Just after welcoming the appointment of the new Labour government housing minister, Propertymark has gone on to call for a cross-party approach to the housing issue.

Over the weekend Labour named MP Matthew Pennycook as the principal housing minister in the new government; he will be responsible for the new renters’ reform bill as well as other issues.

But a statement from Propertymark chief executive – beginning with a welcome to Pennycook – soon changes course.  

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark comments: “Propertymark welcomes the appointment of Matthew Pennycook as Housing Minister within the newly formed cabinet … There needs to be a long-term cross-party approach with continuity built in as standard – we should never be looking at a housing plan as an insulator five year government term, in case of any change down the line” says the group’s chief executive Nathan Emerson. 

He continues: “The housing sector is crying out for a vastly increased supply to keep pace with demand, there simply can be no room for error moving forwards or we may end up with prices artificially rocketing due to consumer desperation in finding a suitable home for their needs.

“There must be a broad mix of sustainably built homes that brings much need stock to both buyers and renters. The plan must be delivered with precision and in a way that is connected with wider government planning to ensure key infrastructure is provisioned for as the population further grows.”