IHBC NewsBlogs

Two organisations (TCPA and APSE) have authored a joint report on meeting housing needs in a Local Authority context, calling for a new approach by the government towards investing in social housing. 

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) writes:
APSE and the TCPA have called for a radical new approach to renew the quality and availability of social housing in the UK. Following publication of a joint research report ‘Housing the Nation: Ensuring councils can deliver more and better homes’ they argue that by investing in social housing the new Government can help to convert housing benefits into bricks; create a new basis for social housing renewal, and bring jobs, skills and regeneration to local communities.

Whilst in the post war years the public and private sector achieved the delivery of over 300,000 new homes per year, with around 90,000 of those homes being built by local councils, since the late 1970’s figures have dramatically declined. In 2013 just over 2000 new council homes were delivered with only a 1,000 of those new council houses being built in England. The report also finds that over four decades successive governments have had to meet increasingly larger bills for housing benefit payments, whilst neglecting to address the root cause of rent increases, which is the lack of supply of social housing.

The research also found that 53% of local authorities surveyed from across England identified the viability test in the National Planning Policy Framework as negatively impacting on their ability to deliver affordable and social homes, compared with just 14% who felt the viability test helped. These figures suggest that the UK Government should reframe the viability test in a more balance way. Over two thirds of council’s surveyed also stated that their dominant model of delivering social and affordable housing is currently through the planning process via developer contributions which raises serious questions for the new Government about whether the developer-contribution model of funding social and affordable housing, via planning obligations, remains a policy objective, and if not, where is the replacement investment going to come from.

Speaking at the launch of the report, which explored housing issues on a UK wide basis Paul O’Brien, Chief Executive of APSE said ‘We should not underestimate the impact of lack of supply of social housing on market rents. This adds pressure to both local and central government finances. To rebalance the social housing market we need an ambitious programme of bringing new social housing schemes to fruition. Local councils need to be at the heart of delivering new high quality and affordable homes for rent. It is possible to achieve this but we need Westminster to share that ambition.’

Kate Henderson, Chief executive of the TCPA added ‘The new Government has an enormous opportunity to help ensure councils can once again play a full and active role in planning, delivering and managing social and affordable homes. This will require strong political leadership, a progressive planning framework, genuinely empowering local authorities, reversing recent deregulatory changes, and enabling councils to borrow to build.

The report puts forward a number of recommendations including:-

• A call on the UK Government to forge a lasting cross-party consensus that local authorities are a key part of the solution to the housing crisis, providing clear leadership to encourage councillors, and their authorities, to think boldly and in the long term and for local councils to ensure that social and affordable housing is included in the Local Plan process.
• Councils should play a stronger role in co-ordinating land assembly and planning, acting as lead developer, to drive delivery. Where councils own land they should explore creative opportunities to bring it forward and when releasing public sector land, Government should coordinate between Government departments and agencies and empower councils to decide how best to facilitate development in their area.
• The expansion of combined authorities in England is a major opportunity to recreate effective strategic planning for housing.  Government should play a role in this process by ensuring combined authorities can adopt strategic spatial plans with statutory weight and that the scope, timescales and content of such plans allows them to best support local planning and coordinate cross border relationships with other city regions and combined authorities.
• The UK Government must amend the viability test in the National Planning Policy Framework ensuring it is more balanced and allows for the consideration of economic data on the cost and benefits to the public sector and the wider economy of new social and affordable housing and should reverse the central deregulation of permitted development.
• The UK Government should reverse the recent changes which exempt developments of 10 homes or less from section 106 affordable housing contributions and cancel the recently introduced Vacant Building Credit.
• Councils should seize the have an opportunity to become the ‘landlord of choice’ ensuring that they ‘build, maintain, improve’ local housing and coordinate housing services with other council services such as health, education and social care.
• The UK Government should lift the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap which would significantly increase local authorities’ ability to deliver new social and affordable homes and re-visit the issue as to whether investment in housing should be part of the public sector borrowing requirement (PSBR). As APSE has consistently called for and the Association of Retained Council Housing and National Federation of ALMOs highlight ‘there is a strong case for reforming public borrowing rules to classify such borrowing separately, as is the practice elsewhere in Europe as well as by the IMF, and exempting it from the deficit reduction strategy.’
• Government should review the overall Right to Buy policy so that Right to Buy enables councils, ALMOs and Registered Providers/ Housing Associations to genuinely invest in one-for-one replacement of social housing. Alongside this measure the UK Government should review the New Homes Bonus scheme.
• The Government needs to support the expansion of the construction industry, recognising the current capacity constraints on delivery due to factors such as the availability of skilled and unskilled workers, equipment and raw materials.  Local authorities can also play an important role in expanding the sector through apprenticeships. 

View the news release and download the report

IHBC newsblogs on housing

Following last week’s newsblog on Civic Day events, members may be interested to know that ‘playful community’ events are also in the news, with The Scottish Government announcing funding to support community events such as street parties, and the Guardian reports on ‘chalk our streets’ and giant aqua play slides.

The Scottish Government writes:
A project that last year encouraged over 400,000 Scottish people to share lunch with their neighbours has been awarded Scottish Government funding to help more communities be involved in this year’s events.

Big Lunch Scotland will receive almost £50,000 to give communities the chance to apply for a grant that could go towards food, insurance, outdoor games or furniture to host their own get-together.

