high-density urban living in proximity to transport nodes
These projects reflect Homes England’s commitment to levelling up communities and ensuring funding supports tangible outcomes aligned with local development frameworks.
Enabling SME Housebuilders Through Tailored Investment
While much attention centres around large-scale strategic sites, Homes England’s tailored financial tools are also empowering SME builders to participate in housing delivery. By offering development finance via the Home Building Fund, the agency reduces barriers for small developers who often struggle to secure commercial loans.
Notable impact includes:
Increasing build-out rates on small sites under 50 units
Reviving underutilised plots in town centres and village cores
Diversifying housing design and construction methods, particularly offsite modular techniques
The move aligns with the government’s target to increase housing supply beyond the 300,000 homes per year ambition, whilst diversifying market participants and construction typologies.
Driving Sustainability and Modern Methods of Construction
Homes England funding agreements increasingly mandate the use of sustainable construction practices and encourage developers to exceed minimum energy performance standards. Many funded projects now integrate:
Air source heat pumps and solar PV systems
Modular construction to reduce onsite waste and accelerate build times
Biodiversity net gain initiatives across developments
Such innovations not only reduce the carbon footprint of new homes but also set a precedent for future housing policy frameworks.
Case Study: Midlands Urban Renewal Project
A flagship scheme in the Midlands exemplifies how strategic Homes England funding can transform urban dereliction into vibrant housing districts. The scheme, comprising over 1,200 homes, combines:
£22 million in brownfield remediation funding
Strategic partnership with a local housing association
A tenure mix of 40% affordable housing, 30% shared ownership, and 30% open market sale
The project is integrated with local bus rapid transit routes, active travel links, and green infrastructure, representing a model of sustainable urbanism.
Partnership Working with Local Authorities and Developers
Homes England operates not merely as a funding body but as an enabler and partner in placemaking. Their proactive collaboration with:
Combined authorities
Local planning bodies
Registered providers
Private sector developers
ensures alignment of investment with local priorities, infrastructure delivery, and housing need. The agency’s new Strategic Place Partnerships framework is expected to formalise these relationships, offering a consistent and scalable model for future delivery.
A Data-Led, Place-Based Approach to Housing Growth
By leveraging granular data and spatial modelling, Homes England is identifying the most impactful interventions. The agency’s place-based approach is underpinned by:
Market analytics on supply and demand trends
Site constraint modelling
Viability assessments and delivery risk mapping
This rigorous evidence-based methodology ensures public funds achieve maximum leverage, delivering not just homes, but cohesive communities with access to jobs, transport, and services.
Funding That Delivers on Policy, People, and Place
Homes England remains at the forefront of efforts to transform the housing landscape of England. Through strategic investments, robust partnerships, and a focus on innovation and inclusion, the agency is turning stalled sites and underperforming land into opportunity.
As local and national ambitions for housing and regeneration evolve, Homes England’s role as a delivery agency will remain central to ensuring that communities across the country benefit from new homes that are affordable, sustainable, and future-ready.
Experiences, a division of Comcast, has officially announced plans to develop its first European theme park in Bedfordshire, England. Set to open by 2031, the ambitious project will transform a 476-acre site at Kempston Hardwick into a world-class entertainment resort, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s leisure and tourism sector.
Image via Universal and Comcast
A New Era of Entertainment in the UK
The proposed Universal Studios United Kingdom will feature multiple themed lands, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex. While specific attractions have yet to be confirmed, the park is expected to showcase immersive experiences based on popular franchises such as Harry Potter, Super Mario, and Minions, aligning with Universal’s global portfolio.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development is projected to generate substantial economic benefits both locally and nationally. An economic impact analysis estimates that the project will contribute approximately £35.1 billion over the construction period and the first 20 years of operation. Additionally, it is expected to yield up to £14.1 billion in net additional tax returns for HM Treasury during the same timeframe.
Employment opportunities are a key aspect of the project, with forecasts indicating the creation of 20,000 jobs during the construction phase and an initial 8,000 permanent roles upon opening. The park’s operation is also anticipated to support further employment in the supply chain and related industries.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
Situated just over an hour’s drive from London and near Luton Airport, the Bedfordshire location offers strategic advantages for attracting both domestic and international visitors. The site’s proximity to major transport links, including the Kempston Hardwick railway station, enhances its accessibility, positioning it as a convenient destination for millions.
