The former CEO of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is set to become Homes England’s interim chair.
Pat Ritchie, who led the predecessor of Homes England from 2010 to 2013, has been appointed by deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, to head up the government’s housing and regeneration agency on a temporary basis for up to 18 months.
Ritchie will take over from current chair, Peter Freeman, who will step down from the role at the end of April to concentrate on his position as chair of the Cambridge Growth Company.
Homes England said that Freeman would play a “vital role in supporting the government’s ambitions” as he helps to deliver new housing and infrastructure in Greater Cambridge.
Previously, Ritchie has held the role of chair of the Government Property Agency since 2020 and was also the CEO of Newcastle City Council from 2013, leaving the HCA to take the position, which she departed in 2021. She currently sits on the board for Homes England helping to implement the agency’s priorities.
The MHCLG said that the appointment of Ritchie will bring “stability and momentum” to Homes England as it transitions to a regional and place-based model while continuing to deliver the government’s housing mission.
Pat Ritchie said: “I am proud to have been asked to step in as interim Homes England chair during this period of transformation. The agency’s great strength is its people, who are passionate about regeneration and building strong communities, and we are focused on driving delivery to help achieve the government’s housing ambitions.”
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said that Ritchie would bring “a wealth of experience from previous roles” and that she commands “considerable respect in the sector”.
