Stability at MHCLG

Continuity and stability - not words that have become synonymous with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), but ones that today will be uttered by many in the development sector. At last.

Matthew Pennycook – seen by many as a successful Housing Minister - has retained his position in Andy Burnham’s new government. This month he becomes the longest running Housing Minister since 2010, surpassing the two-year term held by Sir Brandon Lewis (July 2014 – July 2016).

Burnham may have sacked Steve Reed as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, but reappointing Angela Rayner to the role she had to resign from mired in controversy around her Stamp Duty arrangements, means that she can get on with finishing the job she started.

These seem like very sensible appointments by Burnham, recognising the importance of MHCLG for delivering against his government’s objectives. So far, we know that devolution, ending rough sleeping, and delivering a programme of council house building is high on Burnham’s agenda.

There will always be a slight cloud of risk hanging over Rayner. There are some that believe that we have not seen the end of tax-gate and there will likely be more briefings against her in the future (every politician has their enemies and even more so when the national party is fractious).

But for now, we crack on. Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation are well and truly on their way. The publication of the revised NPPF is anticipated with bated breath. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is giving the planning system the shake-up it needs.

The coming weeks and months will remain key for those in the sector – from promoters, to housebuilders, investors to contractors. What will underpin Burnham’s government? Can our new Chancellor John Healey bring confidence to the market with his first Budget? What rabbits out of the hat can we expect at Conference? Like the publication of the revised NPPF, we wait to see with anticipation.