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High turnover of housing ministers and mandarins has derailed key policies in the sector, an influential backbench MP has said. Dr Phyllis Starkey (right), chair of the Commons CLG select committee, this week called for greater personnel stability within the CLG, in particular, its housing unit, warning that the department would not become a ‘big hitter', unless it retained individuals with the talent and drive to see policies through. Writing exclusively for LocalGov.co.uk's sister title, The MJ, Dr Starkey said the CLG's role as a strategic, commissioning department required an injection of new skills. But, she added: ‘The development of these skills has not been improved by frequent reorganisations of the department, but it also needs consistent leadership and the frequent changes in ministers, for example, those charged with the crucial and complex housing portfolio, has not helped. ‘At both ministerial level, and within the Civil Service itself, perhaps more weight needs to be given to stability.' Dr Starkey's comments follow the publication of a report by her committee last week, which attacked the poor delivery of key housing policies, such as home information packs and eco towns. A senior Whitehall source responded: ‘The department has recognised stability as a requirement. ‘Both [communities secretary] Hazel Blears and [local government minister] John Healey have been in post for some time' and have been strong leaders of their reform programmes. ‘The housing patch has been a little different, but with Margaret Beckett now in charge, and the role bumped up to cabinet level, the CLG has the "heavy hitter" it requires.'

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WHITEHALL

Key policies derailed by 'unstable' CLG, says MP

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