Community and Government Support
The project has garnered strong support from local authorities and the UK government. Leaders from six councils in the South East Midlands region have collectively endorsed the plans, highlighting the transformative potential for the area. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also praised the initiative as a significant investment aligned with the government’s Plan for Change, emphasizing its role in boosting infrastructure and tourism.
The forthcoming Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire represents a landmark development in the UK’s entertainment landscape. With its blend of globally recognized attractions, substantial economic contributions, and widespread support, the project is poised to become a premier destination, enhancing the UK’s status as a leader in the creative and tourism industries.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the 2025 Spring Statement amidst a backdrop of global economic uncertainty. The construction sector, a pivotal component of the UK’s economy, has closely analysed the statement’s implications. This article provides an in-depth examination of the key announcements affecting the construction industry and the sector’s reactions.
Housing and Planning Reforms
Record-Breaking Housebuilding Projections
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts that annual housebuilding will reach 305,000 units by 2029, culminating in 1.3 million homes over the next five years. This figure approaches the government’s ambitious target of 1.5 million homes within the current parliamentary term.
Planning System Overhaul
To facilitate this surge in housebuilding, the government has introduced comprehensive planning reforms. These include delegating planning decisions to professional officers, establishing national development priorities, and promoting development on underutilised land. The OBR anticipates that these changes will permanently boost GDP by 0.2% by 2029/30 and 0.4% by 2034/35.
Investment in Affordable Housing
£2 Billion Funding Injection
Chancellor Reeves announced a £2 billion boost to the Affordable Homes Programme, aiming to support the construction of 18,000 new social homes. This initiative is designed to bridge the funding gap for local authorities and housing associations, ensuring the timely delivery of affordable housing.
Industry Response
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) welcomed this investment. CEO Justin Young stated that the additional funding is a significant boost for the sector and, alongside planning reforms, should increase confidence among housebuilders.
Skills Development in Construction
£600 Million Training Package
Addressing the industry’s skills shortage, the government unveiled a £600 million package to train up to 60,000 new construction workers. This funding will support various educational and apprenticeship programmes, including 35,000 construction-focused skills bootcamp places and 10,000 new construction Foundation Apprenticeships.
Industry Endorsement
Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), praised the initiative, highlighting CITB’s commitment of £32 million to support the government’s aim and plans to double the size of their New Entrant Support Team. He emphasised the importance of attracting new talent to the industry and seizing this opportunity to equip more people with essential skills.
Infrastructure Spending and Road Maintenance
Capital Investment Increase
The government announced an additional £13 billion of capital spending over the course of this parliament, signalling a commitment to infrastructure development.
Road-Building Budget Reduction
Despite the overall increase in capital investment, England’s road-building and repair budget for the coming year has been reduced by 5%, allocating £4.8 billion to National Highways. This reduction has raised concerns about potential impacts on economic growth, road maintenance, and congestion management.
Economic Growth and Fiscal Policies
Revised Growth Forecasts
The OBR has revised down the UK’s growth forecast for 2025 from 2% to 1%. However, it predicts GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026 and growth in every year thereafter.
Inflation Projections
Inflation is expected to average 3.2% in 2025, decrease to 2.1% in 2026, and reach the Bank of England’s target of 2% from 2027.
The 2025 Spring Statement presents a mixed outlook for the UK construction industry. While substantial investments in housing, planning reforms, and skills development are poised to stimulate growth, concerns remain regarding infrastructure funding reductions and the broader economic implications of fiscal policy adjustments. The industry’s response underscores the necessity for continued collaboration with the government to navigate these challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
The High Speed 2 (HS2) project represents a transformative endeavour in the United Kingdom’s transportation landscape, aiming to enhance connectivity between major cities and regions. A pivotal component of this project is the construction of the A43 bridge near Brackley, Northamptonshire. This bridge is designed to facilitate the passage of high-speed trains beneath one of the region’s most vital roadways, exemplifying modern engineering prowess and strategic planning.
The A43 serves as a critical arterial route, linking Oxford, Brackley, and Northampton. It provides essential access to the Silverstone Circuit and connects major motorways, including the M40 and M1. Ensuring the seamless operation of this route during HS2’s construction has been paramount to minimise disruption to commuters, local businesses, and event-goers.
