Duty to cooperate

The Duty to Co-operate (DtC) is a statutory requirement on local planning authorities to co-operate constructively, actively and on an ongoing basis with neighbouring authorities, county councils and other prescribed bodies in planning for strategic cross boundary matters.

The Government expects local authorities to particularly focus on cross boundary matters relating to:

  • homes and jobs needed in the area; 
  • the provision of retail, leisure and other commercial development,
  • infrastructure provision,
  • health, security, community and cultural services and facilities,
  • climate change mitigation and adaptation and conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment. 

We have sought to adopt a proactive, ongoing and focused approach to strategic planning and partnership working.  Key documents demonstrating its approach to the Duty are set out below:

Joint working with Slough, South Bucks, Chiltern

  • Agreed meeting notes from a facilitated Duty to Co-operate Meeting between the Royal Borough, Slough and South Bucks Chiltern - (17 Oct 2017)
  • Advice note relating to on-going Duty to Co-operate working between the Royal Borough, Slough and South Bucks/Chiltern - (17 Oct 2017)

Joint working with Slough

  • Royal Borough letter to Slough confirming policy approach to affordable housing - (18 Jan 2018)
  • Slough and the Royal Borough Duty to Cooperate Meeting - Outcomes and actions - (18 Dec 2017)
  • Formal response to Slough's unmet needs request - (17 Jul 2017)

Joint working with Runnymede and Surrey Heath

  • Surrey Heath, Runnymede and the Royal Borough Statement of Common Ground - (23 Jan 2018)
  • Surrey Heath, Runnymede and the Royal Borough outcomes and actions - (26 Sep 2017)

Other joint working

  • Response to Surrey Heath's formal request to meet their unmet housing need (7 Jun 2017)
  • Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Borough and Wycombe District Council on Strategic Planning and DtC (13 Feb 2017)
  • Memorandum of Understanding between the Berkshire Unitary Authorities on Strategic Planning and DtC (3 Dec 2014)
  • Duty to Co-operate Compliance Statement 2017 - (May 2017) – supporting the Reg 19 publication of the Borough Local Plan 2013 - 2033