Despite the radical reform of the planning system in 2009 the government is proposing further changes to the performance management of planning authorities. The real issues in planning are already constrained planning budgets and staff shortages. Delays are due to underfunding and heavy workloads. Planners deal with a range of issues from large developments to house extensions. The number of planning disputes and often bitter and lengthy neighbourhood feuds over boundaries, extensions and hedges show how important it is for planning decisions to be right in the first place. This requires adequate funding. Improvement will come through adequate funding and staffing levels and empowering staff and giving them the time to reflect, learn and implement change.
Scotland's biggest and liveliest public service trade union, representing workers delivering public and related services across Scotland.