RICS launches new commission on housing crisis

The RICS has launched a commission into the housing crisis, and is calling on both members and others in the property sector to submit evidence.

The RICS says that one year on from publication of the Government’s housing strategy, house building is still well behind required levels, and that more homes than ever, for both purchase and rental, are needed.

The RICS wants its commission to recommend ways of delivering the right homes, in the right tenure, in the right places.

It is inviting written evidence of practical examples of initiatives that would help boost the number of homes across the country. The commission will also be taking oral evidence from the sector and invites suggestions from the property profession, the not-for-profit housing sector, investors, developers, stakeholders and public interest bodies.

Michael Newey, RICS president-elect, will chair the commission, which will publish a report in June. The report will be delivered to both the housing and shadow housing ministers. Also on the commission are Barratt boss Mark Clare, Richard Donnell of Hometrack, and others.

Newey said: “Since the recession first began, there has been a great deal of discussion as to what should and shouldn’t be done to get housing supply moving again.

“With the country well and truly in the grips of an economic downturn, it is vital that the market is kept as buoyant and active as possible. This begins with boosting housing supply across the country in areas where it is needed.

“We are looking for input from our members and those in the wider property sector to contribute and offer their thoughts and advice on initiatives and proposals that can help boost housing supply across the UK.”

Those who would like to contribute are asked to visit www.rics.org/housingcommission section of the RICS website and submit their responses to a series of questions. Oral evidence sessions will take place from Monday, March 4. Sessions are open to both RICS members and non-members.