The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched its 'Planifesto 2024,' calling on political parties to support planners and realise the economic, social and environmental potential of planning.
As the country prepares for the next General Election, the RTPI is presenting its vision for how the UK Government should collaborate with planners to create communities that can flourish and thrive.
The 'Planifesto 2024' identifies key areas where political parties should commit to action, including:
- Funding high-quality planning services: Ensuring that local planning authorities receive the necessary funding to deliver high-quality planning services that meet the needs of their communities.
- Explaining where manifesto promises will be delivered: Provide significant spatial guidance on where infrastructure should be built and connected.
- Empowering communities through local plans: Strengthening local plans to give communities a greater say in the development of their areas.
- Committing to net zero: Promoting sustainability by planning for net-zero emissions and supporting renewable energy and sustainable technology.
- Working with local leaders to avoid piecemeal development: Connect and coordinate local leaders' and government agencies’ actions across housing and labour markets, transport and energy networks and ecosystems.
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “We’re urging parties to engage with the planning profession early in their general election preparations to ensure that every community has access to the homes, infrastructure, and support they need to prosper.
“With a public vote potentially around the corner, we see this as a pivotal time to articulate the purpose and value of proactive planning. We'll continue to engage with political parties and candidates to ensure a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future for the UK, where planning plays a central role.”
Learn more about the RTPI’s 'Planifesto 2024’ by visiting rtpi.org.uk/planifesto.