The Department subsequently wrote to us with additional information on this topic. It explained that: • Since it began funding the Pathways to Planning programme in 2023, two cohorts of graduates had been placed into LPAs, both of which started in September 2024. There were 87 placements in total, and recruitment for the subsequent intake had attracted over 2,100 applications. • Some 45 experienced professionals had been recruited into LPAs, with a further 80 expected to be placed during 2025–26. • The Planning Capacity and Capability programme was taking forward a programme of support, working with partners across the planning sector to ensure that LPAs had the skills and capacity they needed, modernise local plans, and speed up decision making, including through innovative use of digital planning and software.29 Financial viability assessments