Budget 2004 - RICS initial response

Focuses on the key budget proposals on housing, regeneration and construction. RICS welcomes the government's recognition of the annual private sector housing shortfall and comments on some of the main Barker report recommendations. The relocation of 20 000 long-term jobs outside London is seen as bringing great regeneration opportunities. The government's pledge to maintain firm and substantial increase in public investment is seen as good news for the UK construction industry. Full VAT relief on church repairs until March 2006 was also announced. Barker final report is available at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consultations_and_le gislation/barker/consult_barker_index.cfm. Full budget statement is available at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget/budget_04/bud _bud04_index.cfm http://www.rics.org/ricscms/bin/show?class=PressRe lease&template=/includes/showpr.html&id=1143&facul ty=RICS