From now until September, communities who may have faced barriers to taking part in the past will be able to apply for grants of up to £150.  The Big Lunch is the Eden Project’s annual UK-wide event aimed at building community spirit and getting neighbours talking. While events kick off on June 7, communities are encouraged to run events throughout the summer.  In addition, the Scottish Government funding will also offer grants of up to £500 to help support participants of the Big Lunch Extra Programme develop ideas in their community such as cookery classes, babysitting services or community cinemas.

Minister for Community Empowerment Marco Biagi met with Edinburgh and Midlothian Big Lunch organisers and their neighbours to officially open the new funding schemes.

He said: ‘Around 400,000 Scottish people – including me – took part in The Big Lunch last year, and I hope the Scottish Government’s funding boost of nearly £50,000 will make it possible for even more people to take part over the summer.  We’re often guilty of not making enough time to get to know the people who live next door to us, never mind the ones who live down the street. The Big Lunch is a simple way to reconnect with our neighbours and is having a powerful impact on communities.  From the people I’ve met who have attended Big Lunches in the past it’s clear to see the benefits of this annual event. People feel more involved their community, they have a stronger sense of community spirit and they feel less isolated.  The Scottish Government recognises the importance of empowering communities and giving them the confidence to shape their own futures. These grants will remove financial barriers and will make sure everyone has an opportunity to be involved in The Big Lunch.’

Feedback from the 2014 Big Lunch found that 97 per cent of people who took part would recommend the event to their friends, and 84 per cent said it made them feel better about their neighbourhood.

Emily Watts, Campaign Manager for The Big Lunch in Scotland, said: ‘We always say that you don’t need much money to hold a Big lunch when everyone brings something to the table and that is still true – but there are times when a small amount of help can mean the difference between your community getting involved and not.

‘To be eligible you need to be able to tell us how you would use the grant to enable your community or street to take part, and what barriers it would help to overcome. For existing Big Lunch participants, you must be able to tell us how you will engage a new section of the community with the grant.’

View the Scottish Government news article

View more information on the UK wide ‘Big Lunch’ event

View the Guardian article on ‘playable cities’

Guardian news on ‘chalkify your city’

IHBC newsblogs article on Civic day

The RTPI has developed a new bursary scheme to help the planners of tomorrow, which will help those who wish to study planning at Masters level

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) writes:
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is launching a Future Planners bursary scheme, initially with 16 universities from across the UK and Ireland, to encourage more students, particularly from related subjects such as law and geography, to study planning at Masters level. The scheme is also generously supported by a number of employers.

For 2015, students can apply for a bursary worth £1,000, co-funded by the RTPI and the participating university, and sponsored by a number of leading employers of planning graduates, including Atkins, Bilfinger GVA and Quod. More universities and sponsors are expected to join the scheme.

A recent survey by the Higher Education Statistics Agency revealed that 71.3% of architecture, planning and building graduates find work within six months of graduating, making it the fourth most successful degree subject for finding work after completion.

Janet Askew, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute(RTPI) said  ‘Planning is a multi-faceted and rewarding career. Having lectured and worked internationally, I know that British planning schools and the planners they educate are well respected around the world and held in high professional esteem.  RTPI accredited planning schools offer high quality education which stands their graduates in good stead to work anywhere in the world. There has never been a better time to become a planner with its exciting and challenging issues.’

Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis said:  ‘Planning is a hugely important area, spanning from protecting our heritage buildings and wonderful countryside, to providing for current and future housing and business needs, supporting growth and promoting great design. Right across the country planners work at the cutting edge of shaping how the country will look in future.  This is why we need to keep encouraging talent into the planning profession, which can only ever be as good as the people who work in it. I warmly welcome the RTPI’s introduction of their bursary scheme, which will draw some of the best and brightest graduates to continuing their studies into planning at master’s degree level.’

Joanne Farrar from Atkins, a leading planning, engineering and environmental consultancy and scheme sponsor said:   ‘Atkins is very pleased to support the RTPI bursary scheme this year. We are committed to making our dynamic and diverse profession an attractive career option to current and future generations.   We are also passionate about helping to provide exciting employment opportunities for the UK’s young people so we can continue to attract the best talent to the profession and help plan the communities of the future.’

Nick Harrison, Director and Graduate Champion at Bilfinger GVA, one of the largest commercial property advisers operating throughout the UK and Ireland said:  ‘Education is the bedrock of social progress and economic development. By encouraging the best graduates to pursue a career in planning the profession will be better equipped to ensure sustainable economic development and a better environment. As the UK economy continues to recover the opportunities for planners will become even more diverse, and competition to recruit talented graduates will only intensify.  Career prospects for new planners are now better than ever, but this needs to be highlighted if UK planning schools are to continue to attract top graduates in the face of stiff competition from other courses. Bilfinger GVA is delighted to support the Future Planners Bursary Scheme as part of our wider commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing the reputation of the planning profession.’

Sue Willcox, Director of Quod, a planning consultancy and scheme sponsor said: ‘Quod is pleased to support the RTPI in nurturing the next generation of talented planners. Skills and knowledge are crucial to the quality of our industry. The profession is becoming attractive to young people who recognise that it is a creative and rewarding way to make a difference to society. We hope that the bursary scheme will help to attract students from a broad academic background to enter planning, to contribute to the diversity of our profession.’

Professor Nick Gallent, Head of the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London said:  ‘This is an important initiative by the RTPI and the Bartlett School of Planning is pleased to be working together with the Institute to support new planners at the very beginning of their careers.’

The following universities have signed up to the scheme: University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Cardiff University, Heriot-Watt University, Leeds Beckett University, London South Bank University, Manchester University, Newcastle University, Oxford Brookes University, Plymouth University, Queen’s Belfast University, Sheffield University, Sheffield Hallam University, University College Cork, University College London, University of the West of England.

