RIBA response to Queen's Speech

The Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) President, Stephen Hodder, has given the Institute’s initial reaction to today’s Queen’s Speech. 

Of particular interest to the RIBA were: 

• Housing Bill – including measures to increase the supply of Starter Homes and simplify the neighbourhood planning system
• Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill – to give greater powers to councils and local communities

RIBA President Stephen Hodder said:

‘We welcome the Government’s commitment to housebuilding, but it is vital that the pressure to quickly alleviate the housing crisis doesn’t lead to sub-standard homes and communities. The RIBA supports the building of more low-cost homes on brownfield sites but high quality design and infrastructure are essential to create desirable homes that meet the needs of current and future generations.

‘Whilst we are pleased to see the Government’s commitment to neighbourhood planning, we remain deeply concerned by the loss of expertise and capacity from local authority planning teams and are cautious that the pressure to speed up the process could put the design quality of developments at risk.

‘Decentralising power from Central Government to English cities is essential to support a growing and balanced UK economy. We welcome the Government’s commitment to give cities the freedom to make big decisions on local transport, housing and skills. Cities must also be able to raise finance and retain income to invest in local priorities, including high quality housing and innovative infrastructure.’

RIBA set out a vision for the new Government in the Building a Better Britain report.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For further press information contact Melanie Mayfield, RIBA Press Office melanie.mayfield@riba.org 020 7307 3662

Decentralising power from Central Government to English cities is essential to support a growing and balanced UK economy.

2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com 

3. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA

Posted on Wednesday 27th May 2015