The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is the UK Government department charged with housing policy, community development and matters affecting local government in England. It sets national priorities for housing supply, standards and affordability and works with councils, developers and charities to deliver services at a local level. The department's remit includes housing policy (housing) and its role in supporting and regulating local authorities (local government in England).

Responsibilities

DLUHC develops and implements policies on a range of topics that shape places and public services. Key functions include:

  • policy and funding for housing delivery, social housing and measures to tackle homelessness;
  • oversight of local government finance, performance and accountability;
  • programmes aimed at reducing regional disparities under the "levelling up" agenda;
  • building safety, planning policy and neighbourhood regeneration initiatives.

History and organisation

The department traces its roots to earlier government offices responsible for local government and communities and was formally established in its modern form in May 2006. It has since undergone name and focus changes to reflect shifting priorities: most notably it has been rebranded to reflect a stronger emphasis on housing and on the government’s levelling up programme. The department is led by a Secretary of State supported by ministers and a senior civil service team.

DLUHC operates through policy directorates and regional teams, and it distributes funding and statutory guidance to councils and other local bodies. Its headquarters are colocated with the Home Office in central London, which places it in close administrative proximity to other Whitehall departments (shared headquarters).

The department's work affects everyday life—from planning permissions and building safety to how local services are funded and delivered. While DLUHC's remit covers England, matters such as housing and local government are devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the department works alongside devolved administrations and local partners to coordinate policy where needed.

For further information about specific programmes, guidance and current initiatives consult official departmental resources or the pages linked from this summary (housing overview, local government roles).