Rics Wales Launch Manifesto

Feb. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- As all parties are putting together their policies in the coming months, RICS is offering timely, impartial advice and guidance on the built environment to policymakers across the board.

The Manifesto launch took place at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay and was hosted by RICS President, Robert Peto and RICS Wales Chairman Mike Lawley. It was attended by the RICS Wales board as well as RICS members and AMs.

The Manifesto provides recommendations on many areas of the built environment. In terms of housing, RICS Wales is recommending the relaxation of affordable housing targets to stimulate a greater supply of all housing as well as calling on additional assistance for first time buyers and more innovative solutions to assist house purchase such as shared ownership and flexible mortgages.

RICS Wales also recommends further reforms to the planning system to better encourage economic development in Wales. These include implementing the main plans laid out in the WAG/WGA Grimley report published in June 2010 and embedding economic renewal into the planning process in the same way the social and environmental factors currently are.

David Morgan, policy manager for RICS Wales comments:
“With 15 policy sub-groups and expertise in the public and private sectors we are well placed to serve the widest public interest and provide support and advice wherever possible. RICS Wales is governed by a Royal Charter and as such we are committed to providing an impartial insight into property matters in Wales.

“The RICS Wales Manifesto has been designed to convey clear recommendations on where, as a professional body, we feel that improvements could be made to develop processes and policies concerning the built environment. In the coming months we will be making ourselves available to provide advice and guidance, wherever appropriate as the parties continue to draft their policies ahead of the elections.

“Our members in both North and South Wales have already had an opportunity to meet party representatives and share their views at the Hustings events we held earlier in the month and we would like to encourage all members to remain engaged in the process and offer their expertise in the vast range of areas that we represent throughout this exciting and landmark year.”

There are two key ideas for policymakers to consider outlined in the Manifesto. The first is to develop a business advice scheme where organisations can gain knowledge and seek advice on land and property matters as a way of helping people to run or set up businesses. This would work in the same way as the Citizens Advice Scheme but with a business focus. Finally, the RICS would like to engage with and assist the new panels being developed to support the six sector teams following up the Wales Economic Renewal Programme.

The Manifesto can be viewed by all members, politicians and interested parties on the RICS Wales website (www.rics.org/wales).

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