Javid stays as Secretary of State but with housing given higher profile

Sajid Javid has retained his role in today’s Cabinet reshuffle, but will now be known as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The job title change is designed to give housing a higher profile within the Government.

Jeremy Hunt has meanwhile been confirmed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, indicating a transfer of responsibility for social care from the DCLG.

In other announcements David Lidington will leave the Ministry of Justice for the Cabinet Office, effectively replacing the sacked Damian Green.

Lidington’s departure means there will be a sixth Lord Chancellor in six years, following the appointment of David Gauke, a lawyer.

Commenting on Javid’s re-appointment, Tim Miles, a partner in the social housing team at national law firm Clarke Willmott, said: “It is disappointing that a real opportunity has been missed in the cabinet reshuffle today to make Housing a standalone cabinet post….. 

“As he was already responsible for the Department of Communities and Local Government brief, which already encompassed responsibility for housing, it is difficult to see how Mr Javid’s day-to-day role will actually change, unless the Minister of State position for Housing is abolished, which would seem unlikely.”

Miles added: “Beyond symbolism, since 2010 the lion’s share of government housing policy has focused on increasing home ownership, which is only half of the story. The wider issues of increasing rents and lack of supply of rental homes (including genuine social rent homes) will also be required to be addressed if the housing crisis can ever truly be solved.

“To be an effective Secretary of State, Mr Javid will need to advocate strongly for a change of direction of government policy to address all areas of the housing crisis.”

In response to the announcement in relation to health and social care, Glen Garrod, Vice President of the Association for the Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), said: “This is a welcome recognition of the importance of social care. ADASS has long called for a more coherent approach towards health and social care, and ensuring that the responsible Government department does this is an essential first step.

“We hope the Secretary of State will see social care as crucial in its own right, and not just viewed through the prism of what it can do for healthcare. Social care is responsible for over 1.4 million jobs, and supports over 1 million of our most vulnerable adults. With a funding gap of over £2 billion, this will be one of the most essential tasks for the new Department to get to grips with in making sure that a long-term, sustainable funding solution is provided to address this. The upcoming green paper on social care, which is expected in the summer, is an ideal opportunity to do so.

“Every day, social workers and social care staff across the country make a huge difference to the lives of older people, and adults of working age with disabilities. It’s essential that this work is recognised with a determination in the new department to put social care on the secure financial footing it needs, and to deliver better quality health and social care solutions, that can benefit individuals and communities across the country.”