Gareth takes on housing and regeneration role for the West Midlands
A Government expert has been recruited as the new housing chief for the West Midlands Combined Authority
Gareth Bradford takes on the job of director of housing and regeneration, after leaving the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in London.
Gareth will oversee implementation of the WMCA’s plans to increase the supply of land for housing and employment to help meet growth levels set out in its Strategic Economic Plan.
He joins the senior leadership team being established by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and WMCA chief executive Deborah Cadman.
Gareth said: “I am delighted to be joining Andy, Deborah and the rest of the team at what is an exciting time for the West Midlands.
“This region has a large and ever-increasing population which needs to be properly housed. We need to attract new investment into housing and regeneration and make more land available for businesses setting up in the region bringing high quality jobs and homes for local people”
“I’m looking forward to helping the WMCA tackle the challenges that await in delivering what this region needs to transform the lives of the people who live and work here.”
Gareth has worked in Government since 2010, where his roles included a two-and-a-half year secondment to the No10 Policy Unit as a policy adviser on themes such as affordable housing, land, small businesses, regeneration, planning, build to rent and right to buy.
His current role is as deputy director responsible for a cross-Whitehall division for regeneration and infrastructure, leading housing and regeneration deals in growth areas.
Previously he was a senior planning officer and team leader at Devon County Council which he joined on graduation from Cardiff University.
Originally from Devon, he is married with a young daughter and is a keen sports fan, playing rugby union for Exeter and Devon as a youth.
Deborah Cadman said: “I am delighted to welcome Gareth to the WMCA at what is a key time as we grow and focus on improving the lives of people in the West Midlands.
“Housing and regeneration are key in this and Gareth’s incredibly strong background in these areas will be of huge benefit as we move forwards.”
