New housing secretary vows to prioritise planning reforms
Steve Reed, the newly appointed housing secretary, has announced his intention to drive a significant increase in homebuilding as he prepares for his first meeting with leading developers and housebuilders this week.
Over the weekend, Reed reportedly informed officials that “build, baby, build” would be his guiding principle in his new role. He also stated his aim to “move on to the next stage in unleashing one of the biggest eras of building in our country’s history,” according to The Telegraph.
It’s time to BUILD, BABY, BUILD🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/OQnolSf6dJ
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) September 8, 2025
The upcoming meeting will focus on the next phase of planning reforms in the UK. Reed is expected to emphasise the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply, telling developers: “I will leave no stone unturned to build the homes Britain desperately needs.”
Reed has been appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, succeeding Angela Rayner, who resigned from her roles as deputy prime minister, deputy leader of the Labour Party, and housing secretary after a property tax controversy led to a significant Cabinet reshuffle. Her resignation followed an inquiry into the underpayment of stamp duty on an £800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex. Rayner paid £40,000 less than the required surcharge by declaring the property as her main residence instead of a second home.
Meanwhile, industry leaders commented on the recent change in leadership.
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of industry body Propertymark, welcomed the appointment of Reed, saying the change in positions came “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,” Emerson said.
“We look forward to working with Steve to ensure that future policies are pro-growth and work in practice, and hope he fully engages with the sector, as professionally regulated property agents can support these reforms.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, responded similarly to Reed’s appointment.
“We welcome Steve Reed’s appointment as housing secretary,” Beadle said. “At a time of substantial change for the rental market, we look forward to working constructively with him.
“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.”
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