DLUHC and RTPI work to tackle shortage of planning enforcement Officers in Councils

THE Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has supported the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) to address the critical shortage of Planning Enforcement Officers across Councils nationwide.

Enforcement Officers serve as the cornerstone of the planning system, safeguarding the public and the environment from infringements of planning control, violations of planning laws, and poorly conceived developments. However, the sector is grappling with a substantial crisis in resourcing, skills, and performance.

According to research conducted by the RTPI in 2022, commissioned by DLUHC, a staggering 80% of planners expressed concerns about the insufficient number of enforcement Officers to manage the workload. Additionally, 70% of Councils reported difficulties in recruiting enforcement Officers over the past 6 years.

Councils across the UK are facing challenges in both recruitment and retention. Recent reports highlighted the departure of Mid-Devon's sole planning enforcement Officer, leaving a temporary staff member to handle the department's nearly 300 cases.

In response, the RTPI, in collaboration with DLUHC, is embarking on a proactive initiative to engage School and College students, showcasing the vital, dynamic, and diverse role of a planning enforcement Officer and the positive impact enforcement has on communities.

The Institute aims to illustrate the various pathways into planning enforcement, ranging from traditional University degrees to apprenticeships, emphasising the inclusive nature of the profession.

Join the realm of planning enforcement and become a catalyst for positive change in your community. Explore your path to a qualification in Planning Enforcement.

Joanna Averley, Chief Planner at DLUHC said:- "Planning enforcement plays a crucial role in maintaining the trust of the public in the planning system. A career in enforcement is highly rewarding, providing opportunities to get out of the office and make a genuine difference in the community you work. The interventions you make will result in real improvements to the built environment in which we all live our lives. Enforcement Officers are in high demand and I encourage those interested to pursue this exciting career opportunity."

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive at the RTPI, said:- "Enforcement Officers are the backbone of the planning system, driving tangible improvements for their local communities and safeguarding both people and the natural environment. Planning enforcement Officers have diverse backgrounds and different educational and career paths, and we warmly welcome candidates into the profession at an exciting time for planning enforcement. With the support of DLUHC, we aim to demonstrate the unique and interesting aspects of this profession, regardless of whether you are a recent graduate, a student or someone seeking a new career."

Government confirms reduction in the intervention at Liverpool City Council

THE Government has confirmed a significant reduction in the intervention at Liverpool City Council, with the publication of revised directions. The Commissioners will hand back powers for several functions over the coming weeks, earlier than planned. This means Liverpool City Council will once again have the ability to appoint most senior managers will be returned to the Council with immediate effect. Also, the Council will regain oversight of the finance and highways functions.

The powers where stripped from Liverpol City Council in:- June 2021, when the then Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, appointed 4 Commissioners for Liverpool City Council. These appointments were made following the completion of a:- 'Best Value Inspection' by Max Caller CBE. The published of the:- 'The Best Value Report' in March 2021, haf found evidence that then Council had failed in numerous ways to comply with its:- 'Best Value Duty' (Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999).

The Commissioners' role was to support the Council's improvement as per the directions set out by the Secretary of State, and report directly to the Secretary of State on progress made within the Council. See Commissioners' publications for further information about the directions, updates to the Secretary of State and the establishment of the intervention.

The Commissioners appointed were:-

• Lead Commissioner - Mike Cunningham QPM, Mike Cunningham.
  

• Local Government Improvement Commissioner - Joanna Killian.
  

• Highways Commissioner - Neil Gibson.
  

• Regeneration Commissioner - Deborah McLaughlin.
  

• Finance Commissioner - Stephen Hughes.

They were also accompanied by a Civil Servant, Chief of Staff - Tom Smith.

We are now told that the size of the Commissioner team will reduce to 4 from:- 18 March 2024 following the resignation of Joanna Killian, who is taking up a new post as Chief Executive of the Local Government Association.

The remaining Commissioners will now steadily reduce their involvement and days spent with the Council.

Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said:- "I'm really pleased that the Government has accepted the recommendations of the Commissioners and confirmed the handing back of some powers to the Council ahead of schedule. It is recognition of the fact that we have made significant progress over the last nine months or so, although we know that we have much more to do. We are continuing to work at pace to deal with those areas where we still need to make progress, such as property management. I am confident this marks the beginning of the end of the intervention as we know it. It is a tribute to the hard work of staff and councillors who have worked so hard to put in place the building blocks for improved services. I want to reassure residents that we are not complacent and we continue to move at pace to drive the improvements we need to make and achieve our ambition of becoming an excellent council delivering value-for-money services. Cllr Liam Robinson has held constructive discussions with the Local Government Minister, Simon Hoare MP, about the intervention. He has written to Cllr Robinson to say the Government recognises the progress made and “wish to support a managed transition to ending the statutory intervention."

The Commissioners will continue to exercise functions relating to governance, regeneration, property management and a limited number of senior appointments including the Director of Property, those related to HR/organisational development and statutory officers.

The next Commissioners report will outline what will happen at the scheduled end of the intervention in June 2024.

Documents relating to the inspection into the governance of Liverpool City Council and the best value intervention can be located on:-Gov.UK.

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