Students starting on RTPI fully accredited Masters in 2015 may be eligible for a bursary if they have a first or upper second degree at undergraduate level in any discipline and demonstrate an interest in planning and a career in planning.

For more information about becoming a partner in the scheme and how to apply for a bursary visit www.rtpi.org.uk/bursary

IHBC newsblogs on education

RTPI news

The Welsh Government (WG) is consulting on the proposals relating to the introduction of a new category of application type (developments of national significance) with a closing date for responses of 12 August.

The Welsh Government writes:
This consultation seeks views on detailed proposals to establish a new system for the Welsh Ministers to process ‘Developments of National Significance’ (DNS). This is a new category of planning application. 

This consultation paper seeks views on:

• the thresholds and criteria of what qualifies as an application for DNS
• which secondary consents may be submitted for consideration and determination alongside an application for DNS
• our proposals as to how pre-application notification, advice and consultation is undertaken
• the procedure for considering and determining an application for DNS
• our proposed fee structure for DNS applications
• the role of local planning authorities throughout the process.

View more information on the proposals and how to respond

With issues surrounding heritage crime affecting the condition and maintenance of our historic building stock, you may like to consider taking part in the latest National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) project, who have has launched a nationwide survey to assess views on policing in rural areas, with a closing date of 24 June.

The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) write:
The largest ever survey into crime and anti-social Behaviour (ASB) in rural areas has been launched in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to find out how the police can better serve rural communities. The survey, launched by the National Rural Crime Network, is calling for people who work or live in rural areas to come forward and give their views on policing in their community, the impact crime and ASB has on  them and their neighbours and to ultimately help shape the future of crime prevention and rural policing.

Anyone living or working in rural areas is being encouraged to take part in the survey to help build a picture of what is a widespread but often misunderstood issue.  You don’t need to have been a victim of crime to have a view on how the police work.  You may be concerned about police visibility or response, see incidents that go unreported, or you may have a local officer who is engaged and proactive.

Against a backdrop of policing budget reductions and a growing focus on higher crime areas, the new survey will assess how crime and ASB, as well as the threat of potential crime, affects individuals, both financially and emotionally. It will also shed light on the human implications of crime and the fear of crime seeking to explore the impact not just on individual victims, but also communities as a whole.

Any crime that happens in an urban area can, and does, happen in rural areas too, and how policing is delivered affects everyone living and working there.  Traditional farm-related incidents such as fuel theft and sheep rustling make up just one part of the problem; we need to understand all the other issues that affect people in our remoter areas, as well as in market towns, villages and the countryside more generally.

Chair of the NRCN, Julia Mulligan, who is also North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, commented: ‘The full scale of crime in rural areas has never before been assessed. Whilst official figures show rural crime, like crime in general, is decreasing, we are concerned about the wider implications on people and communities. The fear of crime can be as detrimental to people’s wellbeing as crimes themselves, so we are keen to find out more through this survey. Our aim is to build a clear picture of the issue to shape future delivery of services locally and nationally. By completing the survey, people can really have their say on how crime affects them and what they expect from local police and their partners involved in community safety.’

The survey, which is taking place with support from the Home Office, aims to build a body of information to improve national awareness of crime in rural areas as well as provide a clearer picture of attitudes towards crime to help inform government and local policy.  The findings will be important to ensure the human costs such as psychological impacts of crime are taken into account and police funding is spent where it is most needed, rather than simply being channelled to urban conurbations. The ultimate aim is to make rural communities safer.

While the survey will aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the scale and financial cost of crime and anti-social behaviour, it will also measure the emotional impact of crime in rural areas by asking how incidents made victims feel and the longer term effects on confidence and security.

Mulligan continued: ‘While average crime rates do tend to be higher in urban areas, tackling rural crime comes with its own specific challenges whether that be the ability of police forces to respond quickly or the scale of crimes which may go unreported. This survey is an important step towards delivering a better service to communities and making the countryside a safer place to live and work.’

The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is supported by 29 Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces across England and Wales. The Network, established in July 2014, includes a wide range of organisations with an interest in community safety and rural affairs such as the National Farmers Union, Historic England, Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers.

View the press release and access the survey

IHBC NewsBlogs on heritage crime

The first stage of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill was enacted this week, bringing planned potential new powers for more strategic planning actions, transport, housing, health, social care and skills training further forward.

DCLG writes:
A major step change in decision making across the country begins today (29 May 2015) – with the publication of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill – moving powers out of Whitehall so towns, cities and counties can set their own course.

The move, which will devolve new powers to local authorities, underlines the government’s one nation commitment – to bring our country together and ensure hardworking taxpayers across the country can benefit from a stronger economy and decide on the issues that affect them.

It will also give areas more freedom for local authorities to support local businesses, creating jobs and ensuring that every part of the country benefits from a stronger economy.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:  We’re determined to end the hoarding of power in Whitehall and rebalance our economy – unlocking local flair so our cities, towns and counties can reach their full potential and become their own economic powerhouses up and down the country.  This Bill will deliver the historic Greater Manchester devolution agreement and set the wheels in motion for other areas to follow.

Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton said: The Bill provides a huge opportunity for the North of England to tap into its enormous potential to attract firms and create jobs. Supporting businesses and giving hard-working people the skills they need to succeed is at the heart of our long-term economic plan and we are determined to ensure more businesses can thrive across our region.

