The MP joined the levelling up department on 26 October, taking on from previous housing minister Lee Rowley. She will work with Michael Gove who was reappointed levelling up secretary at the end of October.
Speaking at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) conference this week, Frazer emphasised that planning reform is a “major area of focus” for the government, according to Housing Today, and that the levelling up bill will make the system “easier to navigate, faster and more predictable”.
This comes after reports that the controversial investment zone plans, that would reportedly see relaxed planning rules in certain areas, are due to be axed in the Autumn budget this month.
As part of her portfolio Frazer will have responsibility for overall housing strategy, and delivering programmes such as the affordable homes scheme. Under her planning responsibilities, casework, reform and design and “building better” were listed.
She has also been allocated the planning decision for Adjaye Associates and Ron Arad Architects holocaust Memorial, planned to be installed in a Grade II-listed park by the Palace of Westminster. The scheme was approved in 2020, and given a green light by the planning inspectorate, but the high court revoked the consent and the court of appeal has thrown out two applications by the government to appeal the decision.
Frazer will also be responsible for the home ownership and home buying and selling process, Homes England stewardship, tackling leasehold and freehold abuses, New Homes Ombudsman and redress.
Frazer served as a transport department minister during prime minister Liz Truss’s government. Before that, she served as financial secretary to the treasury from 16 September 2021 to 7 September 2022. In the past four years, she has also held roles in the Ministry of Justice, and as a Solicitor General.
Before her political career, the Cambridge University alumni practised as a barrister and was appointed as Queen's Counsel in 2013.