Boylan takes top post at Homes England
Proving that he is unable to retire, Eamonn Boylan will be interim chief executive at the government’s housing regeneration agency starting on 15 January.
Boylan takes on the Homes England chief executive mantle from Peter Denton, who is stepping down from the position in January. Homes England chair Peter Freeman is also leaving his post at the same time. Freeman’s successor will be announced later this year.
Boylan’s appointment marks a return for the public servant, who was the deputy chief executive of Homes England earlier in his career – back when the department was known as the National Housing Agency. He has more than 42 years of experience in public sector roles, including chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and chief executive of Stockport Council.
Boylan had retired from his GMCA post in June. Since then he has taken on interim roles as chief executive of Manchester City Council and chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation. Boylan will be replaced in Manchester by current Salford City Council chief executive Tom Stannard next year.
He is also a member of the government’s New Towns Taskforce.
Regarding his upcoming role at Homes England, Boylan said: “I am ready to help rise to the challenges ahead and deliver on the government’s goal of delivering 1.5m new homes during this parliament, while also creating more vibrant, thriving communities.”
He added: “My primary focus will be to build on the strong foundation laid by Peter Denton —strengthening our partnerships, empowering local leaders, and driving the delivery of housing that makes a real difference to lives. I know I’m joining a talented and dedicated team, and together with the wider sector, I am confident we will rise to the challenges ahead.”
On the departure of Freeman and himself, Denton said: “Our work together at the agency as ‘the Peters’ has reflected a period of intense activity and achievement for the agency.
“We successfully navigated the transition to being a fully-fledged and empowered housing and regeneration agency delivering strongly, especially in affordable housing, and initiating many catalytic regeneration projects throughout the country.”
Freeman said: “The agency has a vital role managing many of the government’s interventions to accelerate housing and regeneration across the country by supporting our partners in local government, affordable housing and housebuilding.
“It has been a privilege chairing the organisation since 2020 and working closely with our partners and incredible staff operating from offices across the country.
“Under Peter Denton’s leadership, despite economic headwinds, the agency has met its targets and increasingly demonstrated its pivot back to a place-based organisation.
“I look forward to continuing to lead the agency until my successor is appointed, and will then focus my attentions on my role as chair of the Cambridge Growth Company.”
Matthew Pennycook, the housing and planning minister said: “On behalf of the government, I would like to thank Peter Freeman and Peter Denton for their leadership of the agency over recent years.
“Their efforts have been integral to reshaping Homes England into an effective national housing and regeneration agency that is increasingly focused on exemplary place-based regeneration and placemaking, as well as new housing supply.
“I wish both Peters all the best in their future endeavours. We will shortly begin the process of recruiting their successors, with the search for a new chair starting next week and an interim CEO will be confirmed shortly.”
The new chair and interim chief executive will be working at pace to implement the priorities set out in the recent letter from the housing minister, with a strong focus on boosting growth through the delivery of new housing supply and place-based regeneration.
Nothing like young blood coming through… Dan – there may be a though leadership / investigative piece to do around the lack of talent in the property world. I’m hearing numbers of chartered surveyors are half of what they were 20 years ago and it’s obvious that the public sector have a big challenge finding the right people. I think this is now very similar in the private sector.
By John W
A coup for Homes England, one of the leading regeneration experts in the public sector.
By Anonymous
A sensible and thoughtful appointment for this role (even if interim) given the experience gained over many years and a background of getting things done.
By Rodney Street
Once you get on the public sector gravy train you don’t get off. Can’t think why that might be?
By Anonymous
Eamonn is close to filling his public sector Panini world cup sticker album. Liverpool next!
By Cheggers
What a great appointment – Iets hope Eamonn can be persuaded to make it permanent!!!
By David SIeath
National Housing Agency or Homes and Communities Agency? We’ve had English Partnerships and the Housing Corp merger to form the HCA, latterly Homes England (was the government’s regeneration agency, then it wasn’t, then it was again) but we’ve never had the National Housing Agency – try and keep up 😉
By Anonymous
I knew Eamonn back in the 80’s when we both worked for Manchester City Council Housing Department. I’ve followed his career and am not surprised at his achievements. No nonsense, no bull, just hardworking and able. He will be an asset to the new job, no doubt.
By Mike the Manc