The Bill, will put in place the legal framework for areas across the country to follow the lead of Greater Manchester – which is set to create a city-wide elected metro mayor who will provide strong leadership and clear vision for the area

The new powers will give Greater Manchester the reins on decision making over important local priorities, including economic development, local transport, housing, skills and vital public services like health and social care. It will also allow for the creation of an elected mayor for the whole of Greater Manchester’s combined authority area. The new mayor would have a range of powers and act as the police and crime commission for the area.

View the press release

View information on the progress of the bill

The closing date for the Mayor of London’s High Street Fund which offers up to £20,000 of funding to high streets improvement projects, using a crowdfunding approach, with a closing date of 29 June. 

Spacehive and the Mayors High Street Fund write:
We want to back your ideas for making London’s high streets even better places to visit, live in and do business.

Our Fund is here to help any local organisation – from Town Teams, charities and business improvement districts to community groups – to crowdfund projects that improve high streets.

Crowdfunding allows anyone to pledge money to your project. If enough people support your idea, you can quickly raise the money you need to make it happen.

To help you hit your target we are able to pledge up to £20,000 to eligible projects.

Find out if you’re eligible for a pledge (the next time we pledge will be in August, but to be considered, you need to have your idea up on the website and verified by Monday 29th June).

Last time we pledged on Spacehive we made some amazing projects happen together. I can’t wait to see what creative and brilliant projects you come up with next!

London’s high streets are at the heart of all of our communities. They have been under great pressure in recent times from retail parks and Internet shopping, but we believe that they have a crucial role to play in daily life; they are the heartbeat of our business community and the place where the distinct culture and character of our great city really comes to life.

Londoners are bursting with great ideas for making high streets better. We want to back the best so we can boost local economies across the capital, create jobs, and celebrate local diversity and creativity.

View information on the project funding and how it works

IHBC newsblogs on funding

IHBC London branch

The new environmental challenge fund is open for applications, with  £300,000 funding for local community environment projects across Northern Ireland (NI). 

One section of the awards is particularly relevant for IHBC NI members, ‘Proposals which promote environmental education and awareness of the natural & historic environment’  can be considered eligible. 

The DoENI writes:
The 2015-16 Challenge Fund is now open for applications from community groups and schools from across the North. There are two categories, Community Action and Environmental Education.  The announcement follows the recent launch of the Natural Environment Fund, which seeks to support environmental NGOs in tackling Northern Ireland’s most acute environmental priorities.

In launching the scheme at Compass Advocacy Network’s ‘Scrapheap Community Challenge’ project site in Ballymoney, which received Challenge funding last year, Mark H Durkan said: ‘This is a great opportunity to support the tireless legions of grass roots organisations and schools who are passionate about improving their own environment. I have seen at first hand the value of the work carried out by these groups. I have been highly impressed by the levels of partnership working and volunteer enthusiasm. I commend them for this work.

‘Scrapheap Community Challenge is a fantastic, innovative and imaginative project that clearly shows how the carrier bag levy monies is benefiting some of the most vulnerable in our society. At the same time it is helping foster and cement working relationships, dispel prejudices and benefitting the local community and environment.

‘Challenge Fund projects over the past two years have also delivered excellent social benefits. I am keen for this to continue. That is why, this year, we are particularly welcoming proposals seeking to help our society’s most vulnerable groups.

‘Recently I launched the Natural Environment Fund for NGOs. The focus was on ensuring local communities benefitted from funding. This new Challenge Fund complements that. Both initiatives are funded by monies from the Carrier Bag Levy which I pledged would be directly pumped back into the environment and for the benefit of everyone.

‘I have listened to the feedback from previous grantees, and am pleased to announce an earlier launch with the fund opening for applications from today, 1 June 2015. I encourage communities and schools to now apply for grants from the Challenge Fund.’

View the press release

View the DoENI funding pages

Find out more about the Challenge Fund

IHBC newsblogs on funding

IHBC NI branch

The Victorian Society (Voc Soc) is calling for nominations for the list of most endangered buildings in the UK, with nominations closing on 1 July. 

The Victorian Society writes:
The Victorian Society is asking the public to nominate buildings for its Top Ten most endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales. Appearing in the Victorian Society’s Top Ten list draws attention to a building’s plight and can help save it. Nominations close on Wednesday 1 July.

Individuals, organisations and campaign groups are invited to name the buildings and structures that are most at risk in their local area – whether from demolition, neglect or inappropriate redevelopment. Buildings must have been built between 1837 and 1914.

Christopher Costelloe, Director of the Victorian Society, said: ‘All over the country fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture face neglect, demolition or unsympathetic re-development. We want the public to be our eyes and ears and nominate the Victorian and Edwardian buildings we are most at risk of losing. Whether it’s a school building, an empty pub, a redundant chapel or a neglected but impressive feat of engineering, make sure you tell us about it so we can try to save them.’ 

To nominate a building contact the Victorian Society via email (media@victoriansociety.org.uk), tweet (@thevicsoc), Facebook (facebook.com/thevicsoc) or post (1 Priory Gardens, London W4 1TT) with brief details of the building(s) on or before Wednesday 1 July 2015.

All the buildings nominated will be considered by the Society’s architecture and conservation experts before the 2015 list of the Top Ten Most Endangered Buildings in England and Wales is announced.

