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Last updateThu, 09 Apr 2026 9am

HBA: Help to Buy is a symbol of failed housing policy

On 1 October, as the Conservative Party Conference kicked off in Manchester, the Government announced an extension of Help to Buy for new build homes with an extra £10 billion of funding over five years.

The House Builders Association (HBA) – the house building division of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) – believes that extending Help to Buy will not help to solve the most acute housing crisis in over seven decades.

Read more: HBA: Help to Buy is a symbol of failed housing policy

FIS votes no to continuing the CITB levy

FIS, the construction trade body representing the finishes and interiors sector and a CITB consensus federation, has voted to reject the CITB’s levy proposals. 

Leading trade organisation FIS represents specialist contractors and manufacturers involved in the installation and fit-out of interior systems, facades, ceilings, drywall, partitions and finishes. 

FIS has been canvassing its members at a series of regional and special interest group meetings which culminated in a poll of members during September. FIS members voted by 60 per cent to 40 per cent to reject the CITB levy proposal. Turnout was 13 per cent. 

Read more: FIS votes no to continuing the CITB levy

Structural Concrete Alliance announces 2017 award shortlist

The Structural Concrete Alliance has shortlisted three projects for the 2017 Structural Concrete Alliance Award for Repair and Refurbishment, with the winner to be announced by former BBC Breakfast Host, Bill Turnbull, at the Concrete Society Awards Dinner to be held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London on 16th November. 

The winners were chosen from entries received from members of the three trade associations which make up the Structural Concrete Alliance: the Concrete Repair Association (CRA); Corrosion Prevention Association (CPA); and the Sprayed Concrete Association (SCA).  

Read more: Structural Concrete Alliance announces 2017 award shortlist

5 reasons to install a wireless alarm system

There are thousands of construction site fires every year, endangering lives, delaying projects, and costing around £400m, according to Zurich Insurance. 

So, what is the best way to ensure your site complies to industry codes of practice, UK and EU laws and the requirements of your insurance company?

Read more: 5 reasons to install a wireless alarm system

Fast tracking future home builders in London

New approach puts the boot into closing the home building skills gap through 2-6 week training course

A new pilot scheme is set to make inroads into closing the home building skills gap in the region by fast tracking qualified construction college leavers into their specialist job area and getting them prepared for the world of work. In doing so, it will reduce the risk of them falling away from the sector or unemployment. Participants have now all completed their training and are being matched with employers.

Read more: Fast tracking future home builders in London