House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Reform of the Statutory Consultee System
10 March 2025 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposed by Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government is consulting on removing certain statutory consultees in the planning process this Spring.
- The government aims to review application types that require consultations to streamline the decision-making process.
- A new performance framework with ministerial oversight is being established to improve the efficiency of the planning process.
Issue summary
The statement addresses concerns about the inefficiencies and delays caused by the current statutory consultee system in the planning process.
Action requested
The government is taking several steps to improve the system, including consulting on removing certain statutory consultees this Spring, reviewing application types requiring consultations, setting expectations for local planning authorities, establishing a new performance framework with ministerial oversight, and ensuring adequate funding. The goal is to streamline decision-making in support of economic growth.
Key facts
- The government announced a moratorium on creating new statutory consultees and committed to reviewing existing arrangements.
- Consultation will take place this Spring regarding the removal of Sport England, the Theatres Trust, and the Gardens Trust as statutory consultees.
- Local planning authorities are expected to limit routine referrals to statutory consultees outside statutory requirements.
- A performance framework with annual reviews by HM Treasury and MHCLG Ministers is being established for key statutory consultees.
- Details on sustainable funding models will be provided in the coming weeks.