Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific responsibilities have been given to the civil servant, formerly employed by Design Council CABE, who has been appointed to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in order to assist the Chief Planner in improving design and place quality.

The Civil Servant referred to has specific responsibility for design and other national planning policy, in relation to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

He is a town planner with over 10 years experience at national level and is also working on housing and place based deals across the country. He also sits on the Design Steering Group, overseeing the Department's Design Action Plan.