Rayner Out, Reed In – Housing Secretary Shake-Up

As a multidisciplinary consultancy at the forefront of planning and infrastructure, we are closely tracking this ministerial change and its implications. In this analysis, we explore how the Rayner-to-Reed transition could impact the residential development sector, from planning reform and housing targets to infrastructure delivery, sustainability priorities, and investor confidence, and how we stand ready to help clients navigate the road ahead.

Planning Reform and Policy Outlook

A change at the top often raises questions about the direction of planning policy. Reed steps into his new role amid industry calls to accelerate planning reforms and cut through persistent red tape. Local government leaders note that he inherits some of the biggest and most challenging policy agendas, with the fair funding review, planning and housing reforms and many more, all of which are vital for the new ministerial team to hit the ground running. In practice, this means the sector is looking for continuity, or even greater urgency, in simplifying and streamlining the planning system. Under Rayner’s tenure, some progress had been made toward reforming England’s complex planning rules, but many developers still face slow approval processes and uncertainty.

Industry voices are already urging Reed to pick up the pace. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has stressed that Britain remains far behind its annual target of 300,000 new homes due in part to “delays in planning reforms,” and it implores the new secretary to take swift action to unblock the system. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) likewise emphasises the need to unlock the planning system and continue the momentum for reform, as this will “give the sector confidence” and enable housing delivery at scale.

In short, planning reform remains front and center on the policy agenda, and the development industry is hopeful that Reed’s leadership will bring a renewed focus on practical changes (from updated National Planning Policy Framework guidance to digitalised, faster decision-making) that can catalyse housing growth. Brookbanks’ planning experts understand the nuances of these regulatory shifts and stand ready to help translate policy changes into actionable strategies for projects on the ground.

Sustainability and Environmental Priorities

Given Steve Reed’s background leading the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, it is expected that sustainability priorities will feature prominently in his approach to housing and development. The push for new homes will likely be balanced with commitments to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, aligning with the UK’s broader goals for net zero and climate resilience. Housing associations and developers are keen to see continuity in sustainability policy. They highlight that stable government commitments have enabled long-term planning, such as investing in “sustainable retrofit projects that help customers reduce energy bills and live more sustainably.” It is “essential that these commitments remain firm,” stressed one housing provider, noting that clarity and consistency are key to maintaining momentum on green initiatives. In practice, this means developers are looking for support on things like improving energy efficiency of new and existing homes, encouraging low-carbon construction methods, and funding climate-resilient infrastructure.

Reed’s tenure could bolster these efforts. His experience in the environmental realm may help bridge housing policy with climate action, for instance, streamlining planning for renewable energy installations or championing modern methods of construction that reduce carbon footprints. Industry experts have already pointed out that Reed’s mix of experience puts him in a unique position to deliver housing targets while also advancing the transition to a green economy. We consider that Reed’s time at DEFRA and in local government should significantly assist in delivering the governments’ ambitious 1.5 million-homes target, helping to ensure the UK can meet its transition to renewable energy sources. We interpret this as a signal that the new Housing Secretary might pursue policies linking development with renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, for example, encouraging the integration of solar panels, EV charging networks, or green space in new housing schemes.

Of course, another facet of sustainability is building safety and resilience, an area already in sharp focus post-Grenfell and through initiatives like the Building Safety Act. The sector will expect Reed to continue prioritising safe as well as sustainable homes. Housing providers have voiced their commitment to delivering “safe, sustainable homes” across the country and will look to the government for consistent regulation and support to do so. Our environmental and engineering teams are deeply engaged in these sustainability priorities. From designing flood mitigation and low-impact drainage, to advising on carbon reduction strategies for large developments, we are helping clients marry the goals of housing growth with climate and environmental imperatives. We anticipate that Reed will maintain, if not strengthen, the policy focus on sustainability, and we are prepared to guide our partners through any new standards or opportunities that result.