The National Planning Improvement Framework (NPIF) is a new approach to measuring the performance of planning authorities and aims to enhance the performance of planning authorities in Scotland through structured self-assessment and improvement processes. The NPIF has replaced the previous Planning Performance Framework.
The NPIF introduces a systematic approach for planning authorities to evaluate and improve their performance. It emphasises the importance of self-assessment, peer review, and collaborative learning among authorities to identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies.
The key components of the NPIF, which results in an annual Improvement Action Plan for each authority, are:
- Self-Assessment: Each planning authority is required to conduct a self-assessment of its performance, identifying strengths and areas needing improvement. This process is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Peer Review: Following the self-assessment, the improvement action plan undergoes a peer collaborative review. This stage allows for external feedback and insights from other planning authorities, enhancing the quality of the assessment.
- Implementation and Monitoring: The agreed-upon improvement actions are published and monitored to ensure accountability and progress. This structured approach helps planning authorities to systematically address identified issues and track their improvements over time.
NPIF Improvement Action Plans
Last modified on 08 January 2026
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