Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office Planning in Northern Ireland, published on 1 February; in particular in relation to their ambition to deliver a growing and rebalanced economy.

Planning policy is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure has responsibility for regional planning policy and legislation.

We note the concerns raised about the performance of the planning system in Northern Ireland in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report. Northern Ireland is governed best when governed locally and the concerns raised in the report highlight the need for functioning devolved institutions, delivering on key issues like ensuring Northern Ireland has an effective planning system that meets the needs of businesses and the public.

The UK Government is committed to growing and levelling up the Northern Ireland economy, which is why more than £3.5bn has been provided in recent years, in addition to the block grant, through the New Deal for Northern Ireland, City and Growth Deals, PEACE PLUS and the New Decade, New Approach financial package.