Staff shortages in planning departments worsen, says Home Builders Federation
According to new research from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Paragon Bank 9 in 10 local authority planning departments across England and Wales are understaffed, delaying planning decisions and threatening the Government’s target of 1.5 million new homes.
The Planning on Empty report is based on a Freedom of Information survey of councils across England and Wales examining staffing levels, vacancies, staff turnover and the use of agency workers during the 2025/26 financial year.
These staffing shortages are contributing directly to delays throughout the planning process. Only around 20% of major planning applications are determined within the statutory 13-week target, while recent HBF research found that Section 106 agreements take an average of 515 days to complete.
Neil Jefferson, chief executive at Home Builders Federation, says:
“Planning reform will only succeed if local planning authorities have the staff and resources to deliver it. Our research shows planning departments are operating with significant staffing shortages, making it harder for councils to process applications efficiently.
“At the same time, planning teams are being asked to manage an increasing number of responsibilities, placing even greater pressure on already stretched departments and slowing the delivery of new homes.