
Olivia Barber
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FeaturesInvestigation: how are councils assessing the risks of uPVC cladding in low-rise housing after the Barnet fire?
When a fire in 2023 destroyed four terraced houses Barnet Council brought the housing sector’s attention to an overlooked fire safety issue: the use of uPVC cladding in low-rise homes. Have other councils heeded its warning? Olivia Barber launched a Freedom of Information investigation to find out
NewsRemediation of unsafe cladding on 2,300 residential buildings yet to start
The latest government data reveals there are 4,613 residential buildings 11m and over with unsafe cladding
NewsDagenham block of flats engulfed by fire had known safety issues since 2020
Survey four years ago showed building ‘did not fully comply with building regulations at time of build’
NewsWatkin Jones to build tallest residential building in Scotland
The student housing developer has received planning permission to deliver a 36-storey, 784-bed development in Glasgow
NewsAberdeen City Council decides demolition is the safest option for 500 RAAC homes
Homes containing the lightweight concrete will be demolished and rebuilt at a cost of £130m
NewsChancellor will reportedly unveil 10-year social housing rent settlement in Autumn Budget
The Financial Times has reported that the chancellor is planning to introduce a rent settlement of CPI + 1% for the next decade
NewsKate Barker says housing market is worse today than it was 20 years ago
New Barker housing commission has sent initial recommendations from its housing supply review to housing minister
NewsL&Q sells land business to Urban & Civic
Housing association offloads division as part of move away from non-core operations
NewsRayner urges council leaders in ‘devolution deserts’ to take on new powers
Deputy prime ministers calls on authorities to ‘speak to us’ about devolved powers
NewsCIOB calls on next government to tackle late payment culture and create green skills fund
The largest professional body for construction has launched its pre-election manifesto today

NewsAvant Homes appoints new land director from Persimmon
Carl Oxley joins Nottingham-based Avant Homes East Midlands in move to strengthen senior management team
NewsFresh delay hits Lendlease job in Birmingham with calls for outdoor space to be made bigger
Developer was first appointed to city centre Smithfield scheme five years ago
NewsNorth London borough after developers for next phase of 10,000 homes regeneration
Meridian Water development being masterminded by Enfield council
NewsLabour unveils plan to build on ‘grey belt’ land
The policy has the potential to unlock land to build hundreds of thousands of new homes

NewsFMB calls for secretary of state for housing
Trade body makes call in election manifesto launched today
NewsMayor commits to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030 if re-elected
Sadiq Khan to set aside additional £10m to tackle problem
NewsGrenfell Tower final report delayed again
Publication now expected after next anniversary of 2017 fire
NewsEarls Court work to start in 2026
Hybrid planning application for phase one of 4,000 homes scheme due in this summer


















