Gove appointed housing secretary

Michael Gove has been appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government. Gove takes on the role from Robert Jenrick, MP for Newark, who held the position for over two years. He was appointed chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in July 2019 and minister for the cabinet office in February 2020. He was previously secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs from June 2017 to July 2019, with former secretary of state roles in justice, education and as chief whip. He was elected Conservative MP for Surrey Heath in 2005. Félicie Krikler, director at Assael Architecture, said: “The revolving door of housing secretaries continues today with the sacking of Robert Jenrick MP, meaning the sector now has had three different secretaries of states in as many years. The government needs stability and leadership if it is to bring forward policies that clarify questions over design, quality and delivery methods concerning the homes we build. “Understanding and addressing the issues in the market takes time and effort, and while another secretary gets to grips with this complex role, the housing and high-street crises will continue to unfold.” Gove was previously shadow housing between 2005-07. His voting record shows he has previously favoured charging market rents to higher earners and phasing out secure tenancies for life. In his 2019 Conservative leadership campaign he called for a national fund for “beautiful” homes and has also championed social housing. As housing secretary he will be charged with leading various reforms and new legislation including the Building Safety Bill, the Planning Bill, tenancy and leasehold reform and supporting local authorities and the development industry in their response to the climate crisis. Victoria Hills, chief executive at the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The planning profession eagerly awaits details of reforms that will be introduced and stands ready to support Mr Gove so that he can hit the ground running on such a significant policy issue. Planners are vital in designing healthy and sustainable communities fit to face the challenges of the future and could play an instrumental role in helping to level up the entire country and deliver on net zero commitments.” Richard Simpson, chief executive of build-to-rent developer Watkin Jones, added: “The new housing secretary faces a busy in-tray but relieving pressure on renters from the sharply growing supply and demand gap in the rental market must be a priority. Building more great quality homes for rent is the only way forward and will bring enormous benefits, including helping first time buyers save for a deposit. “Build to rent is growing fast but could do significantly more with effective planning reform and active support for what remains a new and developing sector.”   To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews Photo by REX/Shutterstock