§ Bob RussellTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether there is a time period after which a temporary structure is deemed to be permanent in respect of(a) planning legislation and (b) commencement of enforcement proceedings; and if he will make a statement. [171737]
§ Keith HillThe rules governing temporary structures provided in connection with temporary uses of land are set out in Part 4 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. If such a structure were to remain on site after the temporary use had ended, it would be unlawful and could be the subject of enforcement action.
§ Mrs. Helen ClarkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much the planning inspectorate has spent on external consultants, not including consultant inspectors, since 2002. [170043]
§ Keith HillInformation is provided for financial years 2002–03 and 2003–04.
£ 2002–03 2003–04 Consultants—non IT 477,206.65 541,424.91 IT consultants 512,586.01 375,231.00 E-business consultants 2,785,132.94 1,720,815.83 Total 3,774,925.60 2,637,471.74
§ Mrs. Helen ClarkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what mechanisms are in place to assess the effectiveness of the contribution made by external consultants, not including consultant inspectors, to the planning inspectorate. [170044]
§ Keith HillExternal consultants are engaged by The Planning Inspectorate when it is not possible to provide the required expertise from in-house resources. All consultants are contracted to undertake tasks relevant to the particular requirement and to deliver specific products.
The effectiveness of the contribution made by external consultants is assessed through an ongoing process of performance measurement and sound contract management. This seeks to ensure that contractual obligations are met as efficiently and effectively as possible, quality products delivered to time, business objectives met and benefits realised.
1690WAll projects are subject to Office of Government Commerce gateway Reviews.