Newly appointed Housing Secretary and Minister in the Labour Party identified
The recently concluded General Election saw Labour make a triumphant return to Parliament after a 14-year absence, with Keir Starmer elected as the new Prime Minister on 4 July 2022. As the new government settles in, attention turns to the key roles and policies that will shape the nation's future, particularly in the realm of housing.
In Starmer's cabinet, Sir James Cleverly has been appointed as the shadow housing secretary, with a focus on addressing public concerns over asylum seeker housing. Cleverly's position suggests he will play a central role in developing Labour's housing policies aimed at tackling the UK's housing crisis.
Meanwhile, Angela Rayner has been named as the new Housing Secretary, tasked with delivering Labour's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes and boosting affordable housing. To achieve this ambitious goal of delivering over 1,100 new homes every working day for the next five years, Rayner will need to engage in immense planning and stakeholder engagement.
The latest government statistics highlight the scale of the country's housing crisis, with the number of people being made homeless in England increasing by 16% in the final three months of 2023. This represents a significant rise from the 39,000 households assessed as homeless during the same period in 2022.
Rayner, who grew up in a council home, has placed a special emphasis on prioritising council housing. She has stated that a council home once provided her with security, breaking down barriers to opportunity. This personal connection to the issue is likely to inform her approach as Housing Secretary.
Jim McMahon has also been appointed alongside Rayner, further strengthening the government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis. McMahon's role is yet to be defined, but his previous involvement in housing policy and close work with Rayner on the Renters (Reform) Bill indicate that he will play a significant part in this effort.
Propertymark, a leading voice in the property sector, believes that housing must play a pivotal role for the government moving forward. Nathan Emerson, the CEO of Propertymark, expressed excitement following the appointment of Matthew Pennycook as the new Labour Housing Minister. Pennycook, who previously held a role in Starmer's shadow government, has been closely involved in housing policy and recently submitted dozens of amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill.
Starmer's key policy is addressing the crippling housing crisis, and this is reflected in his broader domestic policy priorities. Reforming the planning system and accelerating delivery of "high quality infrastructure" and housing are expected to be key areas of focus for the cabinet's housing officials, including Cleverly and Rayner. These reforms and improvements, outlined in Labour's 2024 election manifesto and policy agenda, offer a glimmer of hope for those struggling with the UK's housing crisis.
In conclusion, the new Labour government, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, is committed to addressing the UK's housing crisis. With Sir James Cleverly focusing on asylum seeker housing issues and broader housing policy reform efforts, and Angela Rayner leading the charge on delivering new homes and boosting affordable housing, there is reason to believe that meaningful change is on the horizon.
- The new Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, has emphasized the importance of council housing, as her personal experience of growing up in a council home provided her with security and opened up opportunities.
- Matthew Pennycook, the newly appointed Labour Housing Minister, has been praised by Propertymark for his involvement in housing policy, particularly his submission of numerous amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill.
- Keir Starmer's new government has prioritized addressing the UK's housing crisis, with key housing policies including reforming the planning system, accelerating delivery of infrastructure, and boosting affordable housing, as outlined in Labour's 2024 election manifesto.
