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HBF Wales Weekly News Summary Friday 5 February 2010

5 February, 2010

Friday, 5th February 2010

Top stories this week

Bank of England: Rates decision and lending to individuals December 2009.....read more  

BSA: Gross lending up 15% at building societies.....read more

Decisions on Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and consultation on Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).....read more

NHPAU-commissioned report finds high degree of variability in time taken to get planning consent.....read more

Treasury consultation on the private rented sector.....read more

HBF to host housing "Question Time" featuring Healey and Shapps.....read more

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Wales news

HBF meets with Mark Isherwood, AM

HBF this week met with Mark Isherwood AM, Conservative Shadow Minister for Housing, to discuss the housing market and housing policy. The discussions were positive and constructive and provided an important opportunity to keep the shadow housing Minister updated on current and emerging issues. HBF is working closely with the Conservative Party to ensure its housing policy proposals reflect what is required to allow the industry to operate efficiently and effectively in Wales.

The meeting also saw the formation of the Wales Conservatives Housing Group, of which the HBF is now a key member. The group will meet regularly and will provide an important vehicle for continued partnership working with the opposition parties within the Welsh Assembly Government.

Sprinkler systems set to be installed in all new Welsh homes

A new law requiring all new Welsh homes to be fitted with sprinkler systems has reached a step closer.

The draft Domestic Fire Safety LCO (Legislative Competence Order) was approved last week by the National Assembly for Wales. The new legislation will now be laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State for Wales, and will be considered by both Houses of Parliament.

If approved by both Houses and given Royal Assent, direct law making powers will be devolved to the Assembly within the scope of the order.

The HBF is cautious about potential cost implications. HBF has been asked to comment by a range of media and voiced its concerns:

Richard Price, Planning and Policy Advisor for HBF in Wales said "The regulatory requirements being placed on builders by central and local Government... are constantly being increased.

"Sites will only support a certain level of cost before it is no longer viable for builders to build... This will mean more potential sites remaining inactive, which has obvious implications for housing supply and employment in Wales."

Read more

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One Wales Government announces commitment to seeking referendum on new powers

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have announced their intention to ask for a referendum on new powers for the Assembly.

The Welsh Assembly Government has tabled a motion on a referendum to be debated by AMs next week. First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

"This is a formal proposal, under the Government of Wales Act, for a referendum. If it is supported by at least forty AMs next week, I will convey that request to the Secretary of State for Wales.

"We will be asking for a referendum on whether laws which affect the people of Wales - the laws under which our government works - should be made in Wales.

"The Measures already passed - legislation which is making school transport safer, delivering integrated support for vulnerable children and their families, tackling child poverty, giving young people wider educational choices, and much more - have shown what we can achieve. However, we could do even more if all new laws on subjects which are already our responsibility as a government could be made here in Wales.

"Issues about the timing of the referendum will be addressed after the general election, but In the meantime there is much technical groundwork to be done and next week's resolution will signal the start of preparations for our referendum."

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£6.1m of European funding awarded to flood and coastal defences in Wales

£6.1m of European funding has been awarded to eight flood and coastal defence projects across Wales, Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced.

The latest award will support projects across Wales and reduce the risk of flooding for over 1,000 homes and businesses.

The projects form part of the £79m Flood and Coastal Risk Management programme - led by the Welsh Assembly Government and supported with £36m from the European Regional Development Fund. To date, 75% of the available European funding has been committed to flood and coastal risk management schemes across Wales.

Ms Davidson said:

"Our Environment Strategy outlines the need to adapt to climate change and in particular to move to a risk management approach for flooding in Wales. The news that these projects are now one step closer will come as a great relief, particularly to those communities who have been directly affected by flooding in the past."

Read more

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Right-to-buy power may not be passed

Controversial plans to give the Assembly Government power to suspend the right-to-buy council housing may not be passed before the general election, it emerged last night.

The much-revised scheme was approved yesterday by the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, but all three Conservative MPs on the committee voted against.

With the transfer of power order subject to timetable horse-trading once the election is called, and the Conservatives implacably opposed, the whole scheme may have to be dropped.

The initial request for the power to be passed to Cardiff Bay had to be sent back to the drawing board last year amid concerns it was illegal.

Read more

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Economic news

Bank holds rates and quantitative easing

At its monthly meeting yesterday, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to maintain the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves at 0.5%. The Committee also voted to maintain the stock of asset purchases (quantitative easing) financed by the issuance of central bank reserves at £200bn.

