RSUA Responds to the Devolution of Fiscal Powers

On 29 November 2022 the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) responded to the Department of Finance (DoF) consultation on devolution of more fiscal powers to Northern Ireland. In principle RSUA supports the devolution of more fiscal powers to Northern Ireland so that tax policy in the region would better meet the specific needs and priorities in the region.

In particular, RSUA holds the view that tax powers could be a useful tool to help create a better built environment in Northern Ireland which enables healthier lifestyles, enhanced community connection, increased economic activity and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

The key areas we would be keen to explore are:

• Tax policy to influence where we build
• Tax policy to influence the retention of existing buildings
• Tax policy to influence uptake of energy saving and decarbonisation measures
• Tax policy to influence the volume of construction materials going to landfill

Click here to view RSUA’s full response

RSUA is keen to be involved in future discussion on how local tax policy can help deliver wider public policy outcomes through our built environment