Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Strong case exists for Section 106 template clauses to streamline negotiations and reduce workload.
Conclusion
There is a strong case for the introduction of template clauses for aspects of Section 106 agreements across England, as was recommended by the National Audit Office and others. Templates would allow local authorities to focus negotiations on site-specific factors rather than legal wordings. Template clauses would also allow for greater standardisation and clarity of requirements across all local authorities, and in turn reduce the workload of local authorities and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise developers. (Conclusion, Paragraph 36)
Government Response Summary
The government has identified a funding package to support SDS production and expects to make some initial payments in March and to confirm the full package in the summer.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
35. The Government notes the Committee’s recommendation to reinstate funded Level 7 planning apprenticeships for students over 21. Current apprenticeship levy arrangements prioritise younger entrants and lower- level qualifications to support early career development. We continue to monitor the impact of these arrangements on the planning profession. 36. However, the Government considers that funding planning apprenticeship routes alone does not guarantee that learners will work in, or remain in, local planning authorities. In contrast, the Government is delivering a comprehensive Planning Capacity and Capability Programme aimed specifically at the public sector, which directly increases the number of planners in LPAs, targeting high-calibre applicants, funding salary bursaries and supporting accredited postgraduate training. The Department is investing £46 million in 2025–26, alongside a further £48 million committed at the 2025 Budget to be allocated across this Parliament, to strengthen planning teams, open new routes into the profession for graduates and experienced professionals, and provide targeted training and leadership support through initiatives such as Pathways to Planning, Public Practice, and wider support from PAS. 37. We agree that strategic authorities will play a critical role in delivering spatial development strategies and recognise the need for specialist skills. To support SDS production, the Government has identified a funding package. We expect to make some initial payments in March and to confirm the full package in the summer. The Department is working with partners to explore how skills sharing and resource coordination can operate effectively within this new strategic context, alongside ongoing investment in LPA capacity and leadership. Local authorities are, however, independent bodies and are responsible for determining how best to structure and resource their own planning services, including for s106 negotiations. Workforce and leadership models will rightly vary according to local needs, scale and ambition. Sector-wide training opportunities will be provided to authorities as part of the PAS s106 support package (see response to recommendation 3).