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Architecture is political - because architecture is really all about issues such as where we live, how our children are taught, how we are treated when we are ill or the quality of our neighbourhoods. It is the job of the RIBA's Public Affairs team to raise the profile of architecture among decision-makers in Westminster and Whitehall and, in doing so, help them realise that architecture and good design touch on everybody's lives at all sorts of everyday levels. Contact the Public Affairs team|.

 

Emergency budget
June 2010

George Osborne delivered his first budget as Chancellor to the House of Commons on 22 June.

The spending cuts announced in the budget were widely predicted but the commitment to maintain capital spending is encouraging and we endorse George Osbourne’s view that this should protect the most productive public sector investment.

We will have to wait until the comprehensive spending review in October to find out more detail how Government departments are going to tackle their cuts and whether architects and the construction industry will feel the pain of these decisions.

The cuts in public sector funding as well as council tax freezes will mean that times are tough.  It is clear though, that as the pressure on public finances becomes more acute, it will be essential that the Government achieves the best long-term value for public money.  Well-designed, sustainable buildings can help achieve this goal. Money spent on well designed schools, housing and hospitals is money well spent with tangible value. The Government must continue to invest in important infrastructure projects and recognise how important all these projects are to the construction industry and the UK’s long-term economic interests.

The Government’s policy programme aims to devolve decision-making to local level. Architects are well placed to support Local Authorities in doing so – through support in consultation, advice on design and planning and by acting as client support through client design advisers. There will also undoubtedly be a huge programme of retrofitting existing homes and other buildings. Architects can provide best value on design solutions that make the most of refurbishment programmes and  architects will need to ensure they are equipped to undertake this kind of work.

In summary:

  • VAT to increase to 20% 4 January 2011
  • No reduction in capital spending but they will assess where to prioritise spending. Priority to be given to projects which yield significant economic benefits
  • Confirm introduction of green investment bank and Infrastructure UK
  • Reduce Corporation Tax rate by 20% for small businesses
  • New businesses set up outside of London, the South East and the Eastern region will be exempt from up to £5,000 of employer national insurance payments, for each of their first 10 employees hired.
  • £11 billion cut from welfare budget including cut off for housing benefits and disability living allowance
  • 25% cuts on average for all government departments, except health and international development but with details to be announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review 20 October.

 

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