Mandatory training on planning for elected members
Feedback updated 4 Apr 2024
We asked
The public consultation sought views on the proposed implementation of mandatory training on planning for elected members. The implementation of mandatory training was set out in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 as part of a package of measures for the planning system. Once we implement these measures, elected members will be prohibited from carrying out certain planning functions if they have not completed the required training.
You said
120 responses were received, of which 77 were from groups or organisations and 43 from individual members of the public.
We did
An independent analysis of responses to the consultation has been undertaken and can be viewed at: Planning system - mandatory training for elected members: consultation analysis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). We are currently considering the responses to the consultation and will provide an update on next steps in due course.
Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online.
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
Overview
Elected members have a crucial role in the decision-making process within the planning system, being a vital part of our democratic process by carrying out specific planning functions including the determination of certain planning applications for their local authority. Elected members do not necessarily have a planning background and it is vital that adequate training is provided to ensure that elected members have the knowledge and understanding to help them make decisions that are robust and sound in planning reason.
The Scottish Government is intending to implement mandatory training on planning for elected members as part of a wider package of measures to improve the performance of the planning system as a whole. Section 45 of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, once in force, will prohibit elected members from carrying out certain specified planning functions if they have not completed training specified by Scottish Ministers. This consultation is seeking your views on the proposed approach to implementing this training.
We would highly encourage you to read the consultation paper in full before you begin the consultation. The consultation paper provides a useful introduction and policy background to mandatory training and sets out current practice on training and previous stakeholder engagement undertaken in 2022.
Why your views matter
Consultation and feedback is an essential part of the policy making process. The Scottish Government will review your responses to inform the development of implementation of mandatory training in planning for elected members.
Interests
- Building and Planning
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