This is a quick note to suppliers of services to local government. Part of our work next year will be looking at different models of delivery for planning services, including outsourcing. Before we can plan in detail what to do, we're trying to understand the current situation. Part of this is a survey of councils*, but we also need to hear the views from the private sector. Clearly, because this is being done by PAS, we're interested in the delivery and commissioning of planning services: - are there good case studies worth sharing ? - what are the barriers to commissioning ? - what sort of work can PAS usefully do to help reduce risk / cost / problems for councils ? If you supply (or would like to supply) planning services to councils at whatever scale I'd like to invite you to a session on these issues. There, you'll be able to put forward your views on what's happening at present and ideas on how to improve things. I anticipate it will take a couple of hours in a central london venue tbc. I don't know how much interest there will be in this, so for now please register your interest and preferred date to pas.events@local.gov.uk. Dates available: a 21st Feb (am) b 1st Mar (am) c 15th March (pm) This isn't really about one-off bits of consultancy (by and large these seem to work OK), it's about the range of options available for the ongoing delivery of planning services. I don't want to waste anyones time so if you need more info please feel free to ask questions by replying to this post. Also to note: this is entirely separate from our procurement exercise, and is not about supplying services to PAS. Last thought - some councils are beginning to think about moving into 'supply' and you would be entirely welcome also. (*note that we will also be canvassing the views of councils via a short telephone survey. If you get a call, please give 5 mins of your time.)
