Government Names Housebuilding Agency Boss

The Government has named Sir Bob Kerslake as the head of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the new agency tasked with delivering 3 million new homes by 2020 by the Prime Minister.

Sir Bob is currently chief executive of Sheffield City Council, and will initially oversee the development and implementation of the agency and then will become chief executive when it begins operating on April 1 2009.

With a three-year budget of over £8 Billion , he will be responsible for the implementation of the ambitious 15-year government plan to boost housebuilding.

Speaking yesterday he said: "I am delighted to be taking on this uniquely challenging and demanding post at the centre of the Government's agenda...It is vitally important that everyone has access to a decent home at a price they can afford, in a place where they want to live and work, and I am looking forward to leading the Homes and Communities Agency to make this a reality"

Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: "The HCA is vital to delivering the new homes this country desperately needs...Bob is an excellent person for the job. He has the skills, experience and leadership the new agency needs. His knowledge of local government will be particularly valuable in his new role."

The agency will combine the work of English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and the delivery functions of Communities and Local Government.