An update on 2014’s Top Ten Most Endangered Buildings:

• There has been good news for some of 2014’s Top Ten. Emergency repair work has started at the Navigation Colliery in Crumlin funded by a £250,000 grant from the Welsh Government. Repair work is also expected to start on the Hammerhead Crane in Cowes following the release of funding from Historic England to appoint a specialist firm.
• Since appearing in last year’s Top Ten a ‘Save the Cardiff Coal Exchange’ group has been set up to help secure funding for restoration with use as a hub for media businesses mooted. The Exchange is also due to be used as the set of a new film ‘The Crow’. It is thought the fee will be put towards emergency restoration works
• Finally, the Society secured a meeting with Sheffield Council to discuss the future of the city’s Crimean war memorial which has been absent from the city for over a decade.  Although the Council has so far failed to commit to re-erecting the monument plans for a £480m retail development in Sheffield Town Centre could perhaps provide an answer to finding both a location and funding. 

View the news release

IHBC newsblogs on buildings at risk

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has commissioned major new research into whether cuts to planning departments are undermining economic recovery across the North West (NW) region.

This is the first time, since budget cuts took place in 2010, that any study has looked at links between development investment, economic growth, housing delivery and the resourcing of planning.

The research will be carried out by Arup, the global engineering, design and planning consultancy.

Arup will be inviting every local planning authority in the region to participate in a survey over the coming weeks. Findings are due to be published at the end of September 2015.

Joanne Harding, chair of RTPI North West region, said: ‘The study is very timely with the new Government announcing plans for a Northern Powerhouse to redress the North-South economic imbalance, and to attract investment into northern cities and towns.’

‘Arup will aim to quantify the impact of development pressures on public sector planning resources across the region and the consequences for the regional economy if this is not addressed.’

View the press release on the RTPI website

Planning Portal Blog

If you employ or know of a young person in the construction trade who has outstanding skills, why not nominate them (or your own company!) for the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Awards 2015, which has a closing date of 19 August? 

Skills Development Scotland writes:
Entry to Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2015 is now open!

The event is now in its 14th year of recognising the achievements of individuals and employers involved in the Modern Apprenticeship programme.  This year’s ceremony will take place on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.

The categories are:

• Apprentice Ambassador of the Year
• Level 2 Apprentice of the Year
• Level 3 Apprentice of the Year
• Higher Apprentice of the Year  (Level 4 and 5 Apprentices at SCQF level 8 or above)
• Micro Employer of the Year (for organisations with 10 employees or fewer)
• SME Employer of the Year (for organisations with 11 to 249 employees)
• Large Employer of the Year (for organisations with 250 to 4,999 employees)
• Macro Employer of the Year (for organisations with 5,000+ employees)
• Public Sector Employer of the Year. 

Find out more about the awards

If you aware of an exemplary church conservation project you might consider entering it for The King of Prussia Gold Medal Award, which has a closing date of 1 August.

The National Churches Trust writes:
The search is on for entries for The King of Prussia Gold Medal Award for the best church conservation or repair projects. The winning church or chapel will receive a £500 prize, and the architects responsible for the winning project will receive the prestigious King of Prussia Gold Medal.

Innovative, high quality church conservation or repair work that has successfully overcome a major aesthetic or technical challenge is eligible to be entered for The King of Prussia’s Gold Medal Award. The Gold Medal was the gift of King Freidrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia in 1857, who was highly impressed with British Victorian church architecture.

Run by the National Churches Trust and the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association, entries can be nominated by architects, chartered surveyors, churches and chapels, and anyone else with a passion for great church architecture.

We are delighted that the judges for The King of Prussia Gold Medal Award 2015 include HRH The Duke Gloucester KG GCVO and Prince Nicholas von Preussen.

In 2014, The King of Prussia Gold Medal Award for innovative, high quality church conservation or repair work was won by Beech Tyldesley Architects, for their repairs to the tower of St Michael’s Church in Othery, Somerset.  A project to reinstate the tiled dome at the Grade II* Listed church of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Ignatius in Chideock, Dorset, by architects Andrew Stone, was Highly Commended by the judges.

How to enter:
Projects must be entered for The King of Prussia Gold Medal Award by 1st August 2015. From the entries, a shortlist will be announced in early September and more details about the shortlisted projects will then need to be provided to the judges of the Award.  The winner will be announced at a special awards ceremony to be held at Westminster Cathedral Hall on 5th November 2015.

The architects responsible for the winning project will receive the prestigious King of Prussia Gold Medal. This was designed by Christophe Karl Pfeuffer, a medallist and coin engraver who in 1840 received an appointment at the Berlin Mint. In 1845 he was promoted to the rank of first medallist to the Mint and was described as a person who was well endowed by nature, who modelled quickly and carefully, and took good likenesses, but was perhaps too hasty and prolific. His medal of the Third Century of the Reformation at Berlin in 1839 is considered one of his most successful productions. The winning church or chapel will also receive a £500 prize.

Entry rules are simple

1. The conservation or repair project must have been carried out for a church or chapel belonging to a Christian denomination in the UK, in use for regular worship, and over one hundred years old.
2. The project must have been completed within the last three years.

Full details of 2014’s winning entries

You can find out more about the history of the award and previous winners on the EASA website

View information on the 2015 award

To celebrate its tenth anniversary the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has released a review of projects that have been funded since its founding, one part of the Stonehenge Riverside Project, and another the Mackintosh Architecture project. 

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) writes:
The AHRC is marking its tenth anniversary in 2015 through a number of activities designed to showcase the achievements of the arts and humanities research community over the last decade, to look forward to the coming decade and to celebrate the role of the arts and humanities in all areas of our national life.