In its accompanying statement, the Bank said: "On balance, the Committee believes that the prospect is for a gradual recovery in the level of activity. The recession has probably impaired the supply capacity of the economy, but the scale and persistence of the fall in output means that a substantial margin of under-utilised resources is likely to remain for some time to come. That is likely to mean that inflation will fall below the target for a period."

It added: "The Committee will continue to monitor the appropriate scale of the asset purchase programme and further purchases would be made should the outlook warrant them."

Click here to read the full statement

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Bank of England: Lending to Individuals December 2009

The Bank of England reported this week that total net lending to individuals rose by £1.2bn in December. The twelve-month growth rate remained at 0.7%. The three-month annualised growth rate was 0.8%, a 0.1 percentage point increase on a revised 0.7% for November.

Within the total, net lending secured on dwellings increased by £1.2bn, below the revised November increase of £1.6bn, but above the previous six-month average of £0.9bn. The twelve-month growth rate was 0.9%, a fall of 0.1 percentage points from a revised 1.0% for November. The three-month annualised growth rate remained at 1.2%. Within total secured lending, secured lending by banks (excluding the effects of securitisations) increased by £3.0bn, below the revised November increase (£3.9bn) but slightly higher than the previous six-month average of £2.9bn. The number of loan approvals for house purchase (59,023) was slightly lower than the November figure (60,045) but above the previous six-month average (55,004); approvals for remortgaging (27,276) were higher than in November but remained below the previous six-month average. The number of loans approved for other purposes (26,666) was lower than both the November figure and the previous six-month average.

Consumer credit increased by £0.1bn, above the previous six month average of a net repayment of £0.3bn, and the first increase since June 2009. Credit card lending increased by £0.2bn but other loans and advances fell by £0.1bn. The annual growth rate of consumer credit remained at -0.5%; the three-month annualised growth rate increased to -1.5%.

Read more

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CML reaction to latest Bank of England figures

The CML commented that the gross mortgage lending total of £13.4bn in December 2009 was in line with the CML's estimate (£13.5bn) and seems to confirm the CML's view that much activity was "rushed through" to beat the stamp duty deadline. Gross lending totalled £143.5bn in 2009.

Net lending remains up from the near stagnation in the middle of the year. For 2009 as a whole net lending totalled £11.5bn. This was the lowest level on record (back to 1987), but higher than the earlier CML forecast of £8bn. This outcome was largely driven by the relative strength of house purchase activity, which picked up over the latter part of the year, and weak levels of repayments. The CML sees little if any evidence that households, in aggregate, are using low interest rates to pay down mortgage debt more quickly.

CML Economist Paul Samter said:

"These figures confirm that the mortgage market ended 2009 in much better shape than it started, but it still looks like a slow haul back to meaningful levels of activity. It should be no surprise if January and February this year appear particularly slow, if we are correct in our view that many buyers rushed to beat the stamp duty concession deadline in December."

Read more

BSA: Gross lending up 15% at building societies

Gross mortgage lending by building societies was £1.8bn in December, compared to £1.6bn in November, an increase of 15%, according to the latest data from the Building Societies' Association. Gross lending for 2009 totaled £18.6bn compared to £37.5bn in 2008. Commenting on the lending figures, Paul Broadhead, BSA Head of Mortgage Policy, said:

"Whilst it is encouraging to see an increase in gross lending at the end of the year when activity would typically decline, we believe it is likely that this rise can be attributed to a rush from buyers keen to complete transactions before the year end in order to beat the removal of the stamp duty holiday. Despite this rise, total gross lending in 2009 was only half of that in 2008 and it is likely to remain at low levels until funding conditions improve."

Other key findings include:

Net lending by building societies in December 2009 was -£283m compared to £273m in December 2008;

Approvals in December 2009 were £1,038m compared to £901m in December 2008;

Building societies had net withdrawals of £354m in December 2009 compared to net receipts of £897m in December 2008;

Building societies had a net withdrawal of £10m from Cash ISAs in December 2009, compared to net withdrawal of £212m in December 2008.

