Supplementary letter from the Rt Hon Jeff
Rooker to the Chairman of the Committee
When I gave evidence to the Committee on the
7 July, I undertook to write to you to clarify a number of points.
I understand that Keith Hill, Minister for Housing and Planning,
has also written to you giving further information on a range
of different topics. I am happy for you to publish my comments
as part of your evidence.
TAKING FORWARD
THE RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE
BARKER REVIEW
OF HOUSING
SUPPLY
The Committee raised concerns over the level
of planning expertise available to Ministers in taking forward
the recommendations of the Barker Review of Housing Supply.
The various workstreams being taken forward
in respond to the Barker Review are overseen by a Steering Group
of officials from this Office, the Treasury, No.10 and the Prime
Minister's Delivery Unit. Brian Hackland, Director of Planning
in ODPM is a permanent member of this group and Mike Ash, Chief
Planner and Deputy Director of Planning for ODPM also attends
as necessary.
We are also drawing on expertise from planning
professionals within ODPM, the Government Offices and Local Authorities,
where required, to take forward the Barker Recommendations. We
have sought external advice through our Planning Advisory Group
and Planning for Housing Advisory Group. The membership of these
groups is drawn from a wide range of stakeholders including the
Royal Town Planning Institute, the Campaign for the Protection
of Rural England, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors,
the Environment Agency and Friends of the Earth. A majority of
the members, who give advice in a personal capacity, have planning
qualifications.
THE DECISION
TO MERGE
REGIONAL HOUSING
BOARDS AND
REGIONAL PLANNING
BODIES
I can confirm that the decision on this merger
was announced as part of the Government's initial response to
the Barker recommendations, on the day of publication. However,
whilst we have decided to merge these bodies in principle, the
details are subject to consultation. The Office of the Deputy
Prime Minister intends to publish a consultation paper in the
near future.
July 2004
| 
