Planning Permission
Question
Dr Ben Spencer
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with (a) officials and (b) local authorities on making planning enforcement a non-discretionary service.
Answer
Matthew PennycookLocal planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance. It is for authorities to decide how and when they use their powers depending on the circumstances of each case.
It is also for local planning authorities to ensure they have the resources in place to carry out their planning enforcement function effectively.
For a summary of the steps the government is taking to support capacity and capability within local planning authorities, including within their enforcement teams, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to question UIN 67508 on 14 July 2025.