Ex prisons chief Amy Rees CB has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Homes England, tasked with leading the agency’s mission to tackle the housing crisis and deliver 1.5 million new homes over the course of the current Parliament.
Rees joins Homes England after serving as interim permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, where she led Whitehall’s largest department through spending review negotiations and major operational reforms. She was awarded the Companion of the Bath (CB) for services to justice earlier this year, following a 13-year career with HM Prisons and Probation Service including three years as chief executive.
Reporting to the Homes England Board and accountable to Angela Raynor, Rees will oversee a regionalised operating model designed to enhance housing outcomes across England, including the launch of the new National Housing Bank.
‘Her leadership will enable the agency’s cultural transformation, ensure sound stewardship of public funds, and strengthen stakeholder engagement across local and national government’, Homes England said in a statement.
‘It is a huge privilege to join Homes England and lead those responsible for delivering such a critical agenda for our country’, Rees said.
“The housing crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing our country, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues, government, industry, and communities to deliver the homes people need.”
Deputy prime minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner said of the appointment:
“Today marks a momentous step for Homes England and I am delighted that Amy will be leading the charge to help us turn the tide on the housing crisis.
“I know Amy’s exceptional leadership and track record makes her the ideal choice as we work together to build 1.5 million homes, deliver the biggest expansion in social and affordable housing in a generation, and raise living standards in every region across the country.”
Pat Ritchie CBE, chair of Homes England, added:
“Amy is a truly inspiring appointment. Her energy, clarity of purpose and operational grip make her ideally placed to lead Homes England into its next chapter. With housing central to the UK’s growth ambitions, her leadership will drive our strategic plan, boost delivery, and further embed Homes England as a key partner across regions.”
Rees will take over from Homes England interim CEO Eamonn Boylan on the 8th September.
