The government has appointed leading planning lawyer Catherine Howard to help drive through planning reforms ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Howard, who is a partner at law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, specialises in major infrastructure projects and has expertise in Development Consent Orders, which provide planning permission for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
According to the government, Howard will advise chancellor Rachel Reeves on the next phase of planning reforms with new housing secretary, Steve Reed, who was appointed earlier this month in a Cabinet reshuffle.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is going through Parliament and, if approved, will play a key part in the government's mission to accelerate major infrastructure and development projects, such as housebuilding.
The Treasury added that Howard will initially work up to four days a week on an unpaid basis, until the Autumn Budget, which is scheduled for 26 November 2026.
Reeves said in a statement: "I am determined we do what it takes to get Britain building, unlock private investment and deliver an economy that works for working people – and rewards working people. I look forward to working with Catherine to deliver this."
Howard added: "It is a privilege to take on this position as the chancellor’s Infrastructure and Planning adviser, helping the government to achieve a step-change in how we deliver major infrastructure and housing.
"With the right framework in place, good decision-making can enable swift progress - improving our natural environment and supporting the government’s growth mission.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes major strides towards this goal. I look forward to working with stakeholders to consider how we build on this important agenda."