Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 27
27
The Government’s reforms require an increase in planning staff, especially those with specific specialist skills,...
Recommendation
The Government’s reforms require an increase in planning staff, especially those with specific specialist skills, such as design. These skills gaps will need to be filled if the planning system is to be improved. The Government must undertake and publish a resources and skills strategy in advance of primarily legislation, to clearly explain how the various skill needs of the planning system will be met. (Paragraph 186) Design and beauty
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
53. The cost to local authorities of administering the existing planning system in England is estimated to be £1 billion. The 2021 Spending Review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in safe and affordable housing by confirming a settlement of nearly £24 billion for housing, up to 2025-26. As part of this, the settlement provides an additional £65 million investment to improve the planning regime, through a new digital system which will ensure more certainty and better outcomes for the environment, growth and quality of design. 54. The Government will take forward increases in fees to ensure the planning system is better resourced. We intend to increase planning fees for minor and major applications by 35% and 25% respectively, subject to consultation. This will be consulted on in the summer before changes are made through secondary legislation at the earliest opportunity following the consultation. 55. The Government agrees with the Committee and recognises that these reforms will require an increase in skills for local authorities, for example digital and design skills. The Government is also aware of the demands that the new system will put on professionals in the private sector, and recognise the need for both private and public sectors to have sufficient skills, capability and talent for the new system to run effectively. 56. The Government is working with representatives from local government, the private sector and the professional bodies to develop a comprehensive skills strategy. This will seek to attract, develop and advance those into and within the profession, and to support local authorities to retain and grow from within.