25. The Government believes that engagement with communities and neighbourhoods is a central pillar of an effective planning system. The Government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation on the importance of understanding the extent of public involvement in the planning system. University of Reading research revealed how communities and other user groups engage in the planning and development process1. This research included looking at how current community involvement operates and how changes to the system could be approached with frontloading and deliberation in mind. This has supported the policy work to ensure community engagement is central throughout the planning system, and will inform future planning practice guidance, which we plan to consult on in due course. The Government has also worked closely with experts across the planning system to understand the barriers to engagement and explored ideas for increasing the quality, quantity and diversity of engagement across the system.