Unlocking the value of Section 106 contributions
A recent report by the Home Builders Federation estimates that local authorities currently hold over £6bn of unspent Section 106 developer contributions.
Section 106 (S106) agreements are a vital part of the planning process, enabling local authorities to secure funding from developers for necessary infrastructure and community benefits. However, what many developers don’t realise is that some of these contributions can actually be repayable – particularly when funds remain unspent by the local authority after a defined period.
According to a 2024 report by the Home Builders Federation*, more than £6 billion in S106 contributions are currently sitting unspent across the UK. These funds, if not used in accordance with the terms of the original agreement, may be eligible for repayment to the developer. This represents a significant opportunity to recover lost capital; but identifying and reclaiming those funds requires time, expertise, and a deep understanding of the complex landscape surrounding S106 agreements.
That’s where Brookbanks comes in. With their specialist knowledge and a proven process, Brookbanks takes the hassle out of the equation. They’ll review your S106 agreements in detail, manage the administration, liaise with local authorities, and work sensitively and diplomatically to recover any unspent contributions that may rightfully be returned to you.
How can Brookbanks help?
Reclaiming these funds can boost your cash flow, support reinvestment in new projects, and improve your overall financial efficiency. It’s an opportunity many developers overlook — but it could deliver real value back to your business.
If you suspect your projects may be tied to unspent S106 contributions, it’s worth a conversation. Reach out to Ben Wakeling, Commercial Director at Brookbanks, at ben.wakeling@brookbanks.com or call 07506 039641 to start the process.
Let Brookbanks help you unlock hidden value.
Meet our Cost and Commercial Team...
Group Director of Cost and Commercial
Anthony Brown
Read Profile
Head of Cost and Commercial
Ben Wakeling
Read Profile
Senior Cost Consultant
Ismail Ali
Read Profile
Principal Commercial Consultant
Jaskaran Singh
Read Profile
Senior Associate Director, Cost and Commercