RICS Director of External Affairs, Julian Francis, said: "The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) welcomes the UK Government's commitment to expanding the supply of social and affordable housing through the first major allocation from its £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

"The investment to strengthen local authority capacity, combined with the expansion of the Pathways to Planning programme into specialist roles including surveying and construction project management, is particularly positive. Delivering homes at scale requires not only funding but also sufficient professional skills and expertise across planning, valuation, development, construction, and asset management.

“As more responsibility for housing investment is devolved to local leaders and authorities, it is crucial that funding is matched by robust capacity. RICS and its members will continue to aid the UK Government, Homes England and local partners in turning this long-term investment into high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes.”

-ENDS-

About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

For more information:

Kris Hicks
Khicks@rics.org