Reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework announced in December 2024 have yet to lift housebuilding, with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlook showing net additions to the UK housing stock falling from around 260,000 a year in the early 2020s to a projected low of 220,000 in 2026-27. The OBR still expects planning changes to push net additions to just over 305,000 by 2030-31, compared with a current stock of more than 32 million dwellings. For contractors, developers and ground engineers, this points to a short-term pipeline dip before a potential late-decade ramp-up in housing sites and associated infrastructure.

The British Board of Agrément has had its UKAS accreditation temporarily suspended from 26 February 2026, preventing it from issuing new certificates under accredited status for now. UKAS’ action stems from a 2025 change in the BBA’s corporate structure and relates solely to administrative documentation, not to technical competence or testing capability. Existing certification work, including BBA Agrément assessments used by product manufacturers to evidence compliance with UK and Eurocode-based standards, is continuing while the documentation issues are resolved.

The Construction Industry Council has updated its health & safety certification, delivered via Accredex, to embed the new dutyholder, competence and accountability requirements of the Building Safety Act for profession-specific roles across the built environment. Aimed at professionals who only occasionally visit site, the online course offers five CPD hours and is recognised as an approved route to AQP/PQP CSCS and SKILLcard, and to a CSCS Red Trainee Card for those on academic programmes. CIC will introduce the revised course in a free webinar at 12:30 on Monday 16th March.