Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Accepted
Local planning authorities seek more direct engagement and improved performance
Recommendation
Some LPAs would also like more direct engagement with the Department on developer contributions, housing targets and the planning system more widely.43 We suggested to the Department that one of the problems is the difference in performance between the best and worst authorities. It explained that a core aim of its Planning Capacity and Capability programme is to bring areas up to the standards of the best by making sure they have the professional expertise and experience to properly understand what they are trying to deliver through Section 106 agreements, and to negotiate directly with developers in an effective way.44
Government Response Summary
The government agreed to build upon and extend existing channels of engagement with LPAs, while noting developer contributions remain a locally-led process. It will also continue to sponsor PAS to provide expert support to LPAs on a range of planning matters.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
7.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 7.2 The department recognises the importance of effective engagement across government departments and with diverse stakeholders. The department will look to build upon and extend existing channels of engagement. It will remain the case that the developer contributions is a predominantly locally-led process, where priorities are rightly determined at the local level; noting that contributions from developers must sit alongside considerations of the overall viability of development schemes. 7.3 The department sponsors PAS to provide expert support to LPAs on a range of planning matters. This includes tailored support to 70 councils between 2021 and 2025 to improve their governance and delivery of developer contributions. Extensive resources have been published on the PAS website, including a good practice guide for Infrastructure Funding Statement, guides for local authorities to improve the governance of developer contributions and how to navigate infrastructure delivery planning. In addition, the government's Chief Planner meets regularly with the Chief Planners of the devolved administrations, and the Chief Planner’s Newsletter provides guidance, policy and legislative updates, and advice to LPAs in England on a regular basis.