I thank the Deputy for the question. PPNs provide representation for the community sector in local policymaking, giving local groups a say in local government decisions that affect their communities. There is a PPN in each of the 31 local authority areas and membership of a PPN is open to volunteer-led and not-for-profit groups in each area. The network has grown substantially since its establishment and over 18,500 groups nationwide are now registered with their local PPN.
In line with the programme for Government, a review of PPN structures was commissioned by my Department to ensure PPNs continue to be fit for purpose generally, including for climate action, and to make recommendations to support their ongoing development. The review report was published in June 2022. Following publication, my Department set up a working group to oversee the development of a roadmap of future actions to support the operation of PPNs. The working group is drawn from a range of PPN stakeholder groups, including PPN staff and volunteers, civil society groups, local authorities and relevant Government Departments. A draft roadmap has been agreed by the working group in recent weeks and my Department has just appointed an independent service provider to consult PPN stakeholders more widely on the draft roadmap and make recommendations on its content based on the feedback received. A finalised roadmap is expected to be submitted for approval later this year. The working group will remain in place to oversee the implementation of the roadmap and ensure it enhances the effective functioning of PPNs.
In addition, PPNs already have an important role in local climate action. Under section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, local authorities are mandated to consult PPNs in the development of local climate action plans. In this way, the volunteers that make up PPNs can feed their invaluable on-the-ground experiences and local knowledge into local climate planning. Local authorities are required by law to consult PPNs for their local climate action plans.