Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to clause 45 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, published on 11 March 2025, who will deliver planning training for councillors.

My Department has had a constructive engagement with the sector regarding our proposals for mandatory training for planning committee members and we will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders in respect of the details of the proposed training and how this will be delivered.

We have not made an estimate of the number of planning applications decided by the casting vote of the chair if the size of planning committees is reduced. We will, however, consult on the right level to set the size of planning committees to reflect best practice.