§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the Planning Inspector's annual report and accounts for 1999–2000. [133616]
§ Mr. RaynsfordPINS has a key role to play in taking forward our modernising planning agenda. I am therefore very pleased to say that the Inspectorate has met all but one of the targets set for its work in England. Its annual report for 1999–2000, which is published today, shows that its performance delivered an improvement upon the timeliness targets for handling planning appeals. It has maintained the high standard for development plan778W inquiries, thereby helping to create a greater certainty for all involved in the planning process as more areas are covered by up to date development plans.
The agency continues to meet its 3 per cent. efficiency target. On-going investment in staff development and IT systems have improved performance and service to customers. The Inspectorate's website was re-launched in March and now covers a wide range of information to assist users of the planning system. Surveys show that the Inspectorate's handling of appeals and its decisions are widely respected. Its quality target was not just met but exceeded.
Copies of the annual report have been placed in the Library.