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Nouse News

Spring 2025





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Welcome to our Spring 2025 edition of Nouse News, the newsletter of the Nottingham Strategic Housing Network facilitated by Nottingham City Council's Housing Strategy Team. 

Got an article for our next edition? Contact [email protected] before 1st July 2025.






Strategy and Policy banner
Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan
Greater Notts

Broxtowe Borough, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe Borough Councils are advancing the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan, aiming to guide sustainable growth up to 2041.

Following Gedling Borough Council's withdrawal to develop its own Local Plan, the March 2025 Publication Draft has been updated to exclude Gedling-specific policies and adjust housing targets for Broxtowe and Rushcliffe in line with the revised National Planning Policy Framework.

The consultation, which ran from 12 March to 25 April 2025, has concluded, and feedback is now under review ahead of potential submission later this year.

*Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan* [ [link removed] ]


*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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Energy Efficiency banner
Fuel Poverty Falls

Fuel powerty

Fuel poverty in Nottingham dropped to 15.2% in 2023, down from 19.3% in 2022—meaning 5,013 fewer households are struggling with energy costs.

All city wards saw improvements, with the largest reductions in Aspley (29.5%), Hyson Green & Arboretum (26.8%), and Bilborough (25.9%). Areas with already lower rates, like Clifton East (13.3%) and Wollaton West (9.7%), saw smaller declines.

Despite progress, Lenton & Wollaton East (25.2%) and Radford (23.0%) remain among the highest, reflecting challenges in student-heavy areas. The lowest rates were recorded in Clifton West (9.0%) and Wollaton West (9.3%).

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Government Expands Energy Efficiency Schemes

DESNZ

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced significant mid-scheme changes to the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) to enhance energy efficiency across UK homes.

Up to £750 million of GBIS funding can now be utilised within ECO4, broadening the scope of measures available, including free boiler replacements. Additionally, GBIS will permit the installation of both loft and cavity wall insulation in the same home, a move that received widespread support during the consultation. Smart thermostats are also now eligible under GBIS for owner-occupied households in the low-income group.

To maintain cost-effectiveness, a cap has been introduced, allowing a maximum of 75% of GBIS targets to be met through ECO4 delivery, ensuring at least 25% compliance with GBIS-specific rules. These changes aim to streamline delivery, reduce household energy bills, and contribute to the UK's net-zero commitments.



*Government response to consultation on mid-scheme changes* [ [link removed] ]


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Progress in EPC Ratings
EPC

New data from Open Data Communities [ [link removed] ]shows significant progress in improving energy efficiency across Nottingham’s housing stock.

As of March 2025, 63% of social rented homes had an EPC rating of A–C, with just 3% rated E, F or G. Private rented homes were close to the citywide average, with 50% A–C and 12% in the lowest bands. However, owner-occupied homes continue to lag behind, with only 37% achieving A–C ratings and nearly 19% rated E, F or G.

While the all-tenure average of properties achieving A-C rating continues to rise, the findings highlight the ongoing challenge of upgrading energy efficiency in the owner-occupied sector.

EPC March
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Boosting Home Energy Efficiency

ECo4

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government scheme aimed at reducing fuel poverty and cutting carbon emissions by improving home energy efficiency. Now in its fourth phase, ECO4 requires energy companies to fund upgrades like insulation and heating for eligible households. Nottingham has embraced the scheme, with over 34,000 energy-saving measures installed and nearly 20,000 households benefiting.

In addition, Nottingham City Council has opted to run an LA Flex scheme—an extension of ECO that allows for broader eligibility. This local initiative enables support for low-income households and residents with medical needs who may not qualify under standard ECO criteria. Since launching in December 2023, the LA Flex scheme has attracted an additional £1.5 million in ECO4 funding to the city.

There are over 40 active local installers who play a vital role in delivering these improvements to Nottingham’s homes making them warmer, greener, and more energy efficient. Thank you to them for their continued efforts.

*National ECO scheme* [ [link removed] ]


*Nottingham LA Flex* [ [link removed] ]


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NCHA Achieves Energy Efficiency Milestone

NCHA

Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) has announced that 90.11% of its homes now hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above. This achievement marks significant progress in their commitment to reducing fuel poverty and enhancing energy efficiency.

The organisation's Retrofit team has been instrumental in upgrading older properties to be warmer and more cost-effective for residents. Looking ahead, NCHA aims to ensure all homes meet EPC C standards by 2030, aligning with government targets. This will be accomplished through continued insulation efforts and the construction of energy-efficient new homes.



