August 2026

WHAT’S NEW

Creating safer, greener and more affordable homes

This summer, we have delivered our Housing and Building Summer Webinar Series, responding to some of the sector's biggest challenges, from temporary housing and homelessness to safe homes and the housing crisis – read our briefing here.

We are proud to have recently hosted our first Housing and Building Network focused on supporting victims of domestic abuse, with expert speakers from Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse and Cheshire East Council - view the slides here.

To help shape our future work, we will be launching a survey to hear from local councils on key challenges and learn how APSE can help.

Following on from the APSE Building and Housing Seminar in Glasgow earlier this year, APSE Scotland will host a free spotlight event on 1 October at the Wheatley Group Headquarters, showcasing the organisation's repairs transformation journey and providing an excellent opportunity for learning and best practice sharing across the sector - book your place here.

We also look forward to celebrating the outstanding apprentices working hard in their communities through the Apprentice of the Year Awards at the APSE National Housing and Building Seminar in Glasgow on 4th - 5th March 2027 - register your interest for the awards here.

📝 BRIEFINGS, POLICY AND RESEARCH

Oral Statement: Priorities for Local Government, Housing and Planning (Wales)

On Tuesday 30 June, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Planning, Sian Gwenllian MS, set out her priorities for the portfolio.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasised tackling the housing crisis , driven primarily by a shortage of homes, as a key priority, alongside strengthening partnerships with local government and reforming planning and funding systems.

Read our briefing here

Council Tax High Value Property Bands (Mansion Tax) Scottish Government Consultation

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the introduction of two new Council Tax bands for high-value residential properties, commonly referred to as a “Mansion Tax”.

The consultation follows commitments made in the Scottish Budget 2026/27 and seeks views on the proposed rates that should apply to the new Council Tax Bands I and J, covering properties valued above £1 million.

Read our briefing here

Accelerating home-building in Scotland Scottish Government Consultation

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposals to accelerate home building across Scotland, in response to ongoing housing supply pressures and the declaration of a housing emergency by several local authorities.

The focus is on addressing delays in delivery and identifying measures to ensure that approved developments are completed at a faster rate.

Read our briefing here

Scottish Building Regulations – fire safety and compliance: call for evidence Scottish Government Consultation

The Scottish Government are consulting on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety.

This consultation will help to shape and inform the review into the standards and processes set within The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and other published guidance documents to improve the provisions addressing fire safety.

Read our briefing here

Response to Consultation: Reducing the Prevalence of Private Estate Management Arrangements

APSE supports the Government’s intention to address the growing concerns surrounding private estate management companies, particularly in light of the findings of the Markets Authority (CMA) Housebuilding Market Study Competition and (2024).

The response draws upon direct feedback from APSE member authorities and builds upon our previous policy commentary on this issue.

Read our briefing here

Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for Social and Privately Rented Homes: government response

On the 28 January 2026, the government published a response to the consultation on the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for social and privately rented homes.

The government has introduced a new, modernised Decent Homes Standard applying to both the Social Rented Sector (SRS) and, for the first time, the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

Read our briefing here

Consultation on Enhanced protections for Homeowners on Freehold Estates

On the 18 December 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a consultation that sets out wide-ranging proposals to give better rights and protection for homeowners living on privately managed estates and to address the considerable injustices they face.

Read our briefing here

Derby City Council expands low-carbon affordable housing provision 

A new council-led housing development in Derby is delivering improved energy efficiency and affordable homes for residents, as tenants begin moving into 22 newly completed properties.

Read the full story here

New council housing developments in West Dunbartonshire lifts children out of homelessness

New council housing developments in West Dunbartonshire have helped to lift 129 children out of homelessness.

The success of the new housing developments supports a key objective of the council's Housing Emergency Declaration Action Plan: improving access to housing and preventing homelessness.  

Read the full story here

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority announces new regional Homelessness Task Force

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has announced a new Homelessness Task Force to accelerate action to prevent and reduce homelessness in the region.

The Task Force is expected to launch in the Autumn and will bring together local authorities, health, criminal justice and delivery partners behind a shared programme of action.    

Read the full story here

New social housing developments offers more than just homes for its residents

A multi-million-pound housing development in Bournemouth is helping to support the local community by providing new local jobs, careers advice sessions for children, and free cooking classes.

Work is underway to deliver 110 low-carbon and energy efficient homes at the  Hillbourne housing development, with the project due for completion this summer.  

Read the full story here

Bradford City Council aims to end homelessness by 2027

Bradford City Council has announced a new seven-year partnership with national charity, Waythrough, in a bid to end homelessness in the district by 2027.

Waythrough specialises in mental health, drug, alcohol and housing support, and will deliver an enhanced 'No Second Night Out' service for people sleeping rough or at risk of doing so.

Read the full story here

Powys Council transforms housing repairs service to deliver a stronger, fairer and greener approach for residents

Council tenants across Powys are benefitting from a transformed Housing Repairs and Maintenance Service, following Powys County Council's decision to bring the service back in‑house in 2022.

Read the full story here

Manchester City Council reports record year for housing delivery  

Manchester City Council has reported a record year housebuilding, with new figures showing that 4,766 homes were completed across the city during the last year.

Read the full story here

LGR Roundtable - Facilities and Building Maintenance

Monday 17 August

11:00 - 12:30

Register your interest here

Scotland Building Officers Process Mapping Meeting

Thursday 27 August

10:30 - 13:00

Book your place here

Beyond the Housing Crisis: Local Authority Strategies for Tomorrow’s Homes

Tuesday 8 September

10:30 - 13:00

Book your place here

Housing and Communities Network - APSE Southern Region

Tuesday 29 September

10:30 - 12:30

Book your place here

Scotland Housing, Construction

and Building Maintenance Network

Thursday 1 October

10:30 - 12:30

Book your place here

Housing, Construction and Building Maintenance Network

Thursday 29 October

10:30 - 12:00

Book your place here

Construction Design and

Management Regulations Refresher

Tuesday 6 October and Thursday 8 October

13:00 - 16:00

Book your place here

Building Maintenance Performance Networks - Data Collection Now Open

The APSE Performance Networks Building Maintenance data submission window is now open.

Participating in the Building Maintenance service gives you access to valuable performance intelligence, helping you benchmark your service and drive continuous improvement. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive benchmarking reports comparing your performance with other local authorities.

• Performance indicators and cost analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Networking and learning opportunities, including access to events and case studies from high performing authorities.

• Evidence to support decision-making, service planning and continuous improvement.

   

The submission deadline is 1 October, so don't miss the opportunity to benchmark your service and gain valuable performance insights.

If you're not already a member of APSE Performance Networks and would like to get involved, please contact [email protected].

Associate Spotlight: Colin McIness

APSE Associate Colin McIness recently sat down with us to discuss how he draws on his extensive experience in housing, repairs and asset management to support local authorities.

With 13 years of experience working alongside APSE, Colin has provided valuable insight and practical support to local councils on a range of housing and property-related challenges.  

Colin will be sharing his expertise at the LGR Facilities and Building Maintenance Roundtable on Monday 17 August - register your interest here.

Hear about Colin’s experience as an Associate

Network Queries are a resource for APSE members, allowing officers and councillors the opportunity to ask any question to APSE’s network.  

This service gives our members access to the experience, knowledge and expertise of colleagues from over 300 member councils across the UK.

As a member organisation, officers and councillors from << Test Organisation >> have access to this service.

Do you have a question which you would like to ask the network?