RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said:
“We are encouraged that the new Secretary of State for Housing (Robert Jenrick) and new Minister for Housing (Esther McVey) take seats at the Cabinet table for the first time indicating, rightly, that housing will be a priority. We are seriously concerned about the quality of some of the housing being built across the country, and urge the new government to review current Permitted Development Rights as a matter of urgency.
As the mercury boils across the UK, the new Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs Theresa Villiers clearly has a huge task on her hands. The global climate emergency must be confronted with real and urgent action - warm words are not enough.
With less than 100 days to go until the UK leaves the EU, Brexit is a key priority. No deal would be disastrous for UK construction and our world leading architecture sector because our success relies on being open to the world. We will be engaging with the new government to stress our profession’s concerns.
These are challenging and turbulent times. The new government must now pull together to deliver meaningful change.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For further press information contact Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org +44 (0) 20 7580 3811
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