*More information* [ [link removed] ]


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Housing
Enhanced Tenant Protections

stonewater

As of 1 April 2025, a leading social housing provider has transitioned all new and existing tenancies to fully assured tenancies, eliminating the previous use of 'starter tenancies'.

This proactive move aims to provide tenants with greater security and stability in their homes. The change comes ahead of anticipated housing legislation, including the Renters Reform Bill, which is expected to introduce stronger protections for tenants across both the social and private rental sectors. 

*More information available here* [ [link removed] ]


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Supported Housing Regulation Consultation

RSH

Nottingham City Council’s Housing Services developed the Post-Inspection Improvement Plan (PIIP) to address issues identified by the Regulator of Social Housing and internal reviews. The PIIP targets performance gaps, aligns with the Property Smart Plan (2024–28), and aims to reduce backlogs, improve tenant satisfaction, and boost efficiency. 
Key progress to date includes:

- Exceeding the target for completed stock condition surveys
- Fully integrating the new Housing Advisory Board (HAB) into monitoring processes and the Executive Housing Operations Board (EHOB),
- Working towards eliminating the practice of capping gas supplies due to non-access
- Expanding tenant engagement, with regular surveys, consultations and roadshows
- Reducing the number of live disrepair cases from 1,000 to 974

The Regulator emphasized keeping the PIIP a live, flexible document with clear actions and milestones, and involving tenants in the process to maintain a strong focus on their outcomes and satisfaction.



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Have Your Say on Future Residential and Nursing Care Services

Residential

Nottingham City Council is conducting a comprehensive review of residential and nursing care services for adults aged 18–64 and those over 65.

The aim is to better align services with the needs and outcomes of local residents. Citizens, along with families and carers of individuals in residential care, are encouraged to participate in the consultation, which *runs from 23 April to 30 June 2025.* Feedback gathered will help shape future commissioning decisions to improve care quality and accessibility.

To take part or request support, visit the Engage Nottingham Hub [ [link removed] ]or email [email protected]



*The Survey* [ [link removed] ]


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Victoria Centre Improvements

Victoria

The first 100 Victoria centre flats have had their windows refurbished in a project to improve all the flats by the end of 2026. The flats, which are home to almost 500 residents, were completed in 1972 and remain the tallest building in Nottingham to this day.

The window refurbishment project, which began in December last year, is forecast to save over 850 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions (the equivalent of taking almost 200 cars off the road). The refurbished windows will also enhance the building's thermal efficiency with the aim of reducing energy bills for residents.



*Find out more here* [ [link removed] ]


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NCHA Ranked Among UK’s Best Workplaces 2025

NCHA

Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) [ [link removed] ]has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2025 by Great Place To Work®, ranking 41st in the 'super-large' category. This accolade is based on colleague feedback, with 77% agreeing that NCHA is 'a great place to work'.



*More available here* [ [link removed] ]


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Shortlisted for Top Sustainability Award

platform

Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted for the Landlord of the Year category in the 2025 Unlock Net Zero Awards, recognising its commitment to climate action. The nomination highlights initiatives such as eliminating fossil fuel heating in new homes since 2024, ensuring all new builds achieve at least an EPC B rating, operating 44 electric vans, and contributing over 700 staff volunteer hours to community projects.

Winners will be announced on 24 June at Manchester Central during the Housing 2025 event.



*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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Homelessness banner
Sutton House to Support Homeless Families

Sutton House

Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) [ [link removed] ]has officially opened Sutton House in Radford, providing 48 self-contained flats for homeless families seeking stable, short-term accommodation.

Many residents have transitioned from months in unsuitable hotel stays, often facing last-minute relocations. Sutton House offers a more secure environment, helping families rebuild routines and improve wellbeing. Commissioned by Nottingham City Council, the four-year service aims to support families in moving towards permanent housing and greater independence.



*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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New Recovery Space for Women

Grove

Framework [ [link removed] ] has opened a £2.8 million supported housing scheme in Nottingham this May, dedicated to helping women with histories of rough sleeping. 

Funded primarily through the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), with contributions from Framework and supporters, the new development offers 15 self-contained flats, community facilities, and outdoor spaces.

The service provides 24/7 on-site support, life-skills training, and access to education and employment opportunities—helping residents regain independence and stability, and to recover from the traumas they have experienced. 



*Find out more here* [ [link removed] ]


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Framework Chief Executive to Retire After 29 Years

AR

Andrew [ [link removed] ]Redfern [ [link removed] ], Chief Executive of Framework [ [link removed] ], is set to retire in December 2025 after leading the charity and its predecessor since 1996. Under his leadership, Framework transformed from running basic night shelters to providing over 1,400 self-contained homes and specialist support across the East Midlands and Sheffield.

