What next for DCHLG and new boss Steve Reed?
Now that the dust has settled on the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over irregularities in her tax arrangements, many will be asking “what’s next?” for her erstwhile departmental brief as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Most observers, regardless of their preferred colour of rosette, would agree that Rayner was an effective minister. In just over a year in post, she led the beginning of major reforms to the planning system, secured a 10-year social rent guarantee and kicked off one of the most significant reorganisation processes in local government history through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
However, with Rayner gone and a new Minister, Steve Reed, swiftly appointed in her stead, what does it all mean for the department’s ambitious policy agenda?
Reed takes over the department, having served as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since last year’s election. And while his record there was mixed, it’s in Local Government where much of his experience lies.
A pragmatic contrast to Rayner
From 2006-2012 he served as leader of Lambeth Council, where he oversaw a transformation of the council from being rated London’s worst‐run borough to one of its best. In 2013, he was awarded an OBE in recognition of his contribution to the sector.
He previously served as shadow Housing Secretary during the last parliament, and is known for his commitment to localism.
With this in mind, it might be reasonable to consider Reed a classic continuity candidate. After all, he will still be tasked with hitting the government’s ambitious housing targets (1.5m this parliament), cutting planning red tape and overseeing the restructure of local government in England.
However, Reed is a very different character from Rayner. While the latter was perhaps unfairly painted as brash and combative, there is no doubt that she is a strong character. Reed, on the other hand, can be expected to be much more pragmatic, perhaps even cautious in tone.
Consensus builder or big beast?
At a time when local authorities are feeling the strain of those ambitious housing targets, financial pressure and the existential question posed by devolution, Reed’s consensus-building qualities will be most welcome. His deep experience at Lambeth, too, makes him a natural peer of those council leaders facing up to these challenges, and it’s no surprise that London Councils have publicly welcomed his appointment.
On the other hand, though, DHCLG is no easy brief. The government knows that it needs to get Britain building and put power back in the hands of local delivery partners if it wants to generate growth, reduce homelessness and halt the turquoise charge of Reform UK. And to do that requires political capital and a “big beast” at the helm. And while Reed is well connected and respected in London’s political circles, how he will work with England’s mix of suburban and rural councils from Cornwall to Cumbria is not yet known.
It remains to be seen if Reed can drive forward the ambitious reforms kicked off by Angela Rayner, and crucially, bring the sector with him.