The construction industry has given a warm welcome to Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, as the UK’s latest Housing Secretary, replacing Angela Rayner.
Reed said on X,
“It’s a huge honour to be appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.”
“Together, we will get Britain building and create a future where everyone has access to affordable, safe homes and thriving communities.”
Industry leaders welcomed Reed’s appointment but urged swift action on housing delivery and planning reform. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said:
“The sad fact is that the number of new homes has fallen short of the 300,000 needed each year. Support for first-time buyers is non-existent, and proposed planning reforms have yet to materialise.”
Berry continued:
“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.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented:
“With the announcement that Angela Rayner has stepped down from her position, we welcome Steve Reed as he steps into the role of Housing Secretary.
“With this change in positions coming at a time when significant challenges are ahead for the property sector as the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill, new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and planning reforms are due to come into play, there is a pressing need to ensure that this does not hinder the current understanding and shaping of ongoing legislation and that the UK Government looks to effectively remedy the nation’s housing crisis as an urgent priority.
“We look forward to working with Steve to ensure that future policies are pro-growth and work in practice, and hope he fully engages with the sector, as professionally regulated property agents can support these reforms.”
Also commenting on Reed’s appointment, Faraz Baber, Chief Operating Officer, Lanpro said:
“Steve Reed brings a huge amount of experience to his new role. As a former leader of a London borough, he has an excellent understanding of the challenges of local government. Furthermore, as a former portfolio lead for housing across London Councils, combined with his time at Defra, he has a rich mix of direct experience. This should greatly help in delivering the ambitious 1.5m homes target. Also, very importantly, his experience will ensure the UK can meet its transition to green energy through new green infrastructure, such as onshore wind and solar.
“Steve’s appointment at MHCLG is one which will ensure the pace of delivery can now accelerate.”
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