Top CLG official to step down
The most senior civil servant at the Communities and Local Government department is leaving to take up a new post.
Peter Housden will leave his role as permanent secretary at the CLG next month, and become permanent secretary to the Scottish Government.
Mr Housden has been permanent secretary at the CLG and its predecessor the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister since October 2005.
He said it was a ‘huge honour’ to take on the role in Scotland, but that it was also a ‘wrench’ to be leaving the CLG.
‘I have tremendous regard for my colleagues in the department, and for our all partners and friends in public services and in civic society,’ he said. ‘In the four and a half years we have worked together, we have served communities to the very best of our ability.’
Irene Lucas, currently a director general with the CLG, will be appointed acting permanent secretary while a long-term replacement is sought.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles said: ‘I am obviously sad to lose someone of such courageous leadership, who puts the interests of the department, and of the communities it serves, first. Peter faces an exciting challenge in Scotland, and I wish him well.’
