The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s 2024 Autumn Budget.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:
“Given the huge demand for housing, the £500 million top-up to the Affordable Homes Programme – as part of today’s Budget – is desperately needed. But this pocket-sized sum isn’t going to deliver a home for everybody who needs one, including the hundreds of thousands of people waiting for social housing.
Alongside calling for next year’s Spending Review to boost the social housing pot, we urge the Government to consider its overall approach to funding social homes. This includes exploring different models that reduce the net cost of delivery, such as that outlined in our report, Foundations for the Future.
Fundamentally, housebuilding needs to be more than a numbers game. Places must be well-designed, well-connected, inclusive and accessible, which means ensuring sufficient infrastructure is developed alongside new homes. That means building on today’s infrastructure announcements – because, ultimately, we must create places where people want to live.”
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- 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. Follow @RIBA on X/Twitter for regular updates.
- Find out more about RIBA’s policy and public affairs work.
