I am concerned on behalf of the 400,000 homeless people in the UK, that the downgrading of this vital ministry from the Cabinet will result in little new action on behalf of the most vulnerable within our society (“Grant Shapps is housing minister”, 13 May, building.co.uk).

Having met Grant Shapps recently I am sure his personal energy will go some way to overcoming this hurdle but he begins by having to run up hill.

Rev Mark Lees, building.co.uk