§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to issue new guidance to local authorities on the training of councillors involved in planning decisions. [85053]
§ Mr. CabornIn partnership with the Local Government Association, the Improvement and Development Agency and the Royal Town Planning Institute, I have today issued a leaflet to all councillors in England, giving guidance on the training which they should be undertaking in planning issues. Planning is a crucial local authority function involving the consideration and balancing of complex issues. It has a central and positive role to play in delivering services to local communities. However, it can also raise sensitive propriety issues. It is vital, therefore, that those carrying out this important task are properly equipped to do so.
The proposed syllabus identifies the key topics on which training should be given. We have also emphasised the importance of councillors being given a continuing programme of planning training to keep their knowledge up to date. The leaflet is being issued as part of my Modernising Planning Initiative to help improve the effectiveness of local authority planning services. It is also intended to help councils implement the recommendation of the Third Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 3702–1) that
All members of an authority's planning committee (or equivalent) should receive training in the planning system … ".We have, however, gone further than this. All elected members will have contact with planning and we have therefore given guidance on the training needs of all councillors depending on their particular role.
Copies of the leaflet have been placed in the House Libraries.