Up-to-date Local Plans are essential because they provide clarity to communities and developers about where homes should be built and where not, so that development is planned rather than the result of speculative applications. Authorities that fail to ensure an up-to-date Local Plan is in place are failing their communities, by not recognising the homes and other facilities that local people need, and relying on ad hoc, speculative development that may not make the most of their area's potential. The overarching objective of intervention is accelerated adoption of Local Plans in areas where there has been a failure to get a Local Plan in place. The SoS may, at any time during the Programme term, choose to explore intervention options in Local Authority areas where considered necessary, and it is envisaged that this Contract shall be used to deliver related intervention services accordingly. MHCLG may also require the provision of related planning services and advice to facilitate sustainable development, such as the preparation of Local Plan (development plans), master planning and similar planning related documents. This Contract does not provide any exclusivity regarding the commissioning or delivery of Local Plan Intervention Services, and MHCLG may utilise alternative contract arrangements where necessary.