| The revised Financial Memorandum for the Planning Bill has now been published, setting out the costs of the Bill as it stands after stage 2. The Memorandum shows that the changes made at stage 2 could increase the predicted costs by up to £75m for planning authorities and over £400m for business. Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning has said: "Our aim in bringing forward this Bill was to streamline planning and create savings that could be redirected towards working with communities and developers to achieve real and positive change for our places. "Throughout the stage 2 process I made it clear that it wasn't simply amendments being added to the Bill, it was added costs, added bureaucracy. The Financial Memorandum paints a stark picture. "As things currently stand, we risk losing the savings that could have been achieved through streamlining, and creating millions of pounds of new costs for planning authorities. It is difficult to see who benefits from that. As the RTPI has said, the burden of new duties could see the system grind to a halt. "Many MSPs have indicated their willingness to work constructively to rescue this Bill, and I am grateful to those who have already engaged with me. Returning this Bill to a shape that allows it to support inclusive growth will require co-operation. My aim remains as it always was - a Bill that supports the ability of the planning system to create quality places with the housing, infrastructure and investment that people need. I hope that others support that aim." The Minister has also written a blog about the Bill. The Scottish Parliament has not yet set a date for stage 3 of the Bill. If you have any questions about the Bill or the Financial Memorandum, please contact the Bill team at planningbill@gov.scot | 
