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DCLG renamed Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Housing has been added to the departmental and ministerial titles at the former Department for Communities and Local Government in today’s reshuffle.

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Sajid Javid will remain in place as the cabinet minister responsible for the department and will see his job title changed to secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.

A spokesperson confirmed the department has been renamed the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The rebranding is an attempt by Theresa May to reflect the importance she has placed on housing. She recently said it was her “personal mission” to fix the housing crisis and used one of her first media appearances of the year to announce that 16,000 first-time buyers have saved money since stamp duty changes were introduced in the chancellor’s latest budget.


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However, the department has had responsibility for housing for several years and Mr Javid has been the most senior ministerial spokesperson on the issue throughout his time in the department.

Marcus Jones, a junior minister with responsibility for homelessness, has been given one of a clutch of newly created vice-chair roles in Conservative Campaign Headquarters.

Mr Javid said: "The name change for the department reflects this government’s renewed focus to deliver more homes and build strong communities across England."

Despite reports that this would see him leave his ministerial role, a spokesperson for the MHCLG could not confirm whether Mr Jones would continue in his ministerial role.

Mr Jones has been leading on the government’s plans for supported housing funding, which are currently out to consultation until the end of January.

David Orr, chief executive at the National Housing Federation, said: “Redefining Sajid Javid’s role to clearly emphasise housing is a welcome demonstration of the prime minister’s commitment to fixing the UK’s broken housing market.

“But actions speak louder than words. If we are to meet the government’s ambition of building 300,000 homes a year, every year, then we need a long-term supply of affordable land. The government must ensure public land is used for housing and that private land is bought where it is needed to create new communities.”

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, added: “The inclusion of the word ‘housing’ sends a clear signal as to the importance the government places on housing policy by the renaming of the department and the secretary of state’s title.

 

“However, actions always speak louder than words, which is why it is vital that we also see continuity, application and a continued willingness to be bold where necessary in housing policy.”

Terrie Alafat, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “We welcome the decision to change the name of the secretary of state for communities and local government to incorporate housing.

“It is right that housing is given this profile and we hope this decision represents a long-term commitment to address the very serious housing issues facing the nation.”

Meanwhile, Lord Kerslake, former head of the civil service and current chair of Barking & Dagenham Council’s regeneration vehicle, Be First, said: “In what is the most urgent priority for the government, I fear it will take a lot more than a name change to tackle the housing crisis in the country, although I do understand the statement of intent by the prime minister.

“The challenge is now for the government to radically increase the building of homes of all tenures that will really make the difference.”

In other reshuffle news, the Department of Health was renamed the Department for Health and Social Care. Social care was previously responsibility of the Department of Health.

Mark Henderson, chief executive of Home Group, said: “Starting the new year with the uncertainty of a cabinet reshuffle will hopefully encourage Jeremy Hunt to look again with fresh eyes at the challenges facing the health sector, particularly following a difficult few winter months.

“However, his ongoing role, which incorporates social care, will give us a really great opportunity to push forward in integrating health, housing and social care.”

Update: at 9.59am, 09/01/18: A comment from Lord Kerslake was added to the story.

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