A key objective of these activities is to engage and provide opportunities for the arts and humanities community and these pages are designed to keep researchers informed of developments and opportunities as they arise.

We’ve also put together a tenth anniversary timeline, showcasing key milestones in the AHRC’s history.

A number of activities will be undertaken to highlight and celebrate the successes of the arts and humanities research community over the last decade and, in some cases, the cumulative impact of successive AHRC awards over that period. The activities include:

• An online timeline highlighting some of the major events over the last decade and more
• A series of films designed to highlight projects and people funded since 2005. The first film looks at the Oxyrhynchus Papyri project, which has received AHRC funding since 2005. The second film is Picturing China, and the third is Mackintosh The fourth film looks at the Stonehenge Riverside Project.
• Case studies and feature articles to showcase the impact of AHRC funding
• A tenth anniversary publication will be launched in the Autumn, bring together the content generated for the anniversary.

View the Stonehenge project information and video  

View the Mackintosh architecture project information and video

View information about the special anniversary events (including conferences around the UK)

IHBC newsblogs on research

IHBC on learning opportunities

IHBC publications and research

The Telegraph has published a list of 20 sites in the UK which (in the view of the author, Emma Mills) are currently being overlooked by UNESCO.

The sites suggested range from Blackpool tower to the town of Knaresbrough.

View the online article and photo gallery

Criteria for nomination of WHS

Current map of designated WHS

IHBC NewsBlogs on WHS issues

The IHBC is delighted to announce that the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) is to offer copies of their briefings on ‘Lime’ and ‘Energy efficiency in old buildings’ to delegates at the IHBC’s Norwich School (subject to availability), creating yet another huge incentive for members and colleagues to make time for CPD and networking on 19 June, while if you can’t get there, you can always download copies from the SPAB’s website.

IHBC Director Sean O’Reilly said: ‘This is a very generous gesture by the SPAB towards our 2015 School delegates, while offering such easy online access to these authoritative texts through the SPAB’s own website is an important public and charitable gesture that we are delighted to applaud.’

The SPAB writes:
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) is making their ‘Energy Efficiency in Old Buildings’ and ‘Lime’ Briefings available to IHBC School delegates, while digital copies are also available to download from the SPAB’s website.

The Briefings series is a summary of the Society’s recent work; each edition aims to offer cutting-edge information to help both homeowners and building professionals.

Old buildings are sustainable but they can benefit from sensitive and well-informed energy efficiency measures. The ‘Energy Efficiency in Old Buildings’ SPAB Briefing explores the methods, materials and debates that will ensure your old building continues to be sustainable.

An understanding of lime is fundamental to the repair and long-term protection of our historic buildings. The SPAB, in association with the Building Limes Forum, has produced a ‘Lime’ Briefing that explores the exciting role lime has to play in the future of our built environment.

Both briefings are edited by award winning writer and blogger, Roger Hunt. Contributors include some of the some of the leading practitioners in their fields. The SPAB Briefing series is available to download here: http://www.spab.org.uk/briefing/

For information on and links to boking the IHBC’s Annual School in Norwich on 18-21 June, see Norwich2015

The new Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), Simon Skinner, has been appointed, and starts his new role next week. 

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) writes:
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of our new Chief Executive, Simon Skinner, who will take up his post on 8 June 2015.

Simon, who holds an MBA from the University of Stirling, was previously Chief Executive of Aegon Ireland Plc, having served in a succession of senior leadership posts within the wider Aegon UK group of pension, insurance and investment businesses.

Earlier in his career he was also appointed to corporate services, management and marketing roles with the Automobile Association, Scottish Widows and Greater Glasgow Health Board.

In his new role he will lead Scotland’s largest, independent conservation charity, which has a membership in excess of 330,000.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for many of Scotland’s most treasured places including Glencoe, Fair Isle, Culzean Castle, Culross and the dual World Heritage site of St Kilda. Simon Skinner succeeds Kate Mavor, who departed from the Trust last month to become the Chief Executive of English Heritage.

Welcoming Simon, the National Trust for Scotland’s Chairman Sir Moir Lockhead OBE said:

‘Simon Skinner brings an absolute wealth of leadership experience to the Trust.  Simon will play a key role as we chart the charity’s future through development of a fresh long-term vision and strategy. He can put his expertise in change management and strategic thinking to immediate use as we continue to modernise and enhance the Trust for the good of its members and the nation.

‘Simon will build upon the firm foundations laid by his predecessor, Kate Mavor and, in particular, will focus upon setting and meeting targets for fundraising and revenue generation, which in turn will allow us to fulfil our conservation ambitions.

‘The Trust’s Board, volunteers and staff offer Simon a warm welcome.’

Simon Skinner said:  ‘I am truly looking forward to becoming the National Trust for Scotland’s new Chief Executive.  This is a wonderful opportunity for me to use my skills and experience to help conserve and protect some of the most treasured and evocative places in Scotland.

‘From the progress made in the last five years, I hope to further build a legacy of a vibrant and secure Trust that is fully engaged with its members and is even more effective in delivering its core purpose of conserving and promoting our heritage.

‘Over the last thirty years I have loved visiting the wonderful places the Trust cares for with my children, so I am acutely aware of the importance of encouraging new generations to enjoy them as much as we did.’ 

View the press release

BEFS news

IHBC newsblogs on NTS

Government in England has called on Local Authorities there to follow the action of central government and make efforts to release surplus land for housing development, along with following new regulations to publish property and asset registers

DCLG writes:
Communities Secretary Greg Clark will this week lead the charge for Whitehall departments to let go of surplus and redundant land and property for new homes – and for town halls to follow suit.