Image: HS2
In 2023, preparatory efforts commenced with the realignment of the A43 to create an ‘island’ between the carriageways, accommodating the new bridge deck. This strategic move allowed traffic to continue flowing while foundational work progressed. Engineers implemented a ‘top-down’ construction approach, installing 52-metre-deep piled foundations to support the forthcoming structure. This method not only ensured stability but also reduced the project’s environmental footprint.
A significant milestone was achieved with the installation of seven steel beams, each extending 66 metres in length. These beams form the backbone of the bridge, supporting the deck that will eventually carry the A43 over the HS2 railway. The installation process was meticulously planned over three weekend closures to minimise public inconvenience. A 750-tonne crane was employed to position these colossal beams accurately, showcasing the project’s logistical precision.
Following the successful placement of the steel beams, attention shifted to constructing the concrete deck and parapets. Once completed, traffic will be redirected onto the new bridge, allowing excavation beneath to create the railway passage. This phased approach underscores the project’s commitment to maintaining traffic flow and public safety throughout the construction period.
Collaborative Efforts and Stakeholder Engagement
The project’s success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders:
HS2 Ltd: Oversaw the project’s execution, ensuring alignment with national infrastructure goals.
EKFB: A consortium comprising Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction, and BAM Nuttall, responsible for delivering the 80-kilometre stretch of railway encompassing the A43 bridge.
National Highways: Worked in tandem with HS2 to devise strategies that minimised traffic disruption, including synchronising road closures with routine maintenance tasks.
Kier Transportation: Played a pivotal role in the beam installation process, bringing specialised expertise to the project’s critical phases.
The construction of the A43 bridge near Brackley stands as a testament to modern engineering and inter-agency collaboration. By integrating advanced construction techniques with strategic planning, the HS2 project not only advances the UK’s transportation infrastructure but also sets a benchmark for future developments. As the project progresses, it continues to embody the nation’s commitment to enhancing connectivity while prioritising public convenience and safety.
The UK construction industry is currently facing significant challenges due to escalating cement costs and the imposition of tariffs. These factors are reshaping the industry’s landscape, affecting project costs, timelines, and overall economic viability. This article delves into the causes of rising cement prices, the influence of tariffs, and the broader implications for the construction sector.
Several key factors have contributed to the surge in cement prices:
Decarbonisation Efforts: The global push towards reducing carbon emissions has led to increased operational expenses for cement manufacturers. The World Cement Association (WCA) reports that while the industry has reduced per-ton emissions by 23% since 1990, the costs associated with decarbonisation have transitioned from operational to selling imperatives, thereby elevating cement prices. citeturn0search2
Energy Prices: Cement production is energy-intensive, making it susceptible to fluctuations in energy costs. Recent calls from the UK steel industry for capped energy prices highlight the broader impact of energy costs on heavy industries, including cement manufacturing.
Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have disrupted global supply chains, leading to shortages of raw materials and increased transportation costs. These disruptions have further inflated cement prices.
The escalation in cement costs has several repercussions:
Increased Project Costs: With cement being a fundamental component in construction, rising prices directly inflate overall project expenses. This surge can lead to budget overruns and may deter investment in new projects.
Project Delays: Higher costs can result in funding shortfalls, causing delays in project initiation and completion.
Profit Margin Erosion: Contractors and developers may experience reduced profit margins as they grapple with increased material costs, potentially leading to financial distress.
Recent geopolitical developments have led to the imposition of tariffs on various construction materials:
US Tariffs on Steel and Derivative Products: The United States has implemented a 25% tariff on steel imports, affecting UK suppliers and their US customers. This move has significant implications for the global construction industry, influencing material availability and pricing.
Potential Cement Tariffs: Discussions around imposing tariffs on cement imports from countries like Canada, Mexico, and Europe have raised concerns about further price increases. Such measures could exacerbate the existing challenges posed by rising cement costs.
The introduction of tariffs has several effects:
Material Shortages: Tariffs can disrupt the supply of essential materials, leading to shortages and project delays.
Cost Inflation: Additional duties increase the cost of imported materials, further inflating construction expenses.
Market Restructuring: Smaller companies may struggle to absorb increased costs, potentially leading to industry consolidation as larger firms with greater financial resources dominate the market.
To navigate the challenges posed by escalating cement costs and tariffs, the construction industry can consider several strategies:
Exploring and utilising alternative materials can reduce reliance on traditional cement:
Sustainable Cement Alternatives: Companies like Material Evolution are developing low-carbon cement using innovative processes, achieving up to an 85% reduction in emissions. While these alternatives may currently come at a higher cost, scaling production could lead to price parity with traditional cement in the future.
