Our response to HM Treasury’s Spring Statement.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government's Spring Statement, today, Wednesday 15 March 2023.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
"We welcome the Chancellor's emphasis on levelling up in today’s Budget. Devolving power to local communities and funding for local regeneration projects both go a long way to answering the call we have long supported for more localised control of levelling up priorities.
However, if the government wants to tackle the housing crisis, clear planning backlogs, and provide high quality, affordable housing for people across the country, we need much better resourced planning departments.
We must also retrofit our existing housing stock – improving energy efficiency reduces household energy bills, creates green jobs and improves health outcomes. It also brings a sustained boost to the economy and is integral to the low carbon future.
Unfortunately, adequate resources for planning departments and retrofitting were omitted from today’s announcement. If the government wants to achieve levelling up across the country, it must take bolder action on both.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@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 Twitter for regular updates.
