The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Prime Minister’s first major Cabinet reshuffle which saw Steve Reed becoming Secretary of State at Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Other cabinet appointees include Peter Kyle as Secretary of State for Business and Trade and Pat McFadden as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
RIBA President, Chris Williamson said:
“The government has made bold commitments to drive economic growth and improve living standards – ones we continue to work with new Ministers to achieve. From delivering 1.5 million homes to exporting UK services around the world, architecture is integral in helping to deliver its ambitions.
To ensure that the new homes we urgently need are high-quality, we must embed good design in the planning system. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, should require a design vision as part of Spatial Development Strategies to guarantee quality from the outset. To support this, planning departments must receive additional resource to address gaps in skills and capacity.
We must continue to put safety at the heart of our buildings and drive forward our net zero goals. Ambitious requirements to reduce both operational and embodied carbon emissions and a National Retrofit Strategy should be at the top of the government’s agenda.
None of this will be possible without a pipeline of talent. Recent changes to Level 7 apprenticeship funding undermines the sector’s ability to deliver on the government’s plan for growth.
UK architecture is world-renowned, and we are working to export and promote exemplary design and buildings across the globe – all while supporting the government to deliver a better built environment throughout the country. We look forward to continuing this work in the coming months.”
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Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Nancy.Ludwig@riba.org
- 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 X/Twitter for regular updates.
