Government’s £39bn programme needs plan-led system and planning workforce to succeed, says RTPI

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has long advocated for increased funding for affordable housing, and recognises the Government’s new £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme as a vital opportunity to empower local authorities to deliver the homes communities need.

However, the success of the Government’s Plan for Change and 10-year housing strategy will ultimately depend on a well-resourced, plan-led system.

Robbie Calvert, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “The Government’s commitment to a decade of housing renewal is a major milestone – but without comprehensive reform of our planning system and investment in the planning workforce, delivery will stall.

“The right mix of affordable housing must be delivered in the right locations. Planners will play a pivotal role in doing this, creating the mixed-use neighbourhoods of the future with high standards of placemaking, ensuring communities have access to nature, work opportunities and sustainable transport options.

“To deliver the 10-year housing strategy, we need to ensure that development is guided through a plan-led system. We strongly encourage the government to expedite plan-making reforms to reduce uncertainty and delay in the system and to support planning teams as they try to improve plan coverage across the country.

“The planning system is experiencing a critical skills and capacity shortage. A radical and innovative approach is required to expand the planning workforce pipeline, providing the certainty and stability that the affordable housing sector acutely needs.

“We stand ready to work with the government to develop a long-term skills and workforce strategy for the planning sector to achieve these ambitions.”