The RICS has criticised the government for splitting up the DTLR at a crucial time for planning policy.
Michael Chambers, head of policy at the RICS, expressed concerns that prime minister Tony Blair would use the shake up as “an excuse to delay vital reforms in the planning system”.
Former planning and housing minister Lord Falconer has become minister for criminal justice at the Home Office, and has been replaced by Lord Jeffrey Rooker.
Chambers said: “It is a bad time for Lord Falconer to be moved off planning reform. Lord Rooker must get to grips with the subject quickly if the timetable is not to slip.”
He added: “It is difficult to overstate the importance to the people of this country of these reforms. Britains commercial and social wellbeing is largely dependent on a sound planning system.”
In the wake of Stephen Byers departure, Downing Street has created a separate Ministry of Transport under Alistair Darling, while local government and regional issues will now be the responsibility of John Prescott at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
EGi News 30/05/02
