The budget available to the Planning Development Programme for 2008/09 is still to be confirmed. This funding is primarily targeted at increasing the range of training and development opportunities for planning authority staff and elected members.

Training and development opportunities are supported in two main ways:

• Direct provision of a range of workshops and other learning opportunities using experienced trainers and available either in-house or as open events for planning authorities. A list of workshops currently available through the Programme is available to download. Information about planned open workshops and events is available on this website
• Grant support is available to authorities for local learning events and initiatives and to support access to existing learning opportunities.

The cost of workshops and other events will be shared with the planning authorities from April 2008. For in-house events this will be a percentage share of the total cost (20% in 2008/09). A charge will be made for places at open workshops to cover a similar percentage of the costs of the event.

Grants are decided on an individual basis but will also operate on a cost sharing basis rather than providing full subsidy. More information is provided in the Grant Strategy and application forms are available to download for local learning events, access to learning opportunities and accredited planning qualification support.

To apply for grant support please complete the relevant application form and email it to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or for more information call Emma Richardson on 01506 775558.

Related information

Background
Programme Information
Managing Learning & Development
Workshops & Events
Sharing Good Practice
Elected Members
Other Projects
Further Information