Increased funding for the Planning and Water Appeals Commissions

The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister welcomes confirmation from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister that it is to increase the funding for the Commissions.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Danny Kennedy MLA said: 
“During its consideration of the draft Budget and Investment Strategy, the Committee noted with concern the backlog in planning appeals and called for additional resources for the Planning and Water Appeals Commissions.

“ The Committee therefore welcomes the commitment from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide additional funding for the next 3 years.

“The Committee now expects to see early progress in the appointment of additional Commissioners and will monitor the use of additional funding to ensure that it is used effectively to help clear the backlog of outstanding appeals.”