Use of Recycled Materials: Incorporating recycled materials into construction projects can reduce the demand for new cement and lower overall costs.
Implementing advanced technologies can enhance efficiency and reduce costs:
3D Printing: Utilising 3D printing technology in construction can minimise material waste and reduce reliance on traditional building materials.
Modular Construction: Prefabricated modular construction techniques can streamline processes, reduce material usage, and lower costs.
Engaging with policymakers to address industry challenges is crucial:
Energy Price Caps: Advocating for capped energy prices for heavy industries can help stabilise production costs. The UK steel industry’s call for such measures underscores the importance of government intervention in mitigating energy-related expenses.
Support for Decarbonisation: Seeking government incentives and support for decarbonisation efforts can alleviate the financial burden on manufacturers and promote sustainable practices.
The UK construction industry is at a pivotal juncture, confronting rising cement costs and the implications of tariffs. These challenges necessitate a multifaceted approach, combining the adoption of alternative materials, technological innovation, and proactive policy engagement. By embracing these strategies, the industry can navigate the current landscape and build a resilient future.
The development of Old Oak Common Station stands as a monumental project poised to redefine West London’s economic and infrastructural landscape. As a pivotal component of the High Speed 2 (HS2) initiative, this station is anticipated to catalyse substantial economic growth, urban regeneration, and enhanced connectivity across the United Kingdom.
Strategic Location and Design
Image: HS2
Situated to the north of Wormwood Scrubs and south of Willesden Junction, Old Oak Common Station occupies a historically industrial area now earmarked for transformative development. The station’s design encompasses:
Fourteen Platforms: Including six subterranean platforms dedicated to HS2 services and eight ground-level platforms serving the Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth Line.
Innovative Architecture: A naturally lit concourse beneath a 25,000m² atrium roof, inspired by the site’s industrial heritage, equipped with solar panels to enhance energy efficiency.
Advanced Passenger Facilities: Provision of 44 escalators and 52 lifts to facilitate seamless movement within the station.
Economic Impacts
The inception of Old Oak Common Station is projected to deliver significant economic benefits:
£10 Billion Economic Boost: Research by Arcadis, commissioned by HS2 Ltd, estimates a £10 billion uplift to the local economy over the next decade, driven by improved transport connections and subsequent investments.
Surge in Planning Applications: Since the station’s approval in 2017, there has been a 22% increase in planning applications within a 1.5-mile radius, with a cumulative value of £3.41 billion—a 325% rise compared to the previous seven-year period.
Job Creation and Housing Development: Anticipation of over 22,000 new homes and nearly 19,000 jobs, particularly in high-tech, innovation, and creative sectors, marking a shift from traditional retail and logistics industries.
Connectivity Enhancements
Old Oak Common Station is set to become the UK’s most connected station, offering:
Extensive Network Access: Connections to more than 100 stations nationwide, facilitating efficient travel across the country.
High-Speed Services: HS2 trains reaching speeds up to 220 mph, significantly reducing travel times between London and major cities like Birmingham. citeturn0news28
Integration with Existing Lines: Seamless links with the Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth Line, enhancing both local and national connectivity.
Urban Regeneration and Community Benefits
The station’s development is a catalyst for comprehensive urban regeneration:
Transformation of Old Oak Common Area: From a historically underdeveloped region to a vibrant hub of economic activity, attracting significant investments and development projects.
Infrastructure Improvements: Development of extensive outdoor parks, cycle paths, electric vehicle charging stations, and enhanced transport facilities, promoting sustainable urban living.
Educational and Cultural Investments: Initiatives by institutions like Imperial College and Garden Studios, fostering educational and creative industry growth in the area.
Anticipated Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
While the station’s development brings numerous benefits, it also presents challenges:
Construction Disruptions: Ongoing works are expected to cause significant disruptions to train services between London and the southwest over the next six years, with weekend and overnight services from Paddington being particularly affected.
Mitigation Measures: Strategies include diverting some services to alternative stations, adjusting timetables, and coordinating extensive upgrades on the western mainline to minimise passenger inconvenience.
Future Outlook
The completion of Old Oak Common Station is poised to:
Solidify London’s Position as a Global Transport Hub: Enhancing the city’s infrastructure and reinforcing its status in the global economy.
