Karl Astbury

The Welsh Government consultation on promoting a resilient and high performing planning service in Wales has commenced. This includes: - increased planning application fees with a pathway to future full cost recovery; - measuring and monitoring performance by re-invigorating and re-introducing the Performance Framework; - supporting resilience, capacity and capability through skills retention, bursaries and apprenticeships; - improving resilience and resources by Corporate Joint Committees through shared service delivery, planning skills hubs and extending the LDP review period https://lnkd.in/euQ_YJbt Our members in all sectors have consistently supported the principle of increased application fees provided it results in a better resourced planning service (and doesn't simply disappear to prop up wider Council budget gaps). In my opinion it is essential (and only morally right) that increased income results in additional resource and a better planning service. I also welcome the re-introduction of performance reporting, which was continued by many LPAs even though Wales-wide benchmarking data hadn't been updated since 2018-19 due to resource challenges at WG. It is great to see WG has been able to advertise a number of roles recently to bolster their significantly depleted planning team. The recently published report by the Comisiwn Seilwaith Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Infrastructure Commission for Wales on Building Resilience to Floodong in Wales by 2050 was highly critical of the decision to stop recording data on planning approvals within flood zones, so this is an opportunity to address that issue. Although I am confident that the current TAN15 is clear and robust and decisions have adhered to it, it will be helpful to have the data to substantiate (or challenge and address) that perception.

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This guide sets out how a housing authority should make their decisions on applications for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). It includes helpful guidance on eligible works, grant conditions and making payments.  https://lnkd.in/eexzQ2bd

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Transformation in #LocalGov is about changing service delivery to achieve better outcomes for local residents & communities, plus delivering value for money. Our toolkit helps councillors to support, enable, make decisions on & scrutinise transformation. https://orlo.uk/prDr4

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Transformation in #LocalGov is about changing service delivery to achieve better outcomes for local residents & communities, plus delivering value for money. Our toolkit helps councillors to support, enable, make decisions on & scrutinise transformation. https://orlo.uk/mWJsj

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There has been very little commentary on the 25th anniversary of devolution in wales, it’s passed relatively unheralded so good to see this piece from Wales Centre for Public Policy | Canolfan Polisi Cyhoeddus Cymru prof Steve Martin. Pretty fair summary of the first 25 years. Lists tye achievemts. (charging for carrier bags, thanks Steve!!) and the big issues still to be addressed, and there’s are some big fundamentals to improve. Key will be what is next and whether another 36 politicians will make a bigger difference ? #wales #politics #devolution

Foundations helpful guide sets out how a housing authority should make their decisions on applications for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), from grant applications to eligible works, our resource gives you invaluable support with applications. https://lnkd.in/eexzQ2bd

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A welcome statement yesterday from Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, emphasising the need for action to address Wales' housing crisis and the need for properly resourced planning authorities to help deliver this, with reference to the proposed increase in planning application fees. RTPI Cymru will continue to argue that it is essential that increased income is reinvested in better resourced planning services, as is the purpose of the fee increase. Hopefully this statement also marks renewed support for housing delivery from all sectors. Welsh Government data shows that 2,130 (42%) of the 5,107 affordable homes delivered in the first two years of its term were delivered via S106 contributions as part of larger market housing developments. It is essential, in my opinion, that the contribution from all sectors is maximised and facilitated to achieve the outcome needed. Extracts of the Cab Sec's statement: "We know that investing in social housing reduces poverty, improves health and helps drive economic growth. Good-quality affordable housing can provide opportunities for every individual and family, positively impacting upon health, mental health and education outcomes. ...Our ambition to end homelessness in Wales cannot be achieved unless we have sufficient supply of suitable homes that people can afford to live well in, alongside early intervention, prevention and support systems. ...Delivery partners tell us that there is a strong pipeline of homes in their programmes for this term of government, and I remain committed to using every means possible to deliver much-needed homes for the people of Wales, both in the short term and long term...we are working with the sector to address the delivery risks for schemes facing delays or blockages, where possible. ...The [affordable homes] taskforce will explore how Welsh Government can help with the delivery of affordable homes through planning processes, land supply, and encouraging close working with manufacturers of modular housing. ...We are delivering homes on our own land; leading by example on standards, placemaking and affordability, for example, at Cosmeston, where 50 per cent of the homes built will be affordable. We're also taking opportunities to work with partners on alternative delivery models for affordable homes, for example, working with Tirion Homes and RSL partners at Ely Mill, Whiteheads and Parc Eirin. ...Delivering on this important agenda will require close working with Cabinet colleagues across all portfolios to remove barriers to delivery. This will include actions to bring forward planning fees, ensuring local planning authorities are resourced efficiently; working with the construction sector to improve and streamline procurement processes; and ensuring that we have the pipeline of a skilled workforce that the construction sector will need to build the homes of the future."

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I found the quiet publication of this report this week more than a little strange given it is critical of much of what this government has done to create barriers to making local delivery more effective. But then to be fair most of these barriers existed in the Blair era of Best Value and before that. At the heart lies the tension between delivering national manifesto commitments, financial and political accountability and responding to local difference. In our own policy discussions about sport and physical activity we have highlighted these same barriers: complex national government structures not joined up, different priorities competing for funding, complex and time consuming bidding processes, the challenges of data sharing and the cultural barriers to collaboration. The recent thought piece I wrote comparing the development of ICSs with our own attempts to expand place working also exposed the same barriers and our leadership programmes regularly discuss these barriers, so they are real. We are currently discussing how the sector might respond to a new government with Andy Reed OBE leading the debate with his manifesto. Maybe this report might help us consider how we set about and change the relationship between a new national government keen to deliver its manifesto and our developing approach to community lead place based system change because without changing this relationship I can assure you we will continue to fail those that need our help. Views as always welcomed.

