News

Michael Gove MP has been re-appointed as the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by Rishi Sunak. Mr Gove returns to the post after leaving the department during Liz Truss’s tenure as Prime Minister. He had previously headed the department when the Renters’ Reform white paper was released.

During an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Mr Gove reinforced his commitment to reform of the private rented sector and suggested that renters will be targeted by the extra financial support that will be set out in the Autumn Statement on 17 November.

It has also been confirmed that Lee Rowley MP is the new housing minister. The full team of DLUHC ministers can be found on the department’s homepage, here.

Our chief executive, Isobel Thomson, says:

“After weeks of political change and the uncertainty this has cast over policymaking, it is welcome to see the Levelling Up Secretary reinforce his previous commitment to drive up rental standards.

“But the cost-of-living crisis is of course now biting harder than it was in the summer when the white paper emerged. safeagent will be watching the Chancellor’s announcement later this month closely, to see what the promise of financial support for renters looks like in practice. Balance will be key in any of the measures that are brought forward.

“Agents are often the first port of call for renters needing support, and transparent dialogue with landlords is crucial to providing that support too.

“It is vital that everyone involved in the PRS has the support and resources needed to give tenants the security of a good home. We remain committed to working with DLUHC to ensure our agents can continue to do their part to achieve exactly that.”