Consultation response: Stronger performance of local planning authorities through an increase in planning fees

This consultation response sets out our position on proposals to increase planning fees to improve the performance of local planning authorities.

We recognise that planning departments are under severe strain after years of funding reductions, staffing shortages and rising system demands.

While supporting a plan‑led system and the principle that users should receive a timely and high‑quality service, we are clear that fee increases alone will not resolve the underlying resourcing crisis. Without wider reform, there is a risk that additional performance requirements imposed alongside fee increases could undermine service quality rather than improve it.

Recommendations put forward include:

• Allow local planning authorities to set planning fees locally to reflect real costs and local circumstances.
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• Increase planning fees but review levels once efficiency reforms have bedded in.
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• Ringfence additional fee income for planning services to rebuild capacity and expertise.
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• Ensure performance metrics are proportionate, realistic and focus on quality as well as speed.
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• Support planning capacity through workforce investment, training pathways and shared specialist services.