Budget won't deliver without long-term plan to tackle housing crisis

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Budget from the Chancellor George Osborne.

RIBA President Jane Duncan said: “The changes to the rules on business rates and national insurance contributions will be well received by RIBA architects working on their own or at smaller practices.

“Planned investments to infrastructure projects in London and the North of England are a welcome boost to capacity. Further devolution deals will be an ideal opportunity for architects to work with communities on housing, planning and transport issues that ensure we get more high quality affordable homes for everyone.

"I’m also pleased the importance of protecting our homes and businesses against flooding has been recognised.

“But, there are too many unanswered questions about how the Government plans to address the housing crisis affecting every part of the country. Councils need to be given greater borrowing powers to invest in new housing.

"The continued focus on home ownership means that there are huge parts of the market where private developers and housing associations either can’t or won’t invest.”