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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her Department's policy is on consulting on substantive changes to (a) practice and (b) policy in relation to the Planning practical guidance.

There is no statutory duty to consult prior to making changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and/or associated planning guidance.

That said, the Secretary of State keeps the matter of consultation under active consideration ahead of making any changes to planning policy alongside any legal obligations including those under the Equality Act 2010 and the Environment Act 2021.