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Contents
1. Introduction
2. Structure of the report
3. The objectives of the research
4. Definitions: explanation of terms
5. Research methodology5.1 Stage 1: documentary review of formal plan requirements
5.2 Stage 2: interviews with government officials
5.3 Stage 3: local authority case studiesPART II: Overview of Current Planning Requirements
6.1 The current number of plans
6.2 The total plan 'burden'
6.3 Changes to the number of plans7. The statutory nature of plans
8. Administrative local authority tiers with responsibility for producing the plans
9. Timescale for production of the plans
10. Central government 'sponsorship' responsibility for plans
11. The value of planning11.1 What are the benefits to central government?
11.1.1 Monitoring local government and driving performance standards
11.1.2 Providing information
11.1.3 Facilitating central government policy making
11.1.4 Promoting coordination and joined-up working11.2 What are the benefits to local authorities?
11.2.1 Assisting business and information management
11.2.2 Addressing cross-cutting issues
11.2.3 Focusing attention on activities or information11.3 What are the benefits to the community?
11.3.1 Affording local accountability
11.3.2 Delivering outcome
11.3.3 Providing a strategic approach to activity12. The use of local authority plans by central government
12.1 Using plans to inspect compliance with national standards and policy objectives
12.2 Using plans to monitor levels of activity
12.3 Using plans to allocate funding
12.4 Using plans as a source of information
12.5 Other uses
12.6 Which plans are (not) sent to central government?
12.7 Widening the use of plans: can the centre use them more?13. Central government reviews of planning requirements
13.1 What is the nature of the reviews?
13.2 Widening out the reviews across central governmentPART III: Building a Streamlined Planning Process
14. Mapping the relationship between plans
15. The need, and scope, for change: comments from the case studies15.1 Timetable for the production of plans
15.1.1 Period of time allocated for developing the plans
15.1.2 Conflicting time frameworks for the plans
15.1.3 Lack of time to consult with stakeholders15.2 Provision and review of resources
15.3 Duplication within, and beyond, planning processes
15.4 Flexibility of the plans15.4.1 Prescription of the guidance
15.4.2 Scope of the plans16. Developing frameworks for rationalising plans
16.1 Using the community strategy as a rationalising tool
16.2 Using single planning frameworksAnnexes
A. Summary of other related studies (Adobe Acrobat 41kb)
B. List of central government interviewees (and related plans) (Adobe Acrobat 35kb)
C. Framework for interviews with central government officials (Adobe Acrobat 36kb)
D. Framework for interviews with local authority officers (Adobe Acrobat 29kb)
E. Summary list of plans (Adobe Acrobat 68kb)
F. Breakdown of plans by use (Adobe Acrobat 31kb)
G. Detailed summaries of individual plans (Adobe Acrobat 347kb)Illustrations
TABLES
Table 1: Breakdown of plans, by policy focus, and administrative tier
Table 2: New local authority planning requirements
Table 3: Breakdown of plans by central government department
Table 4: Breakdown of plans by use
FIGURES
Figure 1: The real 'burden' of plans: some examples
Figure 2: The children's and young people's planning 'bookcase': a practical chart from strategy to implementation
Figure 3: Mapping the strategic role of the community plan: the case of Liverpool City Council (Adobe Acrobat 38kb)
Figure 4: An illustration of plan 'grouping'
BOXES
Box 1: Key research questions
Box 2: Reviewing the role of a plan in information provision - the Civil Defence Plan
Box 3: List of plans not required to be sent to central government
Box 4: Mapping the relationships between plans - the case of Liverpool City Council
Box 5: Mapping the relationships between plans - the case of Telford and Wrekin Council
Box 6: Consulting with partners and the community - case study examples
Box 7: Duplication within planning processes - suggestions for rationalising
Box 8: Views on the level of prescription associated with individual plans
Box 9: Involving local authorities in plan reviews and dissemination
Box 10: Rationalising the planning process in Arun District Council
Published 15 February 2002
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