Cabe’s merger with the Design Council has been confirmed following an agreement reached by the two bodies and the government.
From April 1 the combined organisation will provide a “one stop shop” for design support, including functions such as design review, mentoring and advice.
The Design Council will now consult with Cabe to finalise the roles necessary to deliver design review. A new governance structure will also be put in place to help the organisation deliver its broader remit. Once staff consultations are finished, the new roles will be announced.
Grant Shapps, the housing and local government minister, said: “This merger, which has the support of leading experts in the field, will not only mean the excellent work the commission has already undertaken can continue, but will also ensure that every taxpayer’s pound spent on improving design is spent wisely and efficiently.”
The body will be funded from a number of sources, including the Communities & Local Government department (CLG) which will give Cabe annual funding of around £3.5 million.
Chair of Cabe Paul Finch said: “This very positive move will place architecture at the heart of the economy as a driver for competitive businesses and places. I am very much looking forward to the combined expertise of our two organisations coming together to achieve that.”
As set out in the government’s review of quangos, the Design Council will remain a Royal Charter charity, but will cease to be a non-departmental government body.
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