According to the party’s analysis, which draws on 2023 data, Scotland has just one chartered planner for every 3,431 people. This is lower than the ratios in other UK nations—Wales has one planner per 2,110 people, Northern Ireland one per 2,401, and England one per 3,187.

Recent statistics also highlight growing delays in decision-making. In 2023–24, the average time to process a local planning application increased to 11.6 weeks, compared to nine weeks in 2019–20. For major applications, the average decision time rose from 33.5 to 36.1 weeks over the same period.

In response, Scottish Labour has pledged to increase the number of planners, introduce faster processes for key projects, and take economic impact into greater consideration if it forms the next government.

Daniel Johnson, Scottish Labour’s economy spokesperson, said: “After nearly 18 years in power, the SNP still can’t get the basics right. Our underperforming planning system is turning away vital investment.

“A Scottish Labour government will ensure the system is properly staffed and streamlined, so we can unlock economic growth, create jobs, and build the homes Scotland urgently needs.”

In response, public finance minister Ivan McKee defended the Scottish Government’s record, noting that recent reforms, supported across Parliament, have modernised the system.

He pointed to the National Planning Framework 4 as a leading model for sustainable development and outlined further measures, including the creation of a National Planning Hub, recruitment of 18 new planning graduates, and an increase in postgraduate bursaries.

Mr McKee added: “The real barrier to Scotland’s economic potential is the UK Government’s austerity agenda. We’re committed to building skills and capacity in planning, not going back to years of legislative change.”