Monitoring and Implementation

Monitoring is a critical component in ensuring that policies are effectively implemented and progress is being made towards desired outcomes. Monitoring is essential to establish what is happening now, what may happen in the future and then compare these trends against existing policies and targets to determine what needs to be done.

Monitoring allows for a cyclical process of policy-making, whereby information on policy progress is evaluated. The outcome of the evaluation identifies key challenges and opportunities, enabling revision to policies and objectives as necessary.

Along with ongoing monitoring responsibilities, the Assembly has a statutory responsibility to monitor the outcome of the Regional Spatial Strategy through an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). This responsibility is outlined in The Town and Country Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, whereby it is required that every Regional Planning Body submits an Annual Monitoring Report to the Secretary of State, which contains information on the implementation of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and the extent to which policies in the strategy are being achieved.

For more information on monitoring guidelines see the document below.