Newly appointed housing secretary Steve Reed has vowed to increase housebuilding ahead of meeting developers and housebuilders this week.
The Telegraph reports that Reed is pledging to “leave no stone unturned” in terms of accelerating building projects.
He will meet developers and house builders in a bid to push for further planning reform.
So far building reforms have focused on reforming planning committees, building on the green belt, and fast-tracking the building of high rise homes.
Steve Reed’s credentials
Steve Reed has experience in housing, as he was previously shadow housing secretary from 2020 to 2021, while he was leader of Lamberth London Borough Council between 2006 and 2012.
In terms of other roles, he joined after being environment secretary in Prime Minister Keir Starmet’s government.
He has also been shadow environment secretary, shadow housing secretary, and shadow justice secretary.
Reed replaced Angela Rayner, who quit after it emerged that she failed to pay sufficient stamp duty on a second property purchased for her disabled son.
The property industry has responded positively to Reed’s appointment.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “The only long-term solution to truly meet demand and ease market pressures is to build a much greater volume of homes for both sale and rent with a mix of tenures and price points, including private and social housing.
“While ambitious targets like building 1.5 million homes over the course of this Parliament are unlikely to be fully met, the focus should be on creating the right conditions to reach that run-rate by the end of it. Planning reforms are a crucial part of this, as is securing the confidence of builders.
Donnell added: “The new housing minister will also need to address the uncertainty created by recent speculation over possible tax changes. This has has created a ‘wait and see’ strategy among some buyers, with history showing that such speculation can impact market activity and buyer expectations.
“There must be a clear and steadying message to the market regarding any potential tax reforms if they are to avoid a period of prolonged stagnation and maintain consumer confidence.
“Finally, we must also continue the review of mortgage regulations introduced in 2015. While some easing has already begun, there is more work to be done to support first-time buyers, especially in southern England where affordability is most stretched.”
Other reactions to Reed’s appointment
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “With this change in positions coming at a time when significant challenges are ahead for the property sector as the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill, new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and planning reforms are due to come into play, there is a pressing need to ensure that this does not hinder the current understanding and shaping of ongoing legislation and that the UK government looks to effectively remedy the nation’s housing crisis as an urgent priority.”
Melanie Leech CBE, chief executive, British Property Federation, said: “His predecessor made a bold start on reforming the planning system and empowering the English regions to strive for growth. We now need to collectively ensure that that agenda not only continues but that government works with the real estate industry closely to help deliver our collective ambitions.”
Faraz Baber, chief operating officer, Lanpro, said: 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 the challenges of local government. Furthermore as a former portfolio lead for housing across London Councils, combined with his time at DEFRA, he has a rich mix of direct experience. This should greatly help in delivering the ambitious 1.5m homes target. Also very importantly, his experience will ensure the UK can meets its transition to green energy through new green infrastructure such as onshore wind and solar.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Top of the agenda will need to be ensuring the smooth implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill. Alongside this there is a desperate need to support long term investment in new decent quality homes to rent and ensure the private rented sector operates on the basis of trust and confidence between landlords and tenants.”