We catch up with Lyn Poole, Secured by Design development officer, to learn about building safer homes and neighbourhoods. Here, she tells us about the official UK Police flagship initiative that combines the principles of designing out crime with physical security, the rigorous tests products are subject to, and where to find the best safety and home security advice.

Self-builders who took out home warranties backed by failed group Alpha Insurance A/S could see their financial products refunded or replaced at no cost, Build It understands. Just last month it was reported that 10,700 motorists had their Alpha insurance policies transferred to Markerstudy, thanks to a deal between the DGF and Right Choice Insurance Brokers. And in a similar move, self-builders who took out a structural warranty with CRL could benefit from a comparable deal. Pernille Gram Christensen from trade organisation Insurance & Pensions Denmark told Build It: “The Danish Guarantee Fund only provides compensation for claims that have not been covered...

Earlier this year, the RTB Task Force announced their free advice scheme and called for groups wishing to kick-start their community-led housing schemes to submit applications and register their interest. The key eligibility criteria was for groups to deliver more than five homes, promote custom or self build and include an element of low cost or affordable housing.

Community self build group RUSS is launching a new workshop in London to explain the steps groups should take to secure planning permission from their local authority. The self build group recently secured planning permission for its £8m affordable housing project in Lewisham, following a lengthy process. The workshop will explain how RUSS managed to overcome various obstacles over the last three years, providing a detailed insight into the hurdles that had to be cleared and the vital lessons l

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has awarded £988,000 to a community self build project in Lewisham to create affordable homes. The Rural Urban Synthesis Society secured planning permission earlier this year to self build quality, affordable homes for its members. The south London group plans to build 33 homes on Church Grove in Ladywell, Lewisham, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses. The homes have been designed to tailor to the occupants needs, with the group having a say through

Saffron for Intermediaries has launched a lower-rate mortgage for self builders for a limited time only. As part of an autumn sale, the lender is offering a variable mortgage rate reduced from 4.45 per cent to 4.20 per cent. The self build mortgage is available to first time buyers and clients can have up to five times their income considered on application. It is ideal for those aiming to start their project before the end of the year.

Following the news that Alpha Insurance A/S had declared bankruptcy, thousands of policy holders in the UK rushed to find answers. But many – including some self builders – are unaware that they might be affected.

Following the news that Alpha Insurance A/S had declared bankruptcy, thousands of policy holders in the UK rushed to find answers. But many – including some self-builders – are unaware that they might be affected. How do I know if I’m still covered after Alpha’s insolvency? Self-builders who suspect their structural warranty was covered by Alpha should contact their insurer or broker for clarification.