The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched its flagship Manifesto for Architecture today. A Manifesto for Architecture encourages political parties to release that there are votes in architecture and that demanding good design equals better public services and more sustainable communities. The document, sub-titled '21 actions for a better Britain', is the result of a wide-ranging consultation exercise that began last September and included architects from all over the UK, including Scotland.

Copies of the manifesto will be sent to all main party candidates as soon as the election is called, and each candidate will be contacted individually by the Scottish RIBA regional chair. Other architects are also being asked to press the key messages home throughout the election campaign.

The document revolves around 21 key action points including:

• Making government funding contingent upon good design quality
• Introducing Stamp Duty relief on the first sale of sustainable homes
• Using the development of retail or leisure facilities to fund improved local transport
• Equipping planners with a sound understanding of design.

The other 17 actions cover topics such as energy consumption, equalising VAT on all forms of construction and the appointment of 'city architects'.