House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Sub-Regional Strategic Planning
12 February 2026 · 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
- Government committed to introducing mandatory strategic planning through sub-regional Spatial Development Strategies in England.
- Rollout of SDSs aims to address housing needs and infrastructure planning at the sub-regional level.
- Consultation on the geography for SDSs has launched, with initial funding payments expected in March and full confirmation in summer.
Issue summary
The government is committed to introducing mandatory strategic planning through sub-regional Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs) in England.
Action requested
The rollout of SDSs will re-introduce a strategic tier to the planning system, ensuring that sub-regional areas can effectively plan for housing needs and infrastructure. The government has launched a consultation on the geography for SDSs and expects to make initial funding payments in March with full confirmation in summer.
Key facts
- Government reaffirmed its commitment to mandatory strategic planning through SDSs in December 2024.
- The Planning and Infrastructure Act received Royal Assent in December 2025, introducing provisions for SDSs.
- Strategic planning boards will be established to prepare SDSs on behalf of specified groupings of authorities.
- The government launched a consultation identifying groupings where there is broad agreement about working together.
- Initial funding payments are expected in March with full package confirmation in summer.