Andy Burnham has returned Angela Rayner to her former position as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in his first cabinet. In the same department, Matthew Pennycook has retained his position as Minister of State and has been asked to attend cabinet in that role.
Amongst the first to react was Alex Notay, Chief Executive of The Housing Forum, who said: ‘The Housing Forum’s members will be very pleased to learn that Angela Rayner is returning to her previous role. She has demonstrated commitment to the sector and we know she shares Andy Burnham’s passion and dedication to council housing and the way that a secure home, regardless of tenure, can transform lives.
‘Matthew Pennycook remaining in role as Housing Minister, now attending Cabinet, is also excellent news. This will allow him to continue his excellent work in leading planning reform, understanding and responding to the needs of the housing sector despite challenging economic circumstances.
‘Andy Burnham has shown a consistent commitment to the principles of ‘Housing First’ in his time as mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and that passion was clearly demonstrated in his first speech on ending homelessness. Elevating the Housing Minister role to a cabinet position further highlights this commitment.
‘We urge the new Government to build on the good work already done, ensuring that the social housing grant allocations are released as early as possible in the autumn. The Housing Forum looks forward to working with the MHCLG team on delivering on the Government’s ambitions for housing of all types and tenures and ensuring a quality home for all.’
Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive of Shelter, said: ‘The Prime Minister has given Angela Rayner a clear mandate to roll out a council housing revolution and put an end to rough sleeping – now it’s her time to deliver.
‘Having grown up in social housing, Rayner knows better than anyone that an affordable, decent home is the foundation for everything, giving people the building blocks they need to get on in life and setting children up to thrive.
‘The new Secretary of State has a strong track record advocating for social housing – in choosing her the Prime Minister again shows he is serious about tackling the housing emergency. With child homelessness at a record high, Rayner must now pull every lever to get councils building again and deliver a new generation of social rent homes.’
Colin Brown, Head of Planning & Development, Carter Jonas said: ‘It is encouraging to see Matthew Pennycook MP retained as Minister of State at MHCLG and, importantly, attending Cabinet meetings. This sends a positive signal about the priority being given to housing and planning reform at the heart of Government.
‘With the UK continuing to face a significant housing shortage, sustained ministerial leadership will be essential if meaningful progress is to be made on increasing housing supply and accelerating delivery.
‘The Government’s focus on affordable housing and the likely expansion of council-led housing delivery is both welcome and necessary. However, it is equally important that policy provides hope and opportunity for first-time buyers and the many households who are working hard but finding home ownership increasingly out of reach amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
‘A successful housing strategy must support those in greatest need while also creating pathways into home ownership for aspiring buyers. Achieving that balance will be critical if the Government is to deliver lasting housing reform and broaden access to the housing market.
‘For those of us working across the housing, planning and development sectors, there is also a responsibility to play our part. The scale of the challenge demands collaboration between Government, local authorities, landowners, developers, housing associations and advisers. If this renewed focus from Government is to translate into more homes on the ground, the industry must be ready to engage positively, embrace reform and help deliver practical solutions at pace.’
Lawrence Turner, Director, Boyer said: ‘Angela Rayner’s return provides some welcome continuity at an important point for the planning system.
‘The direction of planning reform has largely been established, but the immediate challenge is now delivery and translating policy and legislative reform into adopted local plans and homes on the ground. That will require sustained political leadership, properly resourced local planning authorities and a pragmatic response to the viability challenges, increased build costs and infrastructure constraints affecting the development industry.
‘We hope the new Secretary of State will maintain momentum and provide clarity and stability for local authorities, communities and developers to kick start investment.’
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