A reshuffle of Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May's cabinet has led to Communities and Local Government Secretary, Sajid Javid, having housing added to his remit.

Speaking on his new role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Mr Javid said the name change reflects the government's renewed focus to "deliver more homes and build strong communities across England".

"Building the homes our country needs is an absolute priority for this government and so I'm delighted the Prime Minister has asked me to serve in this role," he said.

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Brian Berry Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, welcomed the name change.

He said: "The inclusion of the word ‘housing' sends a clear signal as to the importance the Government places on housing policy by the renaming of the Department and the Secretary of State's title.

"However, actions always speak louder than words which is why it is vital that we also see continuity, application and a continued willingness to be bold where necessary in housing policy.

"We want to see continuity in terms of building on a set of good policies to unleash the capacity of the SME house building sector set out in the Housing White Paper; application in terms of effective implementation; and a willingness to still be bold where Government intervention is still called for."

(LM)