Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will list the local authorities that (a) do and (b) do not have an up-to-date local plan.
It is essential for authorities to have up to date plan policies in place to plan for our housing needs and to provide clarity that communities and developers about where new homes should be built. It also helps ensure that development is planned for and is sustainable rather than the result of speculative applications.
It is up to Local Planning Authorities to determine if their plans are up to date and they must review their plans at least every five years to ensure that policies remain relevant and effectively address the needs of the local community. Reviewing does not necessarily mean updating is required, but they should take account of changing circumstances or changes in national policy.
The Planning Inspectorate publishes local plan progress at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/777040/LPA_Strategic_Plan_Progress_-_1_February_2019._GOV.UK.pdf.