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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Swinburne on 25 September (HL10097), what steps they have taken to ensure that local authorities have up to date local plans in place; and how many authorities are yet to submit their plans.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that up-to-date local plans should provide a framework for addressing housing needs and other economic, social and environmental priorities.

As of the end of October 2023, 326 local planning authorities have an adopted local plan (under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). 219 local planning authorities have an adopted local plan that is over five years old, of which 91 have begun a consultation on a new plan and 43 have submitted a new local plan for examination. 12 have no adopted local plan, of which 5 have submitted their first local plan for examination.

The Government’s priority for getting up to date plans in place has not changed and we have been clear that local planning authorities should continue to progress their plans.

The Government funds the Planning Advisory Service which has a team of planning specialists who can give advice and support to local planning authorities on the local plan process.