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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many photographers her Department has hired as (a) staff and (b) contractors since since 4 July 2024; from what dates; and what estimate she has made of the annual cost of those photographers.

As is the case already in other government departments, official photographers help to share the work of the department and ministers with the public. Photography and videography - for external use or on the department's corporate channels - can help to give the public and civil servants a greater sense of accessibility and transparency over the activities of government. Members of MHCLG’s communications team already demonstrate a broad range of written and digital / visual media skills to help communicate with the public, the media and stakeholders.

MHCLG does not currently employ a photographer on a part or full-time basis. The department has recently advertised a role within the Civil Service for a chief photographer (Grade 7).

We do not comment on individual staffing matters.