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When Local Authorities are looking for practical help in designing and communicating organisational change, we can help. Key to change in this sector is ensuring there is alignment between the political system and the public body and officers: https://lnkd.in/eN9rGUaG

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When Local Authorities are looking for practical help in designing and communicating organisational change, we can help. Key to change in this sector is ensuring there is alignment between the political system and the public body and officers: https://lnkd.in/eN9rGUaG

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🛤️ Parliament debated the future of the HS2 hybrid Bill to repurpose it as a NPR hybrid Bill on Tuesday🚆 The focus has shifted to NPR following the cancellation of HS2 phases 2a (Birmingham to Crewe) and 2b (Crewe to Manchester). Key points discussed: 🔹The Select Committee will amend the hybrid Bill to focus on the Manchester to Liverpool section of NPR. 🔹Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed scrutiny and the need for comprehensive planning. 🔹The motion was passed with 323 votes for and 7 against, emphasising the commitment to improving east-west connectivity in the North. Whilst the repurposing to boost connectivity across northern cities is a positive, it's disappointing that the high-speed link between London, Birmingham, and Manchester won't proceed. ❌🚄 This decision risks hampering UK growth once the West Coast Mainline and M6 reach capacity, affecting passenger and freight services along with highways. 🚚📉 🛣️ Following the announcement of the General Election the progress of the hybrid Bill will be impacted. 🗳️ Investing in fast intercity networks is crucial for our future. We need to construct the right infrastructure that connects and strengthens our great cities of the Uk! 💪🏙️🇬🇧 #HS2 #NPR #Infrastructure #UKGrowth #ParliamentDebate #NorthernPowerhouse Link to debate 👇 https://lnkd.in/egvVHQu6)

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There's one week to go until the NPPF consultation deadline. For the TCPA, the final version of the #NPPF will need to take action in 4 key policy areas to be fit for purpose: 🌎 Sustainable development 🍎 Health & wellbeing 🌅 Climate 🗣️ Community voice In this blog, Hugh Ellis considers how the final version of the NPPF could help to deliver healthy, inclusive and climate resilient communities. https://lnkd.in/e73PAeDE

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The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published yesterday (12 December) includes a key amendment for the play sector – the protection of formal play spaces. The NPPF sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. The latest, revised framework replaces the previous NPFF which was initially published in March 2012 and last revised in December 2023. The amendment considering play appears under Section 8: Promoting Healthy and Safe Communities, specifically in Paragraph 104. It states: “Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields and formal play spaces, should not be built on unless an assessment has been undertaken, which has clearly shown the space to be surplus to requirements (or that it will be replaced by equivalent or better provision).” Play England has welcomed the change, calling it a big manifesto win. It also said the revision underscores the Government’s growing recognition of the importance of protecting, enhancing and providing spaces to play. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ejP9BF3W Eugene Minogue, Richard Shaw #play #playspaces

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🚨 Impact Assessment for Change Proposal R0155 (Change of Tenancy: Evidentiary Standards and Timescales) 🚨 📑 All REC and Non-REC Parties are now welcome to respond to the Party Impact Assessment for R0155 (Change of Tenancy: Evidentiary Standards and Timescales), which was issued on 23 August, and closes on 27 September. You may access the Party Impact Assessment, along with the response template and draft solution documents here 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eSbhVWev or via the Impact Assessments Register on the REC Portal (you'll need to log into a REC Portal account to access this Impact Assessment). 📽 The Code Manager has supplied a brief video explaining how to access and respond to the Party Impact Assessment, and a solution summary document slide pack, in order to assist with responses. These are available on the R0155 Change Proposal page under the documents titled and "R0155 - How to Respond to the Party Impact Assessment (Video Tutorial)" and "R0155 - Solution Overview". If you have any questions on this Impact Assessment, or require assistance with your response, please email [email protected]. 

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⏰ There's still time to sign up for ESCoE's next webinar this Thursday (28 November). KATHERINE KENT (Office for National Statistics) will provide an overview of ONS work on public services productivity to date and explore some of the key measurement issues. The webinar will be chaired by Darren Morgan (ESCoE), with discussion from Mairi Spowage (Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde Business School and ESCoE). Find out more and register. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ePvKH3Th Read ESCoE work on this topic. ➡️https://lnkd.in/eRWHAwJS #Webinar #PublicSectorProductivity

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Read our latest opinion piece on LocalGov where Scott Goodwin, divisional director Land, Property and Public Protection at Idox, explains how rapid access to easily consumed data can transform the efficiency of planning teams and, as a result, create a more positive, enjoyable working environment. https://lnkd.in/e4Uz9HWE #LocalGovernment #LPA #Planning #DataDriven

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New in LGS@50: in 'The struggle for linking strategic and front-line outcomes in local government service delivery' joyce liddle & Steven Parker consider the growth of an outcomes-based approach in local government #openaccess https://lnkd.in/eD9pDkvY

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