Ministerial merry-go-round

The revolving door at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government continued to spin this week, as the country saw its eighth Housing Minister appointed in as many years. Planning Potential takes a brief look at the latest politician to take the hot seat.

First elected to Parliament in the 2015 General Election, Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire) was appointed Housing Minister on 9^th July 2018. He replaces Dominic Raab who moves into David Davis’ former role as Secretary of State for the Exiting the European Union.

Whilst a relative newcomer to national politics, Malthouse gained 8 years’ experience in Local Government, representing the wards of St George’s and Warwick from 1998 – 2006. Within three years of serving as a local councillor, Malthouse was elected Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance.

In 2008, Malthouse was elected to the London Assembly, representing West Central (Boroughs of Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham). During his time at the Assembly, Malthouse became an ally of Boris Johnson, who appointed him Deputy Mayor for Policing in 2008, and Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise in 2012. As a Brexiteer, he is said to remain a close political ally to the now former Foreign Secretary.

In 2016, Malthouse spoke at the Neighbourhood Planning Bill reading in Parliament on several occasions. His comments indicated that he felt the Local Plan process was being undermined by the Planning Inspectorate granting consent to ‘speculative’ developers where a Plan was still being produced by local communities. He has also placed on record his view that all new housing developments should be required to deliver fibre optic broadband as a requirement.

A glance at the Member for North West Hampshire’s record on housing indicates he has voted consistently to phase out secure tenancies for life and voted for charging market rent to high earning council tenants. He has additionally voted for ‘requiring pub companies to offer pub landlords rent-only leases’.

More comprehensive details of Malthouse’s policy positions are sure to emerge in the coming weeks. However, the appointment of four Housing Ministers in two years has not inspired confidence within the industry that the issue remains a top Government priority.