MPs are ‘unconvinced' the Government is addressing the ‘lack of staffing capacity and capability of planners in local authorities'.
A report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) described the issue as a ‘serious problem'.
The report largely blamed the working environment, caseloads, pay and the existence of more attractive opportunities in the private sector.
It said this meant councils could find it hard to challenge viability assessments and claims from developers of financial infeasibility over the building of affordable homes.
PAC chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said there was a ‘drought of planners' in local authorities.
He added: ‘Without a functioning pipeline of highly skilled planning professionals, councils will continue to be outmanoeuvred [by] developers in affordable homes negotiations.'
* Liverpool City Council looks set to take 14 developers to court over unpaid Section 106 monies
The council is reportedly owed more than £1.5m from the deals agreed as part of the planning process.
