Steve Reed has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) following Angela Rayner’s resignation over a stamp duty underpayment issue.
Reed (main picture), previously the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
As a former leader of Lambeth Borough Council and a former portfolio lead for housing across London Councils, he has a deep understanding of local government challenges.
His tenure at DEFRA further adds to his diverse expertise, positioning him to address the ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million homes by 2029.
HUGE EXPERIENCE
Industry leaders have welcomed Reed’s appointment. Faraz Baber, Chief Operating Officer at Lanpro, says: “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.
“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.”
CRITICAL TIME
Reed’s appointment comes at a critical time when the housing sector is grappling with slowing planning approvals and a need for digital transformation in the homebuying process.
Maria Harris, Chair of the Open Property Data Association, says: “We are on the cusp of the biggest digital transformation the homebuying process has ever seen…
“To make that happen, it is vital that the next Housing Secretary steps up to provide the leadership and stability required to carry this work forward and ensure the momentum behind digitisation is not lost.”