Read more

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Housing market news

House price indices

Halifax house price index

The Halifax house price index, published this week, reported that:

House prices increased by 0.6% in January. Prices rose for the seventh consecutive month, but January's rise was the lowest during this period and was significantly below the 1.1% average over the previous six months;

Prices have risen by 9.9% since reaching a low in April 2009; an increase in the average price of £15,287 over this period. This follows a decline of 23% between August 2007 and April 2009. The average house price is now £169,777;

House prices in January were 3.6% higher on an annual basis. This is the largest increase in the annual rate of change - measured by the average for the latest three months against the same period a year earlier - since February 2008. The comparable rate a year ago was -17.2%;

Housing market activity continues to pick up albeit from a low base. House sales in England and Wales in October were 34% higher than a year earlier, according to the latest Land Registry figures. Bank of England industry-wide figures show that the number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase - a leading indicator of completed house sales - in the final three months of 2009 was significantly up on the number in the same period a year earlier (176,517 against 91,221). This was despite a marginal monthly fall (-1.7%) in December; the first decline since November 2008. Approvals were still 22% lower than in December 2007;

Low mortgage rates have reduced the burden of servicing mortgage debt. Nationally, typical mortgage payments for a new borrower have fallen from a peak of 48% of average disposable earnings in 2007 Quarter 3 to 32% in 2009 Quarter 4;

Low supply of properties for sale has been another factor pushing up house prices. There are, however, some signs that the improvement in market conditions since last spring is leading more homeowners to try to sell their property. Instructions to sell increased for the seventh successive month in December, helping to increase the stock of properties available for sale. (Source: RICS monthly survey, December 2009.)

Read more

Nationwide house price index

The latest Nationwide house price index reported that the average house price rose by 1.2% in January, from £162,103 in December to £163,481, this represents an increase of 8.6% year-on-year. Commenting on the figures Martin Gahbauer, Nationwide's Chief Economist, said:

"House prices strengthened their upward momentum at the start of 2010, increasing by a seasonally adjusted 1.2% month-on-month in January. The 3 month on 3 month rate of change - usually a smoother indicator of the near term trend - dipped slightly from 2.3% in December to 2.1% in January, but this primarily reflects the smaller price increases recorded in November and December. At £163,481, the average price of a typical UK property cost 8.6% more than a year earlier in January, up from 5.9% in December. Unless there is a fall in property values in February, annual house price inflation is likely to move into double-digit territory next month for the first time since May 2007.

"Over the course of the last month, there were several important pieces of economic news with relevance for the housing market. The news that the UK economy finally emerged from recession in the fourth quarter of 2009 was in many ways a mixed bag. Although it is clearly encouraging that economic activity is no longer falling, it remains a long way below the pre-recession level and is not yet growing convincingly. Although there may still be some upward revisions to the initial estimates of economic growth, this won't change the fact that the rebound in the housing market - and particularly house prices - has gone some way beyond the recovery in the overall economy. This is a reversal of the picture in 2007-2008, when the housing market deteriorated much more quickly and at an earlier point in time than the wider economy. "

Read more

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Hometrack: House prices up across just 7% of the country

According to Hometrack's latest market commentary overall house prices rose by 0.1% in January while the year on year rate of growth currently stands at -0.1%. January's survey reveals a sluggish start to the year as the market shrugs off the usual seasonal effects after an unexpectedly strong end to 2009.

January saw a decline both in the number of new sales agreed and in buyer registrations - the average time to sell posted its first monthly increase for 12 months, growing to an average of 8.6 weeks. The volume of housing for sale also continued to decline and this has been a key factor in supporting price rises. During January, prices rose in three regions of the country - Greater London, the South East and the South West. Prices remained static in all other areas.

The average price of property in rising markets - and these represent just 7% of postcodes - is 35% higher than that of the national average (£212,000 compared to £157,000). This highlights how pockets of the market, where scarcity of supply and equity fuelled demand, are creating upward pressure on prices. The firmer pricing in the market today may well deter continued interest.

Hometrack say high value property in better off areas is resulting in a skew in transactions. This in turn has in their view led to the general health of the housing market being overstated especially when set against the backdrop of an economy emerging out of recession. They see the market bounce-back of 2009 as distinctly one dimensional and the outlook for 2010 as less certain.

Improvement in both market activity and prices over 2009 means 2010 is starting from a higher base than 12 months ago. Today the proportion of the asking price being achieved is 93.5% compared to 88% at the start of 2009.

Read more

Land Registry house price index

The Land Registry reported that December's data shows the first positive annual house price change since May 2008. The figure now stands at 2.5%.

