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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 September 2025. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Friday, 12 September 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Planning: Cambridgeshire

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, how many new planning officers will be recruited in (a) Cambridgeshire and (b) Huntingdonshire.

Answer

The government has committed to recruiting at least 300 additional planners as part of our Planning Capacity and Capability Programme.

Recruitment is being delivered through national schemes such as the Local Government Association’s Pathways to Planning graduate programme and Public Practice, which place experienced built environment professionals into councils across England.

It is up to individual local planning authorities to determine if they wish to take part in these schemes based on their own circumstances and need. We do not set specific targets for individual counties or districts, including Cambridgeshire or Huntingdonshire.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 67508 on 21 July 2025, which sets out our wider plans for supporting local planning authorities to attract, retain and develop the skills they need.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
75319
Session
2024-26
Related items
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Monday, 23 June 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Planning: Staff
Monday, 21 July 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Staff Planning Cambridgeshire
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk