Current Government Consultations - March 2026

A brief summary of current government consultations of potential interest to RSN members. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of all relevant consultations.

- Download a printable version of the Government Consultations here

Areas for producing spatial development strategies – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Government are seeking initial views on the proposed geography over which spatial development strategies (SDS) should be prepared.

This is intended to allow prospective strategic planning authorities to understand the geographical area for which they may be planning.

It will also allow them to carry out preparatory work on their SDS, ahead of legislation coming into force, following the passing of the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

This consultation closes on 26 March 2026.

Areas for producing spatial development strategies - GOV.UK

Moving to commonhold: banning leasehold for new flats – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

This consultation sets out the government’s plans to introduce a ban on new leasehold flats. They are seeking views from industry and consumers on:

• the scope of the ban
• the case for exemptions from the ban
• how a ban on new leasehold flats should operate as part of our approach to moving to the reformed commonhold model
• when a ban on leasehold for new flats should start and what transitional arrangements might be needed
• the costs and benefits in moving to commonhold and complying with the ban

They also invite feedback on the commonhold framework itself.?

This consultation closes on 24 April 2026.

Moving to commonhold: banning leasehold for new flats - GOV.UK

SEND reform: putting children and young people first – Department for Education

Government are consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

The consultation document explains the changes they plan to make and asks for comments from everyone with an interest.

The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.

This consultation closes on 18 May 2026.

SEND reform: putting children and young people first - GOV.UK

Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

This consultation seeks views on the usability of the draft consolidated Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance.

A draft version of the guidance has been published alongside this consultation. Both documents should be read together.

This consultation closes on 10 March 2026.

Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance - GOV.UK

Reduce smoke emissions from solid fuel burning – Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Government are seeking views on proposals to reduce smoke emissions and fine particulate matter emissions (PM2.5) from solid fuel burning. This includes proposals on:

• new stove emission limits
• labelling of stoves and fuels
• increasing penalties for non-compliance of existing regulations

This consultation closes on 19 March 2026.

Reduce smoke emissions from solid fuel burning - GOV.UK

Local transport authorities and the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles – Department for Transport

The Department for Transport is seeking feedback on the potential benefits and challenges of making all local transport authorities (LTAs) in England responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing.

The consultation focuses on the impact this would have on:

• local authorities
• taxi and PHV businesses
• passengers

This consultation closes on 1 April 2026.

Local transport authorities and the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles - GOV.UK

National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and HM Treasury

This consultation seeks views on a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A draft NPPF has been published alongside this consultation and both documents should be read together.

They are also seeking views on:

• data centres and onsite energy generation
• standardised inputs in viability assessments
• reforming site thresholds

This consultation closes on 10 March 2026.

National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK

Consultation on the Introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) – HM Treasury

At Budget 2025, the government announced electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED): a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, which will take effect from April 2028. This consultation sets out further detail on how eVED will work and seeks views its design and implementation.

This consultation closes on 18 March 2026.

Consultation on the Introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK