MHCLG announces plans to reform statutory consultee system

Article summary

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced plans to reform the statutory consultee system. A consultation is scheduled for spring 2025, which will propose the removal of Sport England, Theatres Trust, and the Gardens Trust as statutory consultees in planning decisions, while narrowing the scope of others to focus on heritage, safety, and environmental protection. MHCLG aims to review the type and range of applications that require statutory consultee input, considering whether some could be removed or addressed through alternative engagement means and expert advice. Additional proposals include establishing a new performance framework, requiring chief executives of key statutory consultees to report directly to HM Treasury and MHCLG ministers on their performance, and mandating local authorities to consult statutory consultees only when necessary, with a 21 day statutory deadline for decisions, unless there is insufficient information to make a decision or more detailed advice could facilitate approval.