That the Parliament recognises the contribution of Homes for Scotland in helping to address the reported skills shortage in Scotland’s planning system through the launch of five new Future Planners bursaries; notes that the bursaries total to £25,000; further notes that these bursaries aim to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds into the planning profession by supporting course fees, living expenses and mentoring opportunities, which are administered by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI); understands that the bursaries will support students on RTPI-accredited Planning master's courses at the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee and Heriot-Watt University for the 2025-26 academic year; recognises that this initiative, supported by Brodies, Mac Mic Group, Miller Homes, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey, complements the 30 bursaries already available via Scottish Government grant funding; welcomes this initiative during a time of what it sees as significant pressure on Scotland’s planning system, and amid an ongoing housing emergency, and commends Homes for Scotland for its leadership in marking its 25th anniversary year by investing in the future of planning in Scotland and supporting a sustainable pipeline of talent to help deliver the homes that it considers Scotland needs.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett (Registered interest)
, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Kenneth Gibson, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Paul McLennan, Stuart McMillan, Douglas Ross, Paul Sweeney, Tess White, Elena Whitham, Brian Whittle