<b></b>The government reshuffle prompted by the resignation of Stephen Byers has seen Lord Falconer move away from housing and planning to be replaced by Lord Rooker. John Prescott, meanwhile, is back to oversee policy for the industry as the cumbersome Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions is shut down after just a year and housing is moved into the new Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.<br>Housebuilders are hoping that Rooker - a blunt and pragmatic Brummie - will be more receptive than Lord Falconer to calls for a solution to the housing crisis. Early indications are that they may be right, with Rooker labelling the UK housing shortage as a &amp;“disgrace&amp;” in his first speech (see New minister blasts level of housing completions above). <p></p><p>Rooker&amp;’s under-secretary for housing, planning and urban policy is Tony McNulty who has moved over from the Whips office.</p><p> Rooker is said to understand the way cities work, and this may be an advantage as Lord Rogers is keen to resurrect the struggling urban task force and urban agenda. The return of Prescott may prove to be the opportunity he needs as the Deputy Prime Minister was heavily involved in the launch of the …