Rayner, Pennycook take lead on housing
Angela Rayner has been appointed the secretary of state for the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, while Matthew Pennycook is the new housing minister.
Rayner takes over the role of secretary from Michael Gove, while Pennycook replaces Lee Rowley. Both Conservatives are no longer in Parliament, Gove having chosen not to stand during the election and Rowley having lost his seat.
Rayner’s appointment was one of the first announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer upon winning the election.
Pennycook is the 10th housing minister in the last five years.
He is no stranger to the brief, having been shadow housing minister since December 2021.
“It is a real honour to have been appointed minister of state…” Pennycook tweeted. “Tackling the housing crisis and boosting economic growth is integral to national renewal. Time to get to work.”
READ MORE
Hope they understand that housing is not just about numbers but also design.
Our cities’ old housing stock has been replaced on many occasions by truly awful suburban semis devoid of any style whatsoever, so yes build lots but give us something to admire.
By Anonymous
Ridiculous comment that design trumps numbers. Why not throw another viability challenge into the mix. Tell this to the thousands on the waiting list. Function is paramount, and developers need to be incentivised else nothing will get built at scale
By Papalazarous
I see no reason why good design is the enemy of volume. Good design is needed to maximise the most sustainable sites, achieve density whilst without sacrificing liveability and create successful communities.
By Nick Barton