President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Ben Derbyshire says,
“The news that the Government will provide £2 billion of new funding for housing associations is welcome, but is a mere drop in the ocean when it comes to actually solving the crisis of affordable housing in this country. The RIBA has been calling on the Government to lift the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap for local authorities to enable them to build more of the social housing we need. It is also vital to ensure that the homes we build are well designed and made to last. Social housing in the past was a source of pride for tenants. If we are to achieve this in the future and remove the stigma that is now too often experienced by social housing tenants, the Government must recognise the central role of architects in delivering homes and places that people are proud of.”
-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
