Issue - meetings

The Mayor has agreed to accept this report due to its urgency, the reasons for which are contained within the report. Members are asked to approve a supplementary budget to fund the appointment of an interim Planning Manager for the Development Management service.

Council received a report requesting a supplementary budget for an interim Planning Manager for the Development Management service. It was reported that many authorities, including those in Leicestershire and Warwickshire, were currently experiencing staff shortages in the area of planning, with some operating a service of mostly agency staff. It was explained that the supplementary budget would provide for an experienced manager to cover the role for three to four months whilst a permanent post holder was recruited.

A member suggested that the remuneration of planning officers should be enhanced, particularly as local authorities were losing experienced staff to the private sector where salaries were higher and incentives were provided. Concern was also expressed that the staffing shortages would put pressure on the remaining officers, particularly as there was increasing pressure from Government. This risk was acknowledged and officers assured members that it was being managed and that, whilst performance was still high, matters may take longer than they had previously.

On the motion of Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Ward, it was

RESOLVED – the supplementary budget of £37,000 for the appointment of an interim Planning Manager for the Development Management service be approved.