Malthouse appointed as new housing minister

The former deputy leader of Westminster City Council, Kit Malthouse, has been appointed as the new housing minister.

Mr Malthouse has joined the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from the Department for Work and Pensions, after the previous minister, Dominic Raab was appointed as Brexit Secretary yesterday.

Mr Raab had been Housing Minister since January and now replaces David Davis who resigned from the Government on Sunday night due to Brexit disagreements.

The new Housing Minister was a councillor on Westminster City Council from 1998 to 2006, when he stood down from the London borough.

In 2008, he was elected to the London Assembly and in 2012 was appointed by the-then London Mayor, Boris Johnson, to be Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise.

Mr Malthouse’s appointment was welcomed by the County Councils Network

The local government group’s spokesman for planning, housing, and infrastructure, Cllr Philip Atkins, said: ‘It’s crucial that the government grasps the opportunity for reform, particularly in two-tier areas, where planning and infrastructure delivery are fragmented; holding back development in our areas.

‘Our recent report on strategic planning outlined how counties can work better with districts and neighbouring unitary authorities to plan homes and infrastructure in partnership over larger geographies to deliver the homes country desperately needs.

‘Moreover, our report in partnership with the Town and Country Planning Association showcases how counties are already innovating to deliver housing in their areas, and with the correct tools, could do so much more.’

While the executive director of ARCO, the main representative body representing the retirement communities sector in the UK, Michael Voges, said: ‘We are pleased to welcome Mr Malthouse into his new role. He will be hearing a lot about challenges but there are also great opportunities ahead.

‘ARCO members have just pledged to ensure that the UK has 250,000 people living in retirement communities by 2030. This will deliver great housing and care for them and free up huge numbers of family homes across the country. We hope to work with Mr Malthouse in maximising this opportunity for the UK.’