RIBA response: Government’s Autumn Budget overshadowed by the grave consequences of a no-deal Brexit
Responding to today’s Budget from Chancellor Philip Hammond, the Royal Institute of British Architects has warned of grave consequences to architecture should the UK leave the EU without a Brexit deal. The Institute welcomed some positive announcements for housing but remains concerned that it does not deliver the certainty needed for businesses in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire says,
“The Chancellor’s warnings around a ‘no deal’ Brexit has overshadowed the announcements made today and reflects the grave consequences that this would have on our economy including our world-leading architecture sector.
That said, I welcome confirmation of the removal of the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap for local authorities. This predicted £4.6bn boost has the potential to enable ambitious councils to deliver new, affordable homes. The RIBA and its members will continue to work with the Government and local authorities to promote quality design in the delivery of new housing. The end of PFI will be welcomed by many RIBA members – I hope that the government will now look more closely at how the public sector procures new buildings to ensure that we learn the lessons of PFI and put quality and real value for money at the heart of the process.
I am pleased to see the Chancellor’s recognition of Sir Oliver Letwin’s final recommendations on reforming the housing market, which positively references the RIBA’s newly published report, ‘Ten characteristics of places where people want to live’. I hope the Letwin Review report will help inform how the Government spend the promised £675 million future High Streets Fund.
It has become clear the permitted development of office to residential housing has led to terrible homes. The Government’s consultation on commercial property and upward development must avoid a repeat of these failings by ensuring proper oversight of projects.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact Elise Neve elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
2. 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. www.architecture.com. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