Stimulate Sustainable Economic Growth: Through job creation, housing development, and attraction of diverse industries, contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.
Set a Precedent for Transport-Led Regeneration: Demonstrating the potential of strategic infrastructure projects to drive urban renewal and economic development.
Old Oak Common Station exemplifies a transformative infrastructure project with the potential to reshape West London’s economic and social landscape. Through strategic planning, innovative design, and comprehensive connectivity, it stands as a testament to the enduring benefits of investing in modern transport infrastructure.
The Procurement Act 2023, effective from 24th February 2025, marks a significant overhaul of public sector procurement in the United Kingdom. This legislation aims to streamline procurement processes, enhance transparency, and create a more accessible environment for suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and social enterprises.
Key Reforms Introduced by the Procurement Act 2023
The Act introduces a new ‘competitive flexible’ procedure designed to simplify bidding, negotiation, and collaboration with the public sector. This change aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for suppliers to participate in public procurement opportunities.
Previously, suppliers could be excluded from commercial frameworks for extended periods, limiting their access to public contracts. The new legislation opens up these frameworks, allowing more suppliers to compete and ensuring that they are not unjustly excluded from potential opportunities.
One of the Act’s primary objectives is to level the playing field for smaller businesses and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). By removing bureaucratic barriers, these entities can now compete more effectively for public contracts. Additionally, the Act strengthens provisions for prompt payment throughout the supply chain, mandating 30-day payment terms on a broader range of public sector contracts.
To foster continuous improvement and transparency, public bodies are now required to provide consistent feedback to suppliers. This includes detailed bid assessments for final tenders, enabling suppliers to understand their evaluation and identify areas for enhancement in future bids.
The Act launches the ‘Find a Tender’ service, a central digital platform that simplifies the contract bidding process. Suppliers can register and store their business details, facilitating their participation in multiple bids and increasing the visibility of procurement opportunities.
A significant innovation of the Act is the creation of the Procurement Review Unit. The PRU oversees public procurement, engaging with contracting authorities and suppliers to elevate standards across sectors. Building upon the existing Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS), the PRU addresses concerns related to procurement procedures and late payments.
The construction sector stands to benefit considerably from the reforms introduced by the Procurement Act 2023. The Act encourages main contractors to consider the ‘Most Advantageous Tender’ (MAT) rather than solely focusing on the ‘Most Economically Advantageous Tender’ (MEAT). This shift allows for factors such as project timelines and local engagement to be prioritized over mere cost considerations.
Furthermore, the Act introduces a debarment list to prevent underperforming subcontractors from securing future contracts, promoting higher standards and accountability within the industry.
To align with the Procurement Act 2023, suppliers should:
Familiarise Themselves with the Act: Understand the new procedures and requirements to ensure compliance and leverage new opportunities.
Register on the ‘Find a Tender’ Platform: This will streamline the bidding process and increase visibility to public sector contracts.
Engage with the Procurement Review Unit: Address any concerns or seek guidance to navigate the new procurement environment effectively.
The Procurement Act 2023 represents a pivotal shift in public sector procurement, fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient system. By embracing these reforms, suppliers and contractors can position themselves to thrive in the evolving landscape of public procurement in the UK.
Government unveils £350 million social housing initiative
In a move to address the UK’s escalating housing crisis, the government has announced a substantial £350 million investment aimed at enhancing the availability of affordable and social housing. This initiative underscores a commitment to providing secure homes for vulnerable populations and rectifying systemic issues within the housing sector.
The newly allocated funds are designated to bolster two primary housing programmes:
Affordable Homes Programme (AHP): Receiving £300 million, this programme is set to facilitate the construction of up to 2,800 additional homes, with a significant emphasis on social rent properties.
Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF): Allocated £50 million, the LAHF aims to support the development of approximately 250 council homes, specifically designed to offer improved temporary accommodation for those in urgent need.
An additional £30 million is projected to be reallocated from previous funding rounds, bringing the total number of homes delivered under the LAHF to 2,700 by the conclusion of its third phase.
Concurrently, the government has articulated a robust strategy to combat the malpractices of rogue landlords who exploit the housing benefit system while neglecting property maintenance. These measures aim to safeguard vulnerable tenants from substandard living conditions and ensure that public funds are utilized appropriately.
