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Written question asked by Richard Tice (Reform UK) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Planning Authorities

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the process for restoring planning decision-making powers to local planning authorities designated for poor performance; whether his Department has an indicative timetable or performance criteria for the return of those powers; and whether changes in political administration and improvements in planning performance are taken into account when considering whether to revoke a designation.

Answer

The process and criteria for de-designation are set out in the government's Improving Planning Performance: Criteria for Designation, which can be found on gov.uk here.

The Secretary of State normally considers whether any designations should be lifted once each year, at around the same time as decisions on new designations. Exceptionally, de-designations may also be made at other times.

In assessing whether a local planning authority should be de-designated, the Secretary of State will consider whether the local planning authority has demonstrated sufficient improvement in its planning performance and meets the criteria for de-designation. The Secretary of State may also take account of relevant exceptional circumstances where appropriate.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18264
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Local government Planning authorities Planning Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk