Local authority resourcing and skills

Research by the NHC published two years ago quantified the reduction in housing and planning capacity in the North’s local authorities over the last decade. Our study found:

• The average net spend on housing in northern councils has fallen by 54% since 2010/11, compared to a reduction of 34% in the rest of England
• The average net spend on planning in northern councils has fallen by 65% since 2010/11, compared to a reduction of 50% in the rest of England.

We will continue to evidence current housing and planning capacity through the Northern Housing Monitor – our ‘state of the region’ report for housing in the North.  We will evidence as far as possible the current level of capacity in housing and planning teams, and we’ll collect evidence on the roles required in housing and planning to deliver new services.

Other opportunities to support capacity include Public Practice’s expansion into the North of England and the LGCC’s Summer Learning Programme.

Public Practice is a not-for-profit organisation that builds local authorities’ capacity and skills through a unique Associate Programme. Public Practice has been operating in the South East since 2017 and has placed over 200 mid-career built environment professionals into over 50 authorities. 90% of people they have placed have continued to work in the public sector. They have recently received funding from Homes England to expand their services to the North, and they are now able to support you to find the right skills for your team. More information in the Authority Prospectus, book in a call with the team by the 30th of May, and submit an Expression of Interest for jobs starting in October. Here is a short video telling you more.