This financial injection is a component of the broader “Plan for Change,” which aspires to construct 1.5 million homes over the next five years. The initiative seeks to address both population growth and the prevailing housing shortage, ensuring that more families have access to safe and affordable housing.
The announcement has garnered positive reactions from key stakeholders within the housing sector. Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it reflects the government’s recognition of the necessity to increase affordable housing stock, particularly social rent homes. She highlighted that this investment would sustain momentum in delivering essential housing solutions ahead of the forthcoming Affordable Homes Programme outlined in the Spending Review.
Beyond immediate construction goals, the government is focusing on sustainable development practices. This includes the intelligent reuse of existing vacant properties to enhance habitability, foster community integration, and reduce environmental impact. Such strategies are pivotal in creating resilient housing solutions that align with modern living standards and environmental considerations.
In summary, the government’s comprehensive £350 million social housing initiative represents a significant step toward alleviating the housing crisis. Through strategic fund allocation, stringent regulation of landlord practices, and a commitment to sustainable development, this plan aims to provide secure and affordable homes for those most in need.
National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing has today (4 February 2025) revealed a new target to reduce its construction carbon emissions by 70%; an ambition made possible thanks to the project’s Delivery Partners’ and suppliers’ commitment to making the new crossing the greenest road ever built in the UK.
The improved new target has been published in the project’s second annual sustainability report, which details the legacy the project aims to leave for the local community, environment, and the UK’s construction industry.
Image: National Highways
The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed new road and tunnel under the Thames designed to tackle congestion and unlock economic growth by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London and creating a reliable route that better links the north and the midlands with the ports of the south-east.
The project is a carbon pathfinder project that is aiming to set new standards for building infrastructure by pioneering and scaling up approaches to low-carbon construction. By working closely with its three Delivery Partners and supply chain the project has halved its predicted construction carbon footprint, and it became the first major project in the UK to make it a legally binding limit when it submitted it in its application for Development Consent in October 2022.
The project has now identified ways to potentially reduce that footprint further, and has set itself an ambitious new target of less than 840,000 tonnes in total – a cut of around 70% against its original prediction. This would be achieved by taking a forensic approach to reducing carbon as the design of the new road is refined, and committing to only using low-carbon steel and concrete. It also includes removing all diesel from its construction sites by 2027, by accelerating the large-scale use of electric vehicles and plant, and using hydrogen to power its heavy construction machinery – a first for a major project in the UK. The award of the contract for the supply of hydrogen is expected to take place later this year.
The project is also in the final stages of running a low-carbon footbridge contest to find a sustainable design for a bridge over the A127, which could also be used across the wider road network.
Katharina Ferguson, Supply Chain Development Director, Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Lower Thames Crossing will not only tackle congestion and unlock economic growth in the UK, with our partners and suppliers we will create a new blueprint for how we build low-carbon infrastructure and leave a legacy of jobs, skills and green spaces for the local community. With millions invested in local projects and a new community woodland at Hole Farm on track to open next year, we’re already making a difference, well before work on the new road gets underway.”
The plans to make the Lower Thames Crossing the greenest road ever built in the UK include building a tunnel rather than a bridge to avoid protected wetlands and marshes, and seven green bridges that would provide safe crossing points for people and wildlife. The project is planting at least 1 million additional trees, creating a new community woodland at Hole Farm and new public parks in Thurrock and Gravesham. The project will also promote active travel by creating or improving almost 40 miles of pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, 3 miles of path for every mile of road.
The project’s latest sustainability report highlights recent successes such as:
The team is ready to start construction as soon as the green light is given by government, with detailed design work to reduce local impacts well underway.
Local communities are already benefitting from the Lower Thames Crossing’s £250,000 Community Fund. An active travel scheme at Cyclopark in Gravesend was one of 55 local charities or not-for-profit organisations to receive money from the fund.
Prisoners on day release and local people seeking employment were the first to take part in the project’s Skills Hub pilot programme – designed to develop local skills and supply chains and address industry skills gaps.
Work got underway on the community facilities at the new Hole Farm community woodland near Brentwood, due to open in 2025 – around 80,000 trees have been planted so far, using low-carbon construction methods.
Subject to planning permission and funding, construction is expected to take six-years. The Secretary of State for Transport recently announced that the deadline for a decision on the Lower Thames Crossing’s planning application has been extended to 23 May 2025.
