There is an imbalance in capacity and capability between the public and private sector. Larger developers are generally better resourced with people who have specialist skills for negotiation.25 In its written evidence, the Chartered Institute of Housing expressed concern that local planning departments across England had faced significant reductions in staffing levels, with reduced capacity causing delays in planning approvals and loss of skills.26 A recent report by the Department found tha...

There is an imbalance in capacity and capability between the public and private sector. Larger developers are generally better resourced with people who have specialist skills for negotiation.25 In its written evidence, the Chartered Institute of Housing expressed concern that local planning departments across England had faced significant reductions in staffing levels, with reduced capacity causing delays in planning approvals and loss of skills.26 A recent report by the Department found that 97% of planning departments reported planning skills gaps, with around half reporting skills gaps specifically in CIL, Section 106 and viability assess Type: conclusion | Number: 18 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: March 2026 4.2 The department is committed to strengthening planning capacity and capability across local authorities through the Planning Capacity and Capability (C&C) Pro