We asked the Department why it did not issue stronger guidance to local authorities that IFSs must be delivered on time and in a more consistent form. It told us that, following the publication of the NAO report, the Chief Planner wrote to every LPA to remind them of their statutory obligations regarding the completion of IFSs. The Department explained that the letters also reminded local authorities of the existing template for IFSs, along with good practice examples as identified by the Planning Advisory Service (a Local Government Association body that is funded by the Department).11 Local plans