The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today, Wednesday 13 March 2019, responded to the government’s Spring Statement from Chancellor Philip Hammond.
RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire says,
“The Chancellor has outlined some modest but welcome changes in today’s Budget. But against the threat of a no deal Brexit they provide little reassurance to a country gripped by uncertainty.
Incremental improvements on housing will address some of the impacts that a decade of cuts have had on local authority capacity and could improve the delivery of genuinely affordable housing. I also support the announcement that recommendations from the Letwin review will be accepted, leading I hope to greater recognition from housebuilders of the urgent need to raise design quality.
I am, however, deeply concerned that further deregulation of the planning system by extending permitted development is in sight. This will push more people into poor quality housing and is completely unacceptable.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
- For further press information contact Elise Neve elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
- 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