The monthly change is 0.1%, which is the eighth month in a row in which the monthly change has been above zero. This brings the average property value in England and Wales to £161,783.

The number of sales per month has increased since last year, with an average of 58,000 transactions between July 2009 and October 2009, compared to an average of 46,655 in the same period a year before

Key regional observations:

Seven regions in England and Wales experienced increases in their average property values over the last 12 months;

The region with the highest annual price change is London with an increase of 6.1%;

The region with the most significant annual price fall was Wales with a movement of -2.5%;

Both the North East and the West Midlands experienced the greatest monthly rises with movements of 1.9%;

Wales was the region with the most significant monthly price fall with a movement of -2%.

Read more

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Zero Carbon Hub proposes new national marketing campaign for zero carbon homes

New proposals announced this week by the Zero Carbon Hub and Energy Saving Trust call for a new marketing strategy for zero carbon homes. The new strategy will address concerns that some zero carbon homes appear experimental and unappealing to the majority of homebuyers.

Among ten recommendations in the "Marketing Tomorrow's New Homes" report are proposals to:

Develop a national new homes marketing campaign to stimulate customer demand for low and zero carbon homes and move them from the ‘exemplar' to the ‘mainstream';

Create the bigger picture for new sustainable homes - a concept and proposition that consumers understand and value;

Ensure consistent marketing messages based on real-life benefits are used by developers and government;

Ensure zero carbon homes are not 'marginalised as green' by marketing them as special items so that sustainable features are simply integrated across the developers portfolio;

Create an environment of constant innovation rather than radical changes, encouraging a drip-feed of green features across the entire housing stock so that high performing homes become the ‘new normal'.

According to the report, homebuyers don't currently understand the zero carbon proposition, they are wary of the political or publicity motivations behind the promotion of green developments, and are unwilling to pay for sustainable features which they consider as expensive and unproven in the broader housing market.

This lack of consumer buy-in is contributing to an image of zero carbon homes as experimental and futuristic, which discourages consumers, reduces demand and hinders market growth.

Responding to the report, David Pretty CBE, Chairman New Homes Marketing Board said:

"This is a very important first step in understanding how we market the significant benefits resulting from the work the industry has put in to developing reduced carbon homes. The NHMB is fully committed to working with the industry to ensure that the very real benefits of today's new homes are fully understood by potential customers."

Read more

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Industry news

DECC: final decisions on Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband this week announced the Government's decisions on Feed-in Tariff (FITs) levels following last year's public consultation on this new financial incentive for small-scale renewable electricity installations. Under the FIT scheme households and communities who install generating technologies such as small wind turbines and photovoltaic panels will from 1st April be entitled to claim guaranteed payments for the low carbon electricity they produce.

Eligible technologies up to 5 megawatts generating capacity will be paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. The level of payment depends on the technology and will be increased in line with RPI inflation.

Eligible technologies will also get a further payment of 3p per kWh for any electricity they feed into the grid.

The Government has confirmed that future new low and zero carbon homes using micro-generation will qualify for FITs and that householders may assign the revenue from these to other parties by contract. This follows HBF representations that this coverage should be provided.

Read more

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Consultation on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

The Government this week published a consultation on the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which it aims to introduce in April 2011. The consultation seeks views on the proposed scheme. The deadline for responses to this consultation is Monday 26th April. Details about submitting a response, including the relevant e-mail and postal addresses, can be found in the ‘How to Respond' section of the consultation document. For information and queries, please contact rfi@decc.gsi.gov.uk

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will provide financial support for those who install renewable heating at all scales, which qualifies for support under the scheme.

The proposals have been developed with input from stakeholders - including the energy industry trade associations, Ofgem and NGOs - and this consultation constitutes a more formal opportunity for all interested parties to have their say on the details of the RHI mechanism.

In view of the relevance of the proposed incentive to the delivery of the zero carbon homes policy, the HBF will wish to respond to the consultation and work with members to develop our submission. Please contact Rosie Hinchliffe - rosie.hinchliffe@hbf.co.uk - if you would like to take part in this activity.

Read more

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NHPAU-commissioned report finds high degree of variability in time taken to get planning consent

New evidence has been revealed about the how long it takes to get planning consent for major housing sites in England and the factors which tend to be linked to longer or shorter approval times. The study is the largest of its kind.

