After Angela Rayner’s resignation last week, a new housing secretary, minister of state, and under-secretaries have been appointed, with the industry hopeful for their performance
On 5 September, the King approved the appointments of Steve Reed as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Alison McGovern as minster of state, and Miatta Fahnbulleh and Samantha Dixon as parliamentary under-secretaries.
Several key industry bodies have already published their welcome messages to these ministers, as well as encouragement to continue delivery.
RICS welcomes Steve Reed and the new housing ministers
In a statement, RICS said: “The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) congratulates Steve Reed on their appointment as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“Housing and the built environment are rightly central to the UK’s growth agenda, and it is essential that momentum for reform continues to unlock construction and give the sector confidence.
“RICS continues to work with government to help it deliver 1.5 million new homes and to champion a built environment that is sustainable, safe, and fit for the future needs of people and the economy. The keys to achieving this is unlocking the planning system, raising investor confidence, and crucially, inspiring the next generation to enter the built environment professions.”
FMB says momentum and more work are needed
The Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB’s) chief executive, Brian Berry, said in a statement: “The former Housing Secretary made several high-profile announcements aimed at getting Britain building again, but the sad fact is that the number of new homes has fallen short of the 300,000 that are needed each year. Support for first time buyers is non-existent and the proposed planning reforms to speed up development have yet to be materialise.
“There are now added fears that proposed reforms to the landfill tax could add even more cost to building homes, thereby hampering attempts to grow the housing market. Any additional cost on delivering new homes would be a backwards step when we need more, not fewer, homes to be built.”
NFB met with the retained under-secretary, Baroness Taylor
Chairman of the National Federation of Builders, as well as other members of the federation and Equans, met with Baroness Taylor on 2 September.
Mark Wakeford, said: “It is always a privilege to represent our members when speaking to Government. The opportunity to support their objectives, particularly achieving well designed and built social housing, is one that NFB members are very well positioned to do. When we meet experienced, intelligent politicians who are keen to listen, learn and collaborate, we see a clear opportunity to make a difference.”
David Mellor, development director at Equans, added: “The Government has been clear in its aim to significantly increase the UK’s affordable housing stock. We believe that working in partnership and thinking innovatively are key to achieving these ambitious targets, and we’re delighted to have had the opportunity to discuss our new social and affordable housing solutions with our partners today.”
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