A new project from recycling charity RECOUP aims to develop a standardized, evidence-based methodology for collecting and analysing litter, creating a comprehensive data set. The Litter Composition & Pathways Project (LCPP) addresses a gap in policymakers’ understanding of this complex and growing problem, paving the way for a more data-driven and effective approach to tackling […]
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The fire risk presented by vapes entering the waste stream has prompted local councils to call for a ban of the sale of the devices in England and Wales by 2024. DRS schemes and other solutions are also being proposed. In July the Local Government Association (LGA) called for such a ban, on environmental and […]
The University of Leeds testing laboratory. The findings were uncovered in a study conducted by the School of Design at the University of Leeds, published in late July. Said to be one of the largest studies of its kind, the research was commissioned as part of a wider project by environmental charity Hubbub and clothing […]
A construction company has been fined £12,000 after a bricklayer fractured his skull in a fall. Worcester-based 2 Counties Construction (Midlands) was prosecuted after the incident, in which worker Scott Ife fell through an unprotected stairwell opening from the first floor on a renovation project.…
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Eric Johnstone is a senior associate at Brodies LLP Solicitors Of course, Bob Dylan wasn’t referring to limitation periods in his 1964 hit, but the title of the song very much reflects the position in the construction industry following the Building Safety Act (BSA) and the…
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Cantillon has been renamed as Morrisroe Demolition, three years after being bought by Morrisroe Group. Morrisroe’s concrete-frame business, AJ Morrisroe & Sons, will also now trade as Morrisroe, the company announced. Morrisroe founder and chief executive Brian Morrisroe said the rebranding would present a clearer…
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A four-year major works investment programme promises £104m of upgraded homes and employment opportunities across England and Scotland
Delivered under a strategic framework, Places for People’s new major works investment programme aims to drive customer efficiency at a reduced delivery cost.
Five regional contractors have been appointed to the framework:
Bell Group has been appointed in Scotland
Connolly Limited in the North West of England
Wates in the North East and central areas
MD Group in the South West
Novus Property Solutions in the South East
Using this regional approach, Places for People has saved an estimated £2.46m, which it intends to reinvest in the communities it will be working in.
Each contractor has committed to social value goals
Across the next four years, 200 apprenticeships, 1,750 training places (including places on the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme), 850 work experience places and 9,700 volunteer hours will be invested in local communities.
Community refurbishment projects and DIY workshops will benefit from donated materials and labour, as well as financial donations to local charitable causes.
Places for People’s director of asset strategy and investment, Mark Arnold, commented: “We have a proud and longstanding track record of working collaboratively with our supply chain to the benefit of our customers. Our new framework formalises this approach, with a sustainable commercial model that even in its first year, will result in almost 10% of construction cost savings that is already being invested in community initiatives.”
Energy efficiency upgrades are also part of the major works investment programme
A £4.9m energy efficiency programme adding solar hot water heating systems is already underway, with the installation of PV panels, low energy lighting and energy efficient storage heaters, as well as a programme to upgrade insulation in almost 900 homes across the country to follow.
A sheltered scheme in the North West of England is the site of a £1m energy efficiency improvement programme.
There are also pioneering projects taking place in certain areas, including a £1m energy efficiency improvement programme at a sheltered scheme in the North West of England.
Mark continued: “We have listened to our customers through their queries, complaints or surveys and are making evidence-based decisions.
“This programme is a response to their needs, exceeding regulatory requirements and delivering sustainable homes and sustainable communities. It will generate thousands of new opportunities for customers in the next four years and I am proud to have commenced this programme and look forward to working with people in and around our communities as the concept becomes a reality.”
You can learn more about Places for People’s social value initiatives here.
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STEM ReCharge has helped over 40 parents and carers with engineering and tech experience get back to their careers
The return-to-work support programme will provide career coaching, job skills training, mentoring, and technical refresh sessions to parents and carers in the Midlands and the North of England.
Growth in engineering roles is predicted to increase by 2.8%, which will result in 173,000 new engineering and technology jobs by 2030.
STEM ReCharge tackles the barriers that parents and carers often face when returning to work
The first STEM ReCharge cohort supported 42 participants with qualifications and experience, including an MBA in IT Management, a first-class Computing Degree and more than 15 years in project management.
Funded by the Government’s Equality Hub, the programme is delivered by Women Returners and STEM Returners.
Insight from the first phase of the programme is being used to support the second phase of STEM ReCharge, which will start in October.
75,000 STEM returners want to get back to work
Minister for women, Maria Caulfield, said: “I’d like to encourage more parents and carers to take advantage of this brilliant programme, which has already seen such success. We know there is a shortage in STEM employees and 75,000 STEM returners who want to get back to work.
“Matching candidates with a wealth of skills and qualifications with employers who need experienced people is a win for business, equality, and the economy. That’s why we are investing in returners.”
Returners can apply for the October STEM ReCharge programme here.
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MRW West Sussex awards £400m RDF contract The council will provide refuse derived fuel to Seneca Britaniacrest Partnership from the authority’s mechanical biological treatment facility in Horsham West Sussex awards £400m RDF contract Mark Smulian Read More
Homes England has introduced the Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund designed to support their partners and project in grant and equity activities
The aim of the Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund is to improve housing-led opportunities which support economic growth and long-term housing supply.
At least 60% of the fund will be focused on developing brownfield land.
Homes England will invest around £1bn to create 40,000 homes, 200,000 sqm of employment floorspace and to stimulate new levels of private sector investment.
The majority of funding will go towards projects within the Greater London Authority, Greater Manchester, and West Midlands Combined Authority areas.
Funds are expected to be accessed locally, following government-approved arrangements.
Local authorities can qualify for the Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund if:
They meet the strategic aims of the fund.
The project would not progress without funding.
New housing will be developed through the project.
The project represents value for money.
They are a UK-registered corporate entity, limited liability partnership, or English local authority or public entity.
The project will be contracted by 31 March 2026.
The housing secretary is also supporting new housing developments
Yesterday, housing secretary Michael Gove announced a £24m plan to relax planning rules for the development of new homes.
The government aims to build one million homes between 2019-24.
This is despite doubts from the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee about achieving the target of 300,000 net new homes per year by the mid-2020s.
However, prime minister Rishi Sunak backed the government’s commitment to delivering the required housing during his speech on Monday, 24 July.
The proposals include a training fund to develop skills needed to increase housebuilding. There is also a focus on building homes in urban areas instead of encroaching on the countryside.
The Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund will make housebuilding easier
Homes England will work with project owners to assess their specific requirements and decide the best delivery approach.
This could involve providing grants, loans, partnership equity, or a combination of these options.
The fund can also be used by Homes England to directly acquire land.
Another aim of the Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund is to optimise value for money, and if possible explore repayment or profit-sharing mechanisms.
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