2.3 WEAKNESS IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT POLICY
There is an increasing recognition of weakness in built environment policy in many Commonwealth countries in terms of standards, implementation and enforcement. Survey respondents were invited to confirm the existence of national strategies and policies in a wide range of areas. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the range of responses received from which it will be seen that there is considerable scope for strengthening built environment policy in a number of Commonwealth countries. Survey respondents were also invited to comment on whether their national planning legislation and building code was fit-for-purpose and whether it was being implemented effectively. While responses varied considerably from one profession to another, the combined responses (Figure 15) reveal that circa 30% of respondents consider their national planning policy is not fit for purpose while nearly 60% do not believe it is being implemented effectively. Survey respondents were even more critical of building code, with nearly 50% expressing the view that it is not fit for purpose (25% in 2017) and almost 75% that it is not being implemented effectively (60% in 2017). A comparison with the 2017 results suggests that this policy weakness is being experienced and recognised more widely. Figure 15 Effectiveness of planning legislation and building code Planning Legislation
Implemented effectively
42%
Fit for purpose
71%
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Building Codes
Implemented effectively
27%
Fit for purpose
54%
Yes No
Planning for climate change and rapid urbanisation