Property, Planning and Regeneration
Average house prices fall in May, easing market growth for the year
The latest Knight Frank Residential Market Update for June 2017 has revealed that average UK house prices fell by 0.2 per cent in May, taking growth to 2.1 per cent for the year. Average rents in Great Britain were 1.8 per cent higher on an annual basis in May.
Elsewhere, following the General Election Alok Sharma has taken over from Gavin Barwell as housing minister – Mr Barlow being appointed chief of staff at Number 10, signalling that housing will still be a policy priority.
Life in the old place yet under Historic England’s new scheme
Historic England has launched its new Heritage Action Zones initiative and is looking for partnerships across the country. The new zones will work to help stimulate economic growth and quality of life in cities, towns and villages
across the country by renovating old buildings and places, which are steeped in history, but have fallen into disrepair.
Help to Buy helps 240,000 on to the property ladder
Help to Buy statistics released on 22 June by the Department for Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury, revealed that over 285,000 homeowners,including 240,000 first time buyers, have been
supported by the government’s Help to Buy schemes since its inception in December 2015.
RTPI calls for investment to improve air quality
The Royal Town Planning Institute has said that investment in public transport and infrastructure for walking, cycling and electric vehicles, as well as
congestion charging zones, are urgent requirements to improve air quality.
TfL: the key to London housing crisis?
A report published by the Greater London Assembly’s Housing Committee this month (June 2017) shines a spotlight on Transport for London’s (TfL) large land holding. TfL owns around 5,700 acres of land which could potentially be built on to provide new homes for Londoners.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan identifies house building as his single biggest priority and is keen to work with TfL to develop “genuinely affordable” homes using its land assets.
Transport
Britain’s railways are a ‘remarkable success’
Network Rail’s chief executive has praised Britain’s railways as a ‘remarkable success story’ as the company’s latest upgrade plan was unveiled.
The schedule for 2017/18 includes the new Cambridge North station and completion of a line to connect Manchester’s stations.
Transport infrastructure to give economic boost to the north
Transport for the North says its plans for improving connectivity will add 850,000 jobs and £100 billion to the area. The organisation,which is
made up of politicians and business leaders, published its evidence last week.
Sadiq Khan to cut out emissions by 2050
The Mayor of London wants to reduce pollution from the city’s transport network to zero over the next three decades.
Sadiq Khan set out his goals in a report published on 21 June.
Station regeneration boosting local growth
Communities across the UK are benefitting from the economic growth associated with station upgrades in their area, according to a
new report by the Rail Delivery Group.
Energy and environment
Hinkley Point C deal risky and expensive
According to a report issued by the National Audit Office on 23 June, the deal struck for Hinkley Point C by The Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy has locked consumers into a risky and expensive project with uncertain benefits.
Government makes £35m investment in clean energy project
On Tuesday 20 June Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Claire Perry, announced £35 million of funding from the BEIS
Energy Innovation Programme will be used to support the development of smart heating systems using hydrogen as a potential heat source.
Other News
Economic growth slows in 2017
The latest CBI economic forecast outlines steady but subdued economic growth over the next few years. Growth slowed in the first quarter of 2017
after a strong performance during the second half of 2016, and the slower pace of growth is expected to continue.