Last week saw Boris Johnson’s Government reshuffle replace Esther McVey as housing minister with Christopher Pincher. This makes Pincher the 10th housing minister since the Conservatives came into power in 2010. Rather than bring stability and equilibrium this high turn over of housing ministers continues to create uncertainty in our troubled industry. Mark Hayward and David Cox of Propertymark said in a joint statement: “Unfortunately, the lack of continuity in this post and the persistent changes means it’s near impossible for anyone in the role to make an impact.” “Fixing the broken housing market should be the priority, and there’s a number of consultations and policy that requires action – most importantly the Regulation of Property Agents. “We look forward to working with the new minister on these important changes to the industry.”
Pincher tweeted after his appointment “this Government will deliver on our commitment to build the housing that people need”. Building is only a small part of what’s wrong with the property industry. No doubt we need the right properties, built to the right standard, in the right places across the UK, that are realistically affordable. Pincher will be working alongside Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government. Jenrick tweeted that he will continue “helping more people onto the ladder; building safer, greener, more beautiful homes; ending rough sleeping; delivering on Conservatives mission to level up”. Pincher tweeted last night “some tough challenges ahead, but 2020 will be a big year for housing”. Let us hope that big year is for the whole industry.
