Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the planning system supports local authorities to contribute to the net zero emissions target.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change in line with the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008.

In July 2021, we updated the NPPF to place stronger emphasis on the importance of delivering sustainable development and published the National Model Design Code to provide Local Authorities with tools and guidance to help make sure development responds to the impacts of climate change, is energy efficient and reduces carbon emissions.

We are also taking action to ensure the homes we build are fit for the future through the Future Homes Standard and the 2021 interim uplift to the energy efficiency standards for new homes.

As last week’s Net Zero Strategy set out, we will make sure that the reformed planning system supports our efforts to combat climate change and help bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.The Secretary of State is considering the best way forward in relation to proposals to reform the planning system and will make an announcement on next steps in due course.