The organisation now helps more than 18,000 people annually, expanding services beyond major cities to better support vulnerable individuals locally. The search for Andrew’s successor is underway.



*Click here for more* [ [link removed] ]


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Building Nottingham
Next Phase of Trent Basin Development Approved
Trent

The next phase of Nottingham’s Trent Basin development has received the green light, following the finalisation of developer contributions. It is going to be delivered by Blueprint, a sustainable developer partially owned by Nottingham City Council.

Plans include 111 new homes—comprising two, three, and four-bedroom properties—designed around three landscaped courts. The scheme also features a 150-space parking barn and limited on-street parking to support its car-free ethos. Outline approval has been granted for additional residential units, a café, and community facilities. The development forms part of the wider Waterside regeneration initiative, aiming to create sustainable, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods along the River Trent. 

*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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Homes England Buys Broad Marsh

BM

Homes England has acquired Nottingham’s Broad Marsh site from the City Council, marking a significant step in the city’s regeneration plans.

The government agency will oversee the transformation of the former shopping centre and adjacent land into approximately 1,000 homes and up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office, and community space, creating around 2,000 full-time jobs. Initial works will include demolition and site preparation to attract private sector developers.

The project is supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority, highlighting its regional importance. Homes England will continue collaborating with the council and stakeholders to realise the vision for a vibrant city centre neighbourhood.



*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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New Homes in Bulwell and St Ann’s

new homes

Nottingham City Council has approved proposals to build new council homes in Bulwell and St Ann’s as part of the Building a Better Nottingham programme.

In Bulwell, an under-used garage site behind Colston Road and Austin Street will be transformed into 32 one-bedroom flats, subject to planning approval. In St Ann’s, around 15 new council houses are proposed to replace a largely vacant parade of shops on Robin Hood Chase.

Both developments aim to be energy-efficient and affordable, funded through Right to Buy Replacement funding. The homes are expected to be ready by late 2027.



*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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Sustainable Homes for Over-55s

55s

Farnborough Court, Nottingham Community Housing [ [link removed] ]Association [ [link removed] ]’s latest development in Clifton, is now open and welcoming residents. The scheme provides 50 one- and two-bedroom self-contained flats and six one-bedroom bungalows, all designed for independent living for people aged 55 and over.

Built to a high energy efficiency standard with features like air source heat pumps and solar panels, the homes support lower energy bills and reduced emissions. The development includes communal gardens, a lounge, and on-site support, and forms part of the wider regeneration of the former South Nottingham College site.



*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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New Affordable Homes in Lenton

Lenton

Prospect Place in Lenton, Nottingham, has officially opened, delivering 36 affordable homes by NCHA [ [link removed] ] and Tune Homes.

The £7.7m development includes 26 homes for affordable rent and 10 for shared ownership, prioritised for families on the city’s housing waiting list. Built on a former brownfield site, the EPC A-rated homes use solar panels, air source heat pumps and Modern Methods of Construction.

The development forms part of NCHA’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England to deliver quality housing across the East Midlands.



*Read more here* [ [link removed] ]


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FBN
Beat The Streets Raises Over £500k
DHP

Since launching in 2018, The Nottingham-based music festival Beat The Streets, organised by DHP [ [link removed] ]Family [ [link removed] ], has raised £554,155 to support homelessness charity Framework.

This year’s festival, featuring 65 artists across nine city centre stages, will help fund Framework’s Street Outreach teams, who work year-round to support rough sleepers. At a special Rock City ceremony, DHP MD George Akins received a gold disc in recognition of the company’s ongoing support.

*Join the mailing list* [ [link removed] ]


*Tickets* [ [link removed] ]


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Housing market headlines
Upturn in house price growth

House prices

Average house prices in Nottingham increased at a higher rate than inflation for the first time since 2023.

According to the UK House Price Index in March 2025 the average price of a home in the city was £194,654, up 5.6% on March 2024.  This is less than two thirds of the average price in the country, which experienced yearly growth of 6.7% The county and region experienced even higher price growth at 7.1%

In terms of different property types growth in Nottingham was lower than the county and region for all types, but marginally higher than the country for flats



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Rental price grow slips in negative

Annual prices

Nottingham recorded negative yearly rental price growth for the first time since the introduction of Hometrack’s quarterly UK Rental Market Reports [ [link removed] ] in 2020.

