To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much her Department and its predecessor spent on research, consultancy and preparation costs for planning gains supplement. (176175)

The Department has undertaken preliminary work to develop and explore the feasibility of a planning-gain supplement since 2004. This has included the publication of one consultation document alongside the 2006 pre-Budget report. The costs incurred have been borne by the Department as part of the normal policy development process.