Speaking ahead of the first meeting of a dedicated ministerial Housing Taskforce, Mr Clark is urging departments to ‘loosen their grip’ on sites that are standing idle so they can be released for new housebuilding, with a clear target to release enough land for 150,000 homes by 2020 – equivalent to the number of homes in Wakefield.

He is also calling on England’s 326 councils to follow the government’s lead and look at the land assets they hold, and use some of those plots, particularly those on brownfield sites, to provide new homes for their communities.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: The chance to own your own home should be available to everyone who works hard and aspires to. That is what a government for working people is about – making sure people have the security they need to build a brighter future for them and their families.  The scale of our ambition is clear – to release enough surplus and redundant public sector land for 150,000 homes over the next 5 years.

I want to see departments going further and faster than before, starting right away, to loosen their grip on sites that are standing idle and to turn them over for house building.  Councils are significant landowners and town halls should be looking at their estate, particularly brownfield sites, and thinking about how they could make better use of their holdings by releasing land for new homes for their communities..

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: Housebuilding is at an 7-year high, with construction starts up 5% over the last year alone – we must maintain this momentum.  A key way we’re doing that is by looking again at the land government departments own, with enough land released over the last Parliament for 103,000 homes.

Over the next 5 years, we’re going to go further and faster – but where Whitehall is leading, town halls should follow, ensuring their land can be put to good use to deliver new homes across the country.

Housebuilding is an important part of the government’s long-term economic plan, with starts at their highest annual level since 2007.

During the taskforce meeting the Secretary of State will highlight how enough formerly-used, surplus public sector land has already been released for 103,000 homes – surpassing the Prime Minister’s original target set in 2011.  But over the next 5 years, the government will work to release enough land for a further 150,000 homes – equivalent to the same number of homes in Wakefield.  The Department for Communities and Local Government and its delivery agency, the Homes and Communities Agency, have already identified around 150 sites, enough for 14,000 new homes, which can be made ready for sale for house building – on top of the 146 sites they have already released in the last 5 years.

Mr Clark will urge ministers at the taskforce to go further and look again at the catalogue of sites they hold, ensuring every possible plot is being released for housebuilding.  But he will also argue that councils, as a significant landowner, should play their part.

The new local government transparency code means councils must publish their property and asset registers.

Government accounts show that in 2011, councils held £223 billion of assets – of which £108 billion was in land and buildings.

The Housing Bill, announced in the Queen’s Speech, will require local authorities to establish and maintain a register of brownfield land suitable for housing development, which will include their own land.

Already some councils are releasing land, including:

• Bristol city council, who are releasing land at the Ashton Gate Sidings for 200 new homes
• Surrey county council, who are working with Spelthorne borough council and the Ministry of Justice to free up land for the provision of 300 new homes
• Cheshire West and Chester council who are releasing sites in Ellesmere Port as part of plans to regenerate the town centre, including the potential removal of 15 acres of brownfield land in the town centre itself and 42 acres on the edge of town and provision of 1,880 new homes

But the Communities Secretary will argue that more councils should be releasing land for housing for the benefit of their local residents as well as those looking to move into their area.

View the press release

The Treasury has released information on planned savings by department, including £230 million in DCLG, £30 million in DCMS and £83 million in DEFRA.

HM Treasury writes:
The savings for 2015-16 announced today (Thursday 4 June) are being achieved through further efficiency savings, tighter control of budgets to drive underspends in year, and driving through asset sales.

The following table breaks down savings by department, excluding receipts from Royal Mail share sales.

View the full press release

View an Institute of Fiscal studies analysis of the potential impacts of cuts

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled this week that the UK ‘cannot apply, with respect to all housing, a reduced rate of VAT to the supply and installation of energy-saving materials, since that rate is reserved solely to transactions relating to social housing’ 

The Court of Justice of the European Union writes:
The UK applies a reduced rate of VAT to ‘energy-saving materials’ which are installed in housing or which are supplied for installation in housing. The Commission considers that, by so acting, the UK has failed to comply with the VAT before the Court of Justice.

According to the Commission, a reduced rate of VAT can be applied only to supplies of goods and services specified in Annex III to the directive. That annex refers to the ‘provision, construction, renovation and alteration of housing, as part of a social policy’ and to the ‘renovation and repairing of private dwellings’. The Commission considers that the supply and installation of ‘energy-saving materials’ in the housing sector do not fall into either of those two categories. Even if such a supply or installation were to be regarded as falling under the second category (‘renovation and repairing of private dwellings’), the Commission states that, under the actual provisions of the VAT Directive, a reduced rate of VAT cannot be applied to that category where the materials account for a significant part of the value of the service supplied.

The Commission states that the energy-saving materials covered by the UK legislation extend to materials which account for a significant part of the value of the service supplied.

In today’s judgment, the Court states that, with regard to the first of the two abovementioned categories, Annex III to the VAT Directive permits the application of a reduced rate of VAT solely to the provision, construction, renovation and alteration of housing which relate to social housing or to services supplied as part of a social policy. It follows that the VAT Directive precludes national measures which have the effect of applying the reduced rate of VAT to the provision, construction, renovation and alteration of any housing, irrespective of the social context in which such operations take place.

Further, the Court states that, while it is true, as asserted by the UK, that a policy of housing improvement may produce social effects, the extension of the scope of the reduced rate of VAT to all residential property cannot be described as essentially social. By providing for the application of a reduced rate of VAT to supplies of energy-saving materials and installation of such materials, irrespective of the housing concerned and with no differentiation among people living in that housing, the UK measures cannot be regarded as having been adopted for reasons of exclusively social interest or even for reasons of principally social interest.

