Conclusion 4

We are unconvinced that the Department is adequately addressing staffing capacity and capability issues within local planning authorities. Research from the sector suggests staffing in LPAs is a serious problem. The Royal Town Planning Institute’s 2023 State of the Profession report found that, in the period 2013–2020, around a quarter 3 of planners left the public sector, while the private sector grew by two-thirds. A 2022 survey by the Local Government Association found that 58% of local authorities in England experienced difficulties in recruiting planning officers. Staffing issues within LPA planning teams are largely due to the working environment, caseloads and pay, and many planners find opportunities in the private sector more attractive. Additionally, the imbalance in capacity and capability between the public and private sector mean that larger developers are generally better resourced with people who have specialist negotiation skills. The Department states that it will provide around £12 million for the recruitment and retention of planners, for a graduate scheme and to encourage more mature professionals with multidisciplinary expertise into LPAs. It also points out that there is a provision in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will allow LPAs to set their own planning fees, which should help them improve their staffing and service levels. recommendation Alongside the Treasury Minute, the Department should write to the Committee setting out, in detail, how the Capacity and Capability Programme will improve the pipeline of new planners and help LPAs to retain experienced planners.