Greener Homes - Decarbonising The Housing Stock

The UK has some of the most inefficient housing in Europe, and a new report, Greener Homes – embedding energy efficiency in the housing market, urges the government to make homes more energy efficient by bringing forward a National Retrofit Strategy. The report recommends the introduction of a sliding scale of stamp duty, capped at £25,000, with the most energy efficient homes accruing significantly less tax than the least energy efficient. The report also suggests a tax rebate for a period after purchase, to encourage homeowners to undertake their own energy efficiency improvements such as insulating lofts and walls, draught proofing doors, windows and floors. Download the report from the RIBA website.

https://www.architecture.com/-/media/GatherContent/Paywalled-resource-with-many-PDFs-VPC/Additional-Documents/GreenerHomespdf.pdf

Lack Of Age-Friendly Homes Exposes ‘Hidden Housing Crisis’

England’s ‘hidden housing crisis’ is exposed in the severe lack of age-friendly homes – with demographics defining a quarter of the English population aged over 60 within five years. Yet new housing is being built with little regard to the needs of this ageing population, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) says. A new RIBA’s report emphasises the importance of “well-designed, purpose built” new homes that enable people to play a more active role in their communities as they age. Download the report from the RIBA website.

https://www.architecture.com/-/media/gathercontent/work-with-us/additional-documents/11756-agefriendly-report-finalpdf.pdf

20 Ways To Tackle The Housing Crisis

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has set out its key recommendations for dealing with the UK’s dire housing crisis. With a new government and the leave result of the EU referendum, it’s more vital than ever to ensure design quality isn’t comprised as we ramp up the construction industry to keep Britain’s economy growing and build much needed new homes. The new policy document, ‘Housing Matters: #20ways to tackle the housing crisis’, advocates better use of public resources and public sector land, more locally-made decisions, greater focus on good design, increased support for new types of housing development, sustainable and resilient homes and a more transparent housing market. Download a copy of the recommendations from the RIBA website.

Housing Groups Unite For Political Campaign

Housing sector bodies have formed an umbrella group to make the case for housing at this year’s party conferences.  Six organisations have formed a group called Homes for Britain to provide a ‘united voice for housing.  The organisations involved are the Chartered Institute of Housing, Crisis, The Home Builders’ Federation, the National Housing Federation, the Residential Landlords Association and the Royal Institute of British Architects.  Read more on Inside Housing.