Grant News
Local planning authorities in England can apply for £50,000 to improve their digital planning services through the government's Digital Planning Improvement Fund.
The funding is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to help councils improve planning data, develop staff skills and prepare to use digital tools, including artificial intelligence.
Funding can support digital planning assessments, staff training, improvements to planning software, recruitment and staff cover. Councils must develop an action plan and publish planning data covering conservation areas, listed buildings, tree preservation orders and Article 4 directions, which restrict certain permitted development rights.
Successful authorities will also join Open Digital Planning, a network that helps councils share knowledge and improve planning services. The application process is not competitive, but applicants must demonstrate that they can deliver the required activities.
Key points
- Only local planning authorities in England can apply.
- Previous recipients of this fund are ineligible.
- Authorities must process planning applications.
- Funding decisions are expected on 28 January 2027.
Applications close at 5pm on 11 December 2026. Funded work will begin in spring 2027.
On 19 November 2026, from midday to 12:45 pm, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will share more about the funded work, the support available and what taking part in Open Digital Planning involves. Register for the Digital Planning Improvement Fund Q&A session
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