Articles

As the bulk of the nation starts to work from home, what effect can this have on wellbeing and mental health?
With the country entering a lockdown phase, we are all being asked to stay home and only venture out on essential journeys.
This self-isolation will take some getting used to and people will quickly get beyond the ‘holiday-mode’ feeling that some seem to have eagerly embraced.
As a mental health first aider, this is where I wonder how the current Coronavirus pandemic will affect us and I would therefore urge everyone to show as much compassion and tolerance as possible in these strange and difficult times.

It is a fact that balconies are proven to enhance lifestyle and improve wellbeing. An enclosed balcony by Sunparadise, the new name for Windoor balconies, are more useable than a traditional open only balcony, especially in the cooler months of spring and autumn. Housing Association Magazine takes a look at independent living project Vaughan Place in Shropshire, which features Sunparadise’s enclosed system.

Housing Minister says accessible homes consultation will happen in “matter of weeks”

Today, Blaydon MP Liz Twist, pushed the Housing Minister, Luke Hall, on the consultation on accessible housing standards promised by Theresa May last June. During Equalities questions, Twist asked Hall “a consultation on accessible housing was promised in June 2019 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government but hasn’t happened. Can the minister say when the consultation will take place and will he meet with me and representatives of wheelchair users to discuss?”

Hall responded: “We have been working across government on accessible housing provision and we’ll consult in a matter of weeks on options to raise the accessibility standards in new homes. The consultation will consider making high accessibility standards mandatory for recognising the importance of suitable homes for older and disabled people; I’ll be delighted to meet with her.”

Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has launched a range of MEP utility pods.

Fitted out in the factory and delivered to site fully completed, this latest advancement in pod technology is designed to accommodate all the mechanical, heating, technology and building services required for individual apartments or studios for build-to-rent or build-to-sell developments. This is a premium product manufactured entirely offsite to suit specific project requirements.

A new-build revolution is needed to address the housing crisis, says Jamie Johnson, CEO of FJP Investment. So, what's the plan? 

It almost goes without saying but the housing crisis is one of the biggest problems facing the current government. Along with the outbreak of coronavirus, climate change, and reinvesting in public services – it will likely be a top priority for the Government in 2020.

This was seen most keenly in the Prime Minister’s promise to build a million new dwellings over the course of this Parliament. Whilst his ambition is commendable, major questions remain around how that target will be hit.

Many past governments have tried and failed to spark a housebuilding revolution in the UK. That’s why now is an opportune time to analyse the Conservative party’s current plan towards the property market and whether it is the right course of action to take. 

The introduction of the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) in 2018 means that all new builds must adhere to a minimum-level of energy efficiency. A positive move by the industry, it has led to carbon emissions from energy use being cut and significantly shaved off costs from homeowners’ electricity bills. 
One of the most popular ways of meeting the MEES is by installing effective insulation to keep warm air trapped within a house, so no need for excessive heating. Unfortunately, poorly installed insulation brings risks, as the warm air traps moisture, leading to damp forming or worse, mould. The presence of damp and mould carries adverse health issues for tenants such as respiratory illnesses.

With a healthy majority, what should the priority be for our Prime Minister?

George Clarke has a simple message for our PM and it’s all about fixing the housing crisis in the right way