The Government recognises the delays to be found in the planning system in Northern Ireland, but planning policy is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Executive to address. We also note the findings of ‘A Strategic Review of the Planning Appeals Commission’ recently carried out by the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The Government recognises the importance of a strong well-designed planning system that supports economic growth and delivers services where people need them. The UK Government has provided £3m through the Public Sector Transformation Board to the Department for Infrastructure, for its Transforming Planning project. This proposal will lead to the appointment of independent inspectors to deliver reports on planning and environmental considerations. This will help the Planning Appeals Commission address resourcing issues. In the Northern Ireland Executive’s recent Transforming Public Services: Annual Report on the Public Sector Transformation Fund they have noted that this project is on track, that inspectors will be appointed shortly and they will begin work in Q2 of 2026/27.