ODPM was created as a central department in its own right in May 2002, taking responsibility for policy areas from both the old Department for Transport, Local 
Government and the Regions (DTLR) and Cabinet Office. It is responsible for policy on housing, planning and regeneration, devolution, regional and local 
government (including the regional Government Offices) and the fire service. It also takes responsibility for the Social Exclusion Unit, the Neighbourhood 
Renewal Unit and the Government Offices for the Regions.