Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

National Scheme of Delegation

26 March 2026 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Proposed by Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

Local Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government is publishing draft regulations for consultation until April 23, 2026.
  • These regulations aim to standardize which planning functions should be delegated to officers or committees in England.
  • Final regulations will come into effect in Autumn 2026 following scrutiny.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the introduction of a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions in England.

Action requested

The government is publishing draft regulations for consultation until April 23, 2026. These regulations aim to standardize which planning functions should be delegated to officers or committees and set a maximum committee size of 13 members. Final regulations will come into effect in Autumn 2026 following scrutiny.

Key facts

  • The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 gives powers for a national scheme of delegation.
  • Currently, 96% of planning decisions are not made by planning committees.
  • Draft regulations create a two-tier structure with schedules specifying officer-decided applications.
  • Consultation on draft regulations runs until April 23, 2026.
  • Regulations aim to standardize decision-making and set maximum committee size at 13 members.
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