Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 9
9
The duty to cooperate between local authorities has operated imperfectly.
Recommendation
The duty to cooperate between local authorities has operated imperfectly. However, we heard strong agreement there needed to be more cooperation between local authorities and that sub-national planning was a weakness of the current system. The Government should only abolish the duty to cooperate when more effective mechanisms have been put in place to ensure cooperation. Whilst the duty to cooperate remains in place, the Government should give combined authorities the statutory powers to oversee the cooperation of local authorities in their area. Longer- term reforms could include greater use of joint plans, of plans overseen by mayors and combined authorities, and of development corporations. The Government should seek to apply the lessons from successful strategic plans devised by local authorities in certain parts of the country in devising more effective mechanisms for strategic planning. (Paragraph 61) Public engagement
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
22. The Government agrees with the Committee that the Duty to Cooperate should not be a bolished without a clear understanding of how it will be replaced with a new mechanism to ensure cross-boundary cooperation. The Bill does abolish the Duty, but it will be replaced with a new ‘alignment policy’ in a revised NPPF following the Bill’s passage. The Government recognises the importance of cooperation between authorities, and has worked closely with authorities to understand how best we can encourage cross-boundary working without the unnecessarily burdensome Duty to Cooperate. 23. Spatial development strategies can play a valuable role in considering strategic priorities a cross functional geographies. The Bill gives powers for all authorities to prepare one if they believe it would assist the long-term planning of their wider area, and would focus on genuine strategic priorities. 24. The Government agrees that in the longer term there could be a greater use of development c orporations. Development corporations can be powerful tools for delivering large or complex regeneration and housing schemes. Development corporation legislation was designed at different times in response to different circumstances and as a result they have varying powers and remits which may inhibit their use today. The Bill ensures there are consistent locally led delivery options available to support local areas’ plans for regeneration and growth.