The findings come in "Housing supply and planning controls - the impact of planning control processing times on housing supply in England". The study of sites approved for major residential housing was commissioned by the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU), an advisory body on housing affordability and the planning delivery system for housing. It is the latest report from the NHPAU designed to aid understanding of how England's planning and delivery system for housing works.

The report highlights an average determination period for the sites analysed of 43 weeks. The study finds that differences in development control times take place within each local authority and that variability appears to be a feature of the development control system overall.

The research also identifies that:

Development control time increases with the size of development (measured by number of homes) but overall takes less time per dwelling built. Time is not affected by other scheme features;

Trophy or prestige projects, as well as social housing schemes, tend to go through development control faster than others;

The development control process takes longer in more affluent localities and where there are hung councils.

Read more

Download a copy of the report

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Treasury consultation on the private rented sector

The Treasury this week launched a consultation to consider the contribution the Private Rented Sector could make to addressing housing demand and increasing supply, and seeking views on whether there are any substantive barriers to investment. HBF will be considering this. The consultation closes on 28th April.

Read more

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New legal panel appointed by Homes and Communities Agency

The Government's national housing and regeneration agency for England, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), has appointed a new legal panel on a four year contract from 1st April 2010.

The 15-strong panel, which is further divided into a national and three regional panels, consists of:

National: Berwin Leighton Paisner, Eversheds, Pinsent Masons,Trowers & Hamlin

South: Ashfords, Bond Pearce, DLA Piper, Denton Wilde Sapte, Hammonds

Central: Browne Jacobson, Denton Wilde Sapte, Hewitsons

North: Forshaws Davies Ridgway, Pannone, Walker Morris

The firms replace the 21 legal firms inherited from predecessor bodies, English Partnerships and The Housing Corporation (which joined to become the HCA in December 2008).

Read more

Part G due to come into effect 6th April 2010

The revisions to Part G of the Building Regulations are due to take effect on 6th April 2010. Builders who obtain a Plans Certificate for their development prior to this date can build in accordance with the previous requirements to Part G and the 1992 Approved Document.

NHBC can provide Plans Certificates for your schemes if you send your design details and drawings to them by the 5th March 2010. Remember, if you do this, you will need to start work on the site prior to 6th April 2011 and any work added to the scope of the Initial Notice on or after 6th April 2010, will be subject to the amended regulations.

Read more

Government and political news

Osborne outlines eight benchmarks for economic growth

George Osborne has set out Conservative Party ideas for a new model of economic growth. Central to this model are plans for a private sector recovery driven by business investment and exports, with reduced consumer borrowing and government debt.

The Conservatives' eight "Benchmarks for Economic Growth" are to:

Ensure macroeconomic stability;

Create a more balanced economy;

Get Britain working;

Make Britain open for business;

Ensure the whole country shares in rising prosperity;

Reform public services to deliver better value for money;

Create a safer banking system that serves the needs of the economy;

Build a greener economy.

Read more

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HBF news

Haiti earthquake appeal

Following the earthquake in Haiti, HBF launched an urgent appeal to the house building industry on behalf of its nominated charity Habitat for Humanity (HfH).

The earthquake decimated the country's infrastructure and thus its ability to cope with the devastating impacts. It is a catastrophe of major proportions with early estimates suggesting that up to three million people have been killed, injured or made homeless.

Habitat for Humanity has been present in Haiti, working with poor and low-income families in need of decent housing since 1981. It has a Disaster Risk Assessment Team on the ground, establishing a clear picture of the situation and providing specialist shelter provision and reconstruction assistance. Further information about this is available on their website www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk

Whilst appreciating the difficult economic climate in which members are operating it only seems appropriate that our industry should support a charity that specialises in shelter provision, housing repair and reconstruction.

How quickly we raise funds will directly affect Habitat for Humanity's ability to assist now, when their help really is needed. Please help by making a secure online donation today. www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk

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Events

New Homes Marketing Board / Smith Institute: Pre-Election Housing Debate 2010: The Conservative Agenda

Tuesday 23rd February 2010

The New Homes Marketing Board and the Centre for Social Justice are hosting an event in association with the Smith Institute that will look at Conservative proposals for housing delivery should they win the next election.

Speakers will include the NMHB chair David Pretty (CBE); John Howell MP, Shadow Communities and Local Government team; Richard Blakeway, Housing Adviser to the Mayor of London, and Tim Montgomerie, editor, ConservativeHome.

