Planning service peer challenge action plan - Action plan: General PAS recommendations
| Ref | Details | Action(s) | Input / service area(s) | Due by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Planning Committee requires a fundamental overhaul to address issues of perception held, both internally and externally, that planning committee is operating with undue influence and suspicions over probity. At present there is a perception held, both internally and externally, that Planning Committee is operating with undue influence and suspicions over probity; this casts a dark cloud over the council and severely affects its reputation. Addressing these issues will be crucial in solidifying Walsall’s reputation as a high-performing planning authority that is both efficient and transparent. | a. Publication of peer review report, findings, recommendations and endorsed actions to demonstrate organisation’s commitment to addressing this perception. b. Quarterly monitoring and reporting of implementation of the endorsed actions to maintain traction and evidence commitment | Planning | a. July 2025 b. October 2025 onwards |
| R3 | The distinction between the roles and responsibilities of officers and members in the planning process needs to be defined, documented, understood and respected by all. The Council should quickly review the planning protocol within the constitution looking at best practice examples from elsewhere setting out the clear roles and responsibilities for officers and Councillors in the planning process. | a. Review and update planning protocols within constitution as part of wider constitution review. | Planning / legal / democratic services | a. Autumn 2025 |
| R7 | Increase councillor buy-in to the customer charter and reinvigorate the councillor enquiry system. Communication between officers and councillors requires improvement and will help the council establish a clear distinction between the roles and responsibilities of officers and members in the planning process. The council should review the process for councillor enquiries and refocus the roles and responsibilities. | a. Continued use of member newsletters to share service updates and achievements. b. Review and update existing protocols and extract into a separate easy-to-use document signposted from constitution and embed within planning committee agenda packs for greater visibility. To include new provision for member and officer communications e.g. monthly drop-in sessions. As part of wider constitution review. | Planning / legal / democratic services / customer engagement | a. From July 2025 onwards b. Autumn 2025 |