At -1.2% it was the only major UK city to experience negative growth, according to the latest report. This is a far cry from the comparatively high growth levels between 2020 and 2022, when Nottingham was consistently ranked in the top few cities.

Newcastle recorded the highest growth in the year to Jan 2025 at 6.2% with growth in the UK (excluding London) a more modest 3.9%. The report suggests rising levels of rental supply in Nottingham impacted rent levels.







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Publications




Akt

No Place like Home - Uncovering LGBTQ+ youth Homelessness in the UK



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Centre for Homelessness

Pan-Approaches to Tackling Homelessness in London and Other Megacities



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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IPPR

Simply about supply? - How housing issues vary by region



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Resolution

Turning up the heat - Making the home heating transition work for low-income households



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Centre for cities

Breaking the Bottlenecks:
Reforming ‘anti-supply measures’ to
support urban housebuilding



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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MHCLG

Systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping: preliminary findings



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Centre for Homelessness

What is a Hostel in 21st Century Britain?



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Centre for justice

“To be listened to... and actually heard” -
Women's perspectives on effective
substance use treatment and support



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Crisis

How affordable private rents can help tackle health inequalities and homelessness



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Centre for Homelessness

A smarter approach to homelessness - Prioritising prevention in the 2025 spending review



*Download* [ [link removed] ]


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Coming up

Your round-up of free, notable events, consultations and policy changes for the coming weeks:

May

30 Suicide Prevention & Intervention Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

June

4 Self Harm Awareness Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

4 Frontline Practice Forum: drug and alcohol use in supported housing [ [link removed] ] - Homeless Link

5 Mental Health Awareness training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

5 Innovation Forum: Supporting Non-UK Nationals [ [link removed] ] - Homeless Link

10 Suicide Bereavement Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

10 Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse in Early Years Settings [ [link removed] ] - Equation

10 Overview of Sexual Violence and Referral Pathways to NSVS [ [link removed] ] - Equation

12 Recognition of autism in homelessness services and related adaptations to support [ [link removed] ] - PDU

13 Mental Health Awareness training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

13 The Big Event - Launch of Refugee Week [ [link removed] ] - Nottingham Refugee Forum

16 Suicide Prevention & Intervention Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

17 Mental Health Awareness training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

17 Understanding and Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse [ [link removed] ] - Equation

19 Self Harm Awareness Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

19 Built for Zero: Community data driven solutions to end rough sleeping [ [link removed] ] - King's College London

24 An overview of the journey through the Local Mental Health Teams (LMHT's); from referral through to treatment [ [link removed] ] - PDU

24 Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse in Early Years Settings [ [link removed] ] - Equation

24 Your Choice Project - Service Webinar [ [link removed] ] - Equation

25 Mental Health Awareness training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

26 Institutional Discharge - Learning from Safeguarding Adult Reviews [ [link removed] ] - PDU

26 Good Practice Learning Session: Strengths-based Practice [ [link removed] ] - Homeless Link

July

1 Suicide Prevention & Intervention Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

3 New Synthetic Opioids Training for Professionals [ [link removed] ] - Change Grow Live Nottinghamshire

3 Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse in Early Years Settings [ [link removed] ] - Equation

7 Mental Health Awareness training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

8 Self Harm Awareness Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

9 An overview into Adult Secondary Mental Health with a focus on the Early Intervention Psychosis Team [ [link removed] ] - PDU

9 Developing a Trauma Informed Care model for homelessness & disadvantage [ [link removed] ] - King's College London

14 Suicide Bereavement Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

16 Suicide Prevention & Intervention Training [ [link removed] ] - The Academy at Harmless

17 Alcohol Awareness & Intervention Training for Professionals [ [link removed] ] - Change Grow Live Nottinghamshire

18 Mental Health Awareness training [ [link removed] ]- The Academy at Harmless 

29 How Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse use Technology [ [link removed] ] - Equation

31 Understanding& Responding to Domestic Violence &Abuse - Face to Face [ [link removed] ] - Equation

August

7 Introduction to Severe Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) Housing Support [ [link removed] ] - Change Grow Live Nottinghamshire

21 Drug Risks & Harm Reduction Training For Professionals [ [link removed] ] - Change Grow Live Nottinghamshire

21 How Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse use Technology [ [link removed] ] - Equation

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Got a diary date between August and November you'd like us to include in our next edition? Let us know at [email protected]   <[email protected]>

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].








Contact Housing Strategy - Nottingham City Council

Tel: 0115 915 5555

Email: [email protected]

Council Web: Nottinghamcity.gov.uk/housingplan [ [link removed] ]

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Foster Care Fortnight - The power of relationships #FCF25 [ [link removed] ]


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