Finally, the Court endorses the Commission’s argument with regard to the category of ‘renovation and repairing of private dwellings’.

View the press release

View the papers relating to the judgement

IHBC NewsBlogs on VAT

Civic Voice are calling for participation in this year’s Civic Day which is to be held on Saturday June 20, if you run community heritage projects (or would like to consider ways of doing this) why not submit an event to celebrate your work and other local achievements by community? 

Civic Voice have produced a leaflet highlighting 101 suggestions, some of the many relating to the conservation of heritage include:

• Organise an architecture festival on local buildings
• Invite architects, historians or owners to give building tours
• Hold a public meeting about the future of the town
• Organise an ‘open garden’ day
• Ask for blue plaque nominations
• Get a local business to sponsor some interpretation boards
• Run a best shop front award
• Produce a podcast on your heritage with local students
• Invite nominations for a local list of important buildings
• Record memories in an oral history project
• Create an eyesore of the month award with a public vote
• Identify important trees not yet protected
• Give all residents a history of their conservation area
• Start a stopped clock
• Introduce a design award for the best new buildings 

Civic Voice writes:
Civic Day is a national celebration of civic pride. It is a day when communities across the country say ‘we care about where we live’.

In 2009 the Yorkshire Association of Civic Societies launched Civic Society Week, an annual event that encouraged civic societies to celebrate where they live. In 2011, fully supportive of this initiative, Civic Voice organised the first ever national Civic Day. This year it is being held on June 20th 2015 and it has the potential to become one of England’s most popular voluntary cultural events. The event is a unique opportunity to stimulate new interest and generate a renewed sense of civic pride for communities across the country.

Although the co-ordinating work is done by Civic Voice, what really makes this event happen is the fantastic effort of thousands of volunteers. These people give guided tours, put on exhibitions, arrange street parties, organise competitions and help visitors understand the area they live in just a little bit more.

The first ever Civic Day was held on June 25th, 2011 and involved over 200 community groups across England who put on over 350 events to celebrate where they live. 

Civic Day 2015 will be held on Saturday June 20th.

View the news about Civic Day

Submit an event

View the full list of 101 suggestions for events and civic engagement

Private correspondence between Prince Charles and government ministers has been released under freedom of information requests, and includes matters relating to the care and conservation of historic buildings. 

The BBC has an analysis of matters relating to historic buildings on it news site, revealing concerns over the ability of local authorities to act in the interest of conservation. 

View the BBC news analysis of the letters

View the press release and links to FOI requested correspondence

Europa Nostra is to ‘livestream’ this year’s European Heritage awards ceremony on 11 June which means that you can watch the event unfold live online for free and get a preview of some exciting European heritage projects.

The event will be livestreamed at 18.00 CEST on 11 June  (5pm UK time).

Tune into this link on YouTube to view the video stream

More information on the European Heritage awards

Think Tank ‘Edge’ has released the results of a commission inquiry relating to the fields of the built environment and construction, highlighting the need for cross-industry collaboration and a forward thinking attitude to professionalism to avoid silo mentality. 

In 2014 the Edge invited Paul Morrell, Government Chief Construction Advisor from 2009-2012, to chair a Commission of Inquiry into the future of professionalism in the built environment/construction industry. The resulting report explores the key issues facing professionals and their institutions at this potential ‘moment for change’.

The Commission heard evidence from chief executives, presidents and other senior representatives from some of the key professional institutions in the construction industry including; CIBSE, CIOB, ICE, IStructE, LI, RAEng, RIBA, RICS, RTPI and SocEnv, as well as, in a collective capacity, the CIC and a range of other informed parties.

The report analyses some of the threats and pressures for change that the professional institutions and their members face, which ‘if not yet existential, are real and profound, and demand change ‘ and makes a series of recommendations to the institutions on actions on ‘which it is both necessary and realistic to collaborate ‘. These include:

• Ethics and the public interest : Develop and standardise a national code of conduct/ethics across the built environment professions, building on shared experience in the UK and internationally.
• Education and competence : The built environment institutions to commit to a cross disciplinary review of the silo nature of the education system
• Research and a body of knowledge : Establish a joint think tank that could pool the resources of the Institutions to conduct research and develop policy for the industry – a King’s Fund for the built environment.
• Collaboration on major challenges; including industry reform in the interests of a better offer to clients, climate change and building performance.

The Edge is a multi-disciplinary think tank that works on issues that impact on the built environment as a whole, including its professions and institutions, promoting collaboration.

View the press release

Find out more about the report and view summaries of issues raised

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA) is currently advertising a range of PhD opportunities, over three paths (heritage, industry and policy). 

The following opportunities are currently advertised:

• ‘Nanoscale strategies for the consolidation of cellulose in cultural heritage’
• ‘Samples to Complex Objects: Detecting Material Degradation in Plastic Artworks’
• ‘Characterising marine archaeological iron degradation and the efficacy of treatments to date: worth a shot?’
• ‘Strain modelling in historical tapestries’

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA) writes:
SEAHA will support your career along three typical paths. We have started recruitment for our 2015/2016 studentships, please continue to check the website over the coming weeks for new opportunities.  Information on how to apply can be found in the project adverts below. You may also wish to consider registering your interest by sending an email to the SEAHA Manager.

View the opportunities page

IHBC Director speaking at the 1st International SEAHA conference

About SEAHA