On 7 February 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the creation of four new government departments and the appointment of a series of new ministers, including:
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (led by Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP)
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (led by Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP)
- Department for Business and Trade (led by Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP)
- A refocused Department for Culture, Media and Sport (led by Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP)
- Rt Hon Greg Hands MP appointed as the new Conservative Party chairman.
RIBA President, Simon Allford said
“We fully support the principle of the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Indeed, we have previously stated that the cross-departmental nature of energy efficiency has led to crucial policy elements being lost; but how it functions in reality is what really matters.
Millions of energy inefficient homes in the UK are in urgent need of retrofit. We very much hope that this new department will bring together the right people, skills and funding to introduce a National Retrofit Strategy with a clear timetable and targets.
The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer’s move will usher in the sixth Housing Minister in just one year. If the Government are serious about delivering the high-quality homes that people need, they themselves must prioritise stability.
The Government must now work collaboratively with the built environment sector to ensure these changes make a positive difference to people’s lives. We will be engaging with the new Secretaries of State and their departments immediately.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
