Last edited 08 Oct 2020

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

In January 2018, as part of a Cabinet reshuffle, it was announced that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) would be renamed the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The role of 'Communities Secretary' was renamed 'Housing Secretary', although otherwise remained unchanged, and the activities of MHCLG remained the same as DCLG.

These changes were intended to reflect the government's commitment to tackle the housing crisis, following the Autumn Budget 2017 announcement that the government would deliver 300,000 additional homes a year by the mid-2020s, the biggest annual increase in housing supply since 1970.

Chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Brian Berry said; “The inclusion of the word ‘housing’ sends a clear signal as to the importance the government places on housing policy... 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.”

Chief executive of NHBC, 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.”

On 30 April 2018, the Housing Secretary Sajid Javid was replaced by James Brokenshire.

Brokenshire was Northern Ireland Secretary until he resigned in January 2018 due to medical treatment to remove a lung tumour. Having served in the post of Housing Secretary since July 2016, Javid was moved to the position of Home Secretary after the resignation of Amber Rudd following the Windrush scandal.

Brokenshire said; "I am determined to get Britain building the homes our country needs so everyone can afford a place to call their own. One of my top priorities is going to be ensuring everyone affected by the Grenfell Tower fire gets the support they need and we learn lessons from the tragedy so something like this can never happen again."

Robert Jenrick, MP for Newark, replaced James Brokenshire on 24 July 2019. He was previously Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury from 9 January 2018.

The Housing Secretary is supported by a Minister of State for Housing.