Written evidence from the Association
of Regional Observatories (ARSS 35)
1. EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
1.1 We believe that all data, research and monitoring
evidence previously collected at regional level (not just that
collated by the now abolished Regional Leaders' Boards) needs
to be effectively maintained in future. This information is a
fundamental part of the robust evidence base that informs the
preparation of plans and policies.
1.2 Whilst the RSS has been revoked, the need
for a robust evidence base has not changed. There remains a continued
emphasis on the need for evidence to underpin plan making (for
example in the recent guidance issued to LPAs, in Steve Quarterman's
letter of 6 July 2010): http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1631904.pdf
2. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
ARE
2.1 CLG should provide information and guidance
on definitions for datasets to be collated by Local Authorities
for planning purposes; to ensure that datasets remain comparable
with previous years' data; to provide appropriate mechanisms to
enable this information to be shared across local authorities
(allowing comparisons between areas to be made); and to facilitate
cross-region comparisons as appropriate.
3. A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
TO THE
ASSOCIATION OF
REGIONAL OBSERVATORIES
3.1 Regional Observatories were set up to provide
independent, impartial analysis of data to support decision-making
at a sub-national level, including local authorities. The Association
of Regional Observatories represent England's Regional Observatories
that historically have satisfied the data and intelligence needs
of the Regional Development Agencies, amongst others. Our work
covers the economy, labour market, employment and skills, as well
as sustainability and environmental issues.
3.2 We welcome the opportunity to contribute
to the Community and Local Government Select Committee's inquiry
into the abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies.
4. ABOLITION
OF REGIONAL
SPATIAL STRATEGIES
4.1 Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (Plan,
Monitor, Manage: June 2010) underpins the delivery of the Government's
strategic housing policy objectives, and reinforces that local
planning policy must be informed by the best available evidence
base.
4.2 Information previously collected as part
of the RSS monitoring process that will remain critical for Local
Authorities includes:
4.2.1 Housing information (including net affordable
housing and net completions data).
4.2.2 Employment land data.
4.2.3 Waste management data.
4.3 In most regions there is a desire to retain
the evidence and monitoring base previously collated by the regional
tier, and fed into the RSS. Monitoring evidence has been available
through the websites of the Leaders Boards or Regional Assemblies,
most of which have now been archived. The aim is to ensure that
the long-standing time series of data is not broken, allowing
changes over time to be tracked on a consistent basis now and
in the future.
4.4 In some regions, arrangements may be put
in place to allow key data series to continue to be collated in
one place. However, this may not be possible in every region,
in which case mechanisms should be put in place to ensure data
continues to be available on a consistent basis at local level.
For example, should duties remain on local authorities for the
collation of data in areas such as those listed (as is likely
with the duty to produce Annual Monitoring Reports by December
of each year remaining for Local Authorities), definitions of
relevant datasets need to, wherever possible, remain unchanged.
4.5 There is a role here for CLG to provide information
and guidance on definitions for datasets to be collated by Local
Authorities for planning purposes; to ensure that datasets remain
comparable with previous years' data; to provide appropriate mechanisms
to enable this information to be shared across local authorities
(allowing comparisons between areas to be made); and to facilitate
cross-region comparisons as appropriate.
September 2010
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