Minister
In the UK government, a minister is a Member of Parliament (MP) or a member of the House of Lords who holds a position in the government, usually responsible for a particular department or area of policy.
There are several levels of minister:
- Prime Minister. The head of government, leading overall policy and decision-making.
- Secretaries of State. Senior ministers who head government departments.
- Ministers of State. More senior junior ministers, usually overseeing a major part of a department’s work.
- Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State. Often just called junior ministers, with responsibility for narrower areas.
Ministers relevant to the construction industry include:
- Construction Minister. There is no official title of construction minister within the UK government, however, there is generally a minister whose role includes construction (and generally infrastructure). As part of their role, they generally serve as co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council.
- Housing Secretary. Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is sometimes referred to as the ‘Housing Secretary’.
- Minister of State for Housing. The Housing Secretary is supported by a Minister of State for Housing, sometimes referred to as the Housing and Planning Minister.
- Building Safety Minister. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.