What should the next Government do to improve lives in Welsh communities?

Since the last devolved elections in Wales, there has been a seismic shift in the Welsh landscape.

Wales has left the European Union, a climate emergency has been declared and access to safe, green, affordable housing is in higher demand than ever before. The next Welsh Parliament elections will also be set against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has shaken our economy and given us all a new sense of importance to what our homes and communities mean.

The phrase ‘build back better’ has been heard a lot in the last year as we set our sights on the recovery from Covid-19, and Wales has a real opportunity to demonstrate what this looks like in practice.

Under his tenure as First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford and his Government have put climate change, housing supply, connectivity and health and wellbeing at the centre of their agenda – even during the height of the pandemic.

Looking ahead at the priorities of the next Welsh Government, RICS has published our calls for the next administration to deliver on to ensure we can create green, safe and sufficient housing, revitalise our high streets and develop a workforce to deliver on the construction and infrastructure challenges facing future generations.

That’s why RICS is excited to publish our Welsh Parliament 2021 Election manifesto to shape the future of the built and natural environment in Wales and deliver short and long-term benefits.

Highlights of our calls for the next Welsh Government includes:

• Large scale investment in decarbonisation and retrofitting – including skills development, market incentives and action on taxation
• Expansion of modern house building methods where appropriate
• Becoming one of the first Governments to adopt the International Fire Safety Standards
• Supporting our high streets through reform of the planning and rating systems
• Investing in built environment Degree Apprenticeships and training to create a 21st-century workforce.
• Embedding placemaking into the heart of the decision-making process and supporting the principles of ’20-minute neighbourhoods’.

Commenting on the publication of the RICS Welsh Parliament 2021 Election Manifesto, Sam Rees, Public Affairs Officer for Wales said:

“Wales has a real opportunity to show the world what it means to build back better.

“All political parties agree that we need to prioritise creating green, safe and affordable housing as well as supporting our struggling high streets. That’s why we are excited to publish our manifesto, which has been developed through the support of RICS members and reflects the challenges facing Wales.

“Policies and proposals such as the Well-being of Future Generations Act, 30% permanent remote working target, Safer Buildings whitepaper and the Innovative Housing Programme have already made Wales as a leader in built environment thinking.

“RICS and it’s professionals are well-positioned to drive forward and act on these proposals, which are ambitious, but realistic, and will help create a built environment and communities fit for the future.”