Good Practice in Strategic Planning

Catriona Riddell, POSe

New models of strategic cooperationStrategic planning & investment frameworks

Local authority led but support from partners re priorities and delivery

•Shared, voluntary governance model

•Basis for ‘making the case’ for investment e.g. via LEP SEP

•Based on shared strategic evidence

•Supports ‘duty to cooperate’

•Based on voluntary willingness of partners to share growth accepting there will be winners and losers

•Developed on both functional and admin geography

New models of strategic cooperationLocal Enterprise Partnerships

•Long term spatial frameworks being developed to help integrate strategic spatial priorities with economic and transport priorities of SEP

•Local Authority led but being done under the auspices of the LEP.

•Only really works where strategic planning geography aligned with LEP geography

•Sensitivities around setting housing distribution and issues around accountabilities.

New models of strategic cooperationCombined Authorities

•Statutory basis for governance

•5 combined authorities now but may be more in future

•Existing powers for transport & economy but legislative changes needed to include strategic planning

•Government’s model of choice - POS and TCPA promoting CAs in their manifestos

•Need to consider whether CAs can work in areas outside city regions

•Greater Manchester CA now progressing spatial framework for city region as statutory joint DPDs

New models of strategic cooperation

Lessons so far:

•All long term frameworks

•Governed by formal ‘voluntary’ arrangements

•Strong political (and officer) leadership

•Supported by shared resource (very small) providing expertise and impartial advice

•Geography based on what makes sense to LAs - some cases established geography (e.g. county), other cases functional (e.g. city region, LEP)

•Framework seen as a corporate responsibility

New models of strategic cooperation

Lessons so far (contd):

•Evidence based essential to support local plans

•SA process used to help inform options but not a requirement

•Clear strategic priorities (short, med and long term)

•Not a ‘motherhood and apple pie statement’ – clear steer for local plans (and other decision-making) with spatially specific priorities.

•Provide a framework for aligning investment priorities of others (e.g. EA, HA, HCA)

New models of strategic cooperation

Lessons so far (contd):

•Evidence based essential to support local plans

•SA process used to help inform options but not a requirement

•Clear strategic priorities (short, med and long term)

•Not a ‘motherhood and apple pie statement’ – clear steer for local plans (and other decision-making) with spatially specific priorities.

•Provide a framework for aligning investment priorities of others (e.g. EA, HA, HCA)