Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary Economy, Energy and Planning
Today I am pleased to announce the publication of the Public Sector Planning Resources in Wales report, commissioned by the Welsh Government and undertaken by the Royal Town Planning Institute Cymru (RTPI Cymru).
The report provides the most comprehensive assessment of planning capacity and resilience in more than a decade. The findings are important for government, business and communities who depend on an effective planning system. It confirms that Wales does not currently have enough planners and associated specialists to provide an efficient and effective planning service in every case. This situation is not unique to Wales with similar challenges being faced across the UK.
Key findings include:
- Almost three quarters (73%) of local planning authorities (LPA) are operating with vacant posts.
- Real terms net expenditure on LPA planning services decreased by 43% in the period between 2009 and 2024.
- Planning application fees are the main source of income for LPAs. Average cost recovery in development management services stood at 46% in 2009, increasing to 56% in 2024.
- Vacancies are difficult to fill, particularly for senior and specialist posts.
- The age profile of the workforce points to an urgent need for succession planning. 17% of public sector planners are expected to retire within the next five years, rising to 42% within ten to twenty years.
- At least 161 additional planners are required in the next five years to cover existing vacancies, imminent retirements and emerging needs related to regional planning, casework and major infrastructure projects. This figure represents the minimum necessary.
- Skills and capacity gaps are significant and widespread across a range of specialisms such as viability, urban design, energy, landscape, ecology, transport and highways, sustainable drainage systems, legal services, conservation and heritage, digital and data skills. Between 45-75% of LPAs reported skills and capacity gaps in one or more of these areas.
The research concludes with seven recommendations aimed at strengthening capacity and supporting long‑term resilience. Successful implementation of the recommendations will require concerted and collaborative action across the public sector, professional bodies and academic institutions.
Action has already been undertaken to address some of the immediate pressures identified:
- A £9 million investment has been made to support additional capacity in Natural Resources Wales, Planning and Environment Decisions Wales and the Planning Directorate within the Welsh Government.
- A new planning application fee regime was introduced in December as a stepping stone towards full cost recovery for development management services, helping improve financial sustainability.
- A Town Planning Bursary scheme has been introduced to cover the cost for graduates to obtain a postgraduate qualification increasing the pipeline of planners.
Finally, I wish to thank RTPI Cymru and contributors across the planning profession who engaged in this work. I am certain the Report findings are something the next Government will also wish to consider as part of delivering efficient and effective public sector planning services.