A presentation given by Social to colleagues from across government on 10 September 2020.

1. Plugging the ‘engagement gap’
10 September 2020

2. Planning white paper media: in the headlines

3. Social media: some reaction, but not widespread
1,470 posts 4,100 engagements 9.28m impressions

4. Social media reaction led by government, planners and activists
Influencers by volume of posts (6 August – 8 September)

5. Social media reaction led by government, planners and activists
Influencers by impressions (6 August – 8 September)

6. But what do the public think
about planning?
✓ We partnered with YouGov to survey
people’s views on Local Plan-making and
what influences their engagement in the
process.
✓ Total sample size was 2,296 adults.
✓ Fieldwork was undertaken between 12 and
13 August 2020.
✓ The survey was carried out online.
✓ The figures have been weighted and are
representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
✓ Two questions.

7. #1 Have you ever responded to a local plan consultation?
All ages
26%
69%
5%
Yes No Not sure

8. #2 Which, if any, of the following would make you more likely to
participate in local plan consultations?
All ages
41%
51%
40%
37%
40%
2%
8%
19%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Local plan
consultations being
better promoted
(i.e. more widely
advertised)
Knowing that my
feedback will make
a difference
Getting more
information about
how a proposed
new development
might affect me
personally (e.g. in
my daily life)
That the proposal is
clear, simple and
can be understood
easily and quickly
That there is a
quick, easy method
to provide feedback
Other Don't know Not applicable -
nothing in particular
would make me
more likely to
participate in local
plan consultations

9. #1 Have you ever responded to a local plan consultation?
Age 18-34
11%
80%
9%
Yes No Not sure

10. #2 Which, if any, of the following would make you more likely to
participate in local plan consultations?
Ages 18 - 34
41%
46%
35%
32%
36%
2%
12%
22%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Local plan
consultations being
better promoted
(i.e. more widely
advertised)
Knowing that my
feedback will make
a difference
Getting more
information about
how a proposed
new development
might affect me
personally (e.g. in
my daily life)
That the proposal is
clear, simple and
can be understood
easily and quickly
That there is a
quick, easy method
to provide feedback
Other Don't know Not applicable -
nothing in particular
would make me
more likely to
participate in local
plan consultations

11. Bridging the engagement gap
Three key factors which
positively influence
engagement.
All have a comms dimension.
All are highlighted in the
survey.

12. 1. ‘Better promotion’
This means it’s:
✓ Well targeted
✓ Timely
✓ Relevant
✓ Insight driven
How do people want to receive
information?

13. 2. Clear, simple narrative
This means it’s:
✓ Clear
✓ Jargon free
✓ Grounded in reality
Above all, it must explain why it’s
important for people to ‘have their
say.’

14. 3. Better feedback routes
This means it’s:
✓ Easy to find
✓ Easy to use
✓ Clear
✓ Two-way
“How will I know if this feedback
will be used?”

15. Fiona Howie
TCPA
“We know there is an urgent need to rebuild trust in the
planning system. Supporting everyone within communities to
participate in plan-making will be an important part of
working to achieve that.
“As this research highlights, people must know that their
involvement will be meaningful and listened to.
“But there also needs to be culture change at national and
local levels – so that involving communities in planning is
seen as a good thing that will result in higher quality plans
and better outcomes from the system.”

16. Thank you
Any questions?
E: ben.lowndes@social.co.uk
T: @blowndes
W: social.co.uk