The RIBA responds to Labour Party 2015 Election Manifesto

Today, 13 April 2015, the RIBA responded to the launch of the Labour Party’s 2015 General Election Manifesto. Discussing the issues of Housing, Planning, Schools Building and Flood Defences – all key components of the RIBA’s #BuildaBetterCampaign – the RIBA President Stephen Hodder said:

On Housing:

‘We welcome the idea that homes should be built where people want to live and shape their communities. The RIBA believes that, to deliver truly affordable housing, the Government needs to remove the Local Authority borrowing cap on Housing Revenue Account receipts.’

On Planning:

‘The Next Government should review the National Policy Planning Framework to ensure that it balances the tennets of sustainability. In particular we need to see stronger guidance on viability negotiations to tackle the delays in the current system.’

On Schools Building:

‘Labour’s commitment to protect the schools budget must be accompanied by an acknowledgement of the need to invest in the UK’s schools estate. We face a growing shortage of school places, and 80% of our school buildings are in poor condition, failing the students and teachers trying to learn and teach in them. Well-designed buildings improve well-being and cut maintenance costs – vital to the long-term future of the UK’s education system.’

On Flood Defences:

‘The next Government should provide real security for communities in areas affected by flooding by introducing legislation committing successive UK governments to build flooding resilience as a strategic priority over the next 100 years. We welcome Labour’s commitments to prioritise investment in flood prevention to better protect communities.’

ENDS

Notes to editors:

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

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

3. For more information or interview requests, members of the press should contact: Gagandeep Bedi, Press Officer, RIBA: gagandeep.bedi@riba.org 020 7307 3814

Posted on Monday 13th April 2015