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Statistics cast doubt on ODPM's delegation drive

Series: Planning (for the Natural and Built Environment) ; (1498) 6 December 2002, 2(1)Publication details: 2002Subject(s): Summary: ODPM's latest statistics reveal that delegating more decisions to planning officers does not necessarily produce quicker outcomes. Out of 57 English councils meeting the government's new officer delegation target only six are also meeting the target of processing 80% of planning applications eight weeks. For example Worthing BC processed 99% of its applications within the eight weeks during the year which was the highest of any authority but delegated only 70% to officers. Brighton and Hove City Council had the slowest national decision making at 31% but it delegated 82%.

ODPM's latest statistics reveal that delegating more decisions to planning officers does not necessarily produce quicker outcomes. Out of 57 English councils meeting the government's new officer delegation target only six are also meeting the target of processing 80% of planning applications eight weeks. For example Worthing BC processed 99% of its applications within the eight weeks during the year which was the highest of any authority but delegated only 70% to officers. Brighton and Hove City Council had the slowest national decision making at 31% but it delegated 82%.