Ms Clare Bannon:

I would like to clarify something. The additional planning resources that the CCMA has asked for do not include any additional planning resources for the regional assemblies. That is above and beyond that. It is a very important point. We have been allocated more than ten new and fairly heavy tasks within the planning Bill. That does not take into account the increase in our functions that has occurred since our establishment. It is a key point if we want to cement regional assemblies and their role by having better co-operation with councillors and local authorities to try to deliver national policy at a local level.