It will be chaired by Gabriel Doctor, the Centre for Social Justice.

The event will run from 1800-1930 and will be followed by a drinks reception

Limited spaces available, to request a space please email housingdebatead@smith-institute.org.uk

HBF to host housing ‘Question Time' featuring Healey and Shapps

10th March, Westminster

The HBF's Policy conference will this year be a pre-election ‘Question Time' style debate featuring the main housing political heavyweights. Housing Minister John Healey and his Tory shadow Grant Shapps will take part in an open debate to be chaired by HBF Executive Chairman Stewart Baseley. The Lib-Dems are also expected to field a representative.

Questions will be taken from the assembled delegates on the key housing issues in what is sure to be a heated and fascinating debate with the General Election looming.

It will be followed by a debate featuring an expert panel of leading economists, including Citigroup's Michael Saunders and Capital Economics Ed Stansfield which will look at the prospects for both the housing market and the general economy.

Please click here to download a booking form

Please click here to visit the website and to book online

Housing Lecture 2010: Labour's Agenda

Tuesday 23rd March 2010

The New Homes Marketing Board and the Centre for Social Justice are hosting an event in association with the Smith Institute that will look at Labour's housing policy proposals.

Speakers will include the NMHB chair David Pretty (CBE); Rt. Hon. John Healey MP, Housing Minister,

It will be chaired by Paul Hackett, Director, The Smith Institute.

The event will run from 1800-1930 and be followed by a drinks reception

Limited spaces available, to request a space please email housinglecturead@smith-institute.org.uk

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HBF: Event diary dates

HBF has announced the return of three of its most popular social events for this year. The economic climate dictated that the HBF Ball, its North West Social dinner and its golf day have not taken place for the past two years, but member demand sees them return for 2010.

Please make a note of the dates for your diary and further details and ticket information will be issued in the new-year.

HBF Golf Day - Tuesday 13th July 2010 - Woburn Golf Course

HBF North West Social Dinner - Friday 10th September 2010 - The Midland Hotel, Manchester

HBF Ball - Friday 10th December 2010 - Marriott Grosvenor Square, London

HBF AGM & lunch Wednesday 28th April - the Hyatt Regency Hotel - the Churchill

HBF can also confirm that the HBF AGM & Annual Industry Lunch will take place on Wednesday 28 April at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, London. The day will begin with the AGM and Open Council meeting and be followed a drinks reception and the annual lunch. The key note speaker will be announced shortly.

If you have any queries about any of the above please contact the events team on 020 7960 1646 and events@house-builder.co.uk

Habitat for Humanity's Hope Challenge 11-13th June 2010

Habitat for Humanity, HBF's nominated charity will again be holding its Hope Challenge event in 2010. This unique and exciting outdoor challenge event will see teams;

Spending two days and two nights in the great outdoors

Sleeping in a self built shelter

Undertaking mental and physical team challenges

Last year's Hope Challenge was a huge success and had the competitors trekking around the Edale and Hope Valleys, with a base camp in the sheltered Vale of Edale. In 2010 HforH are planning a larger and more exciting event with walking routes encompassing the surrounding hills including the Skyline Ridge over Mam Tor and the lower reaches of Kinder Scout.

However this is no ordinary weekend of walking! Participating teams will also be tested on their initiative and teamwork... and by building, and sleeping out in, their very own shelter they will experience some of the challenges faced by those who live in poverty housing.

Think you can rise to the challenge? Want to join HforH in Hope Challenge 2010?

Find out more about Hope Challenge 2010

Register your team for Hope Challenge 2010.

Take a look at the photos and video of Hope Challenge 2009.

Contact HfH with any questions about Hope Challenge.

TSY: Delivering design quality skills training programme

Transform South Yorkshire have developed the delivering design quality skills training programme - a free programme providing practitioners from the private sector, RSLs and local authorities with training that meets all levels of expertise.

The programme's approach will be practical, and aims to give professionals the tools they need to continue developing their design skills when they leave the session. The case study is at the heart of the teaching approach.

Please click here for more information and details of how to book

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For other HBF events visit the website http://www.hbf.co.uk/index.php?id=eventsandmeetings

For HBM events visit http://www.hbmedia.co.uk/ 

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Rosie Hinchliffe

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