Marsham Street, home to the new Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Cadman/Wikipedia)
The government’s rebranding of the Department for Communities and Local Government to include housing has been welcomed by the construction and housebuilding industry.
It will be renamed as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with Sajid Javid remaining in place as secretary of state for the department.
Javid said: “Building the homes our country needs is an absolute priority for this government and so I’m delighted the prime minister has asked me to serve in this role. The name change for the department reflects this government’s renewed focus to deliver more homes and build strong communities across England.”
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The inclusion of the word ‘housing’ sends a clear signal as to the importance the government places on housing policy by the renaming of the department and the secretary of state’s title.
“However, actions always speak louder than words which is why it is vital that we also see continuity, application and a continued willingness to be bold where necessary in housing policy.”
NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said: “NHBC welcomes the prime minister’s commitment at the start of 2018 to addressing the challenges faced by the housing sector, reflected in the secretary of state’s new job title and renamed department.
“We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with Sajid Javid and his department. NHBC remains committed to helping the industry to deliver the high quality new homes that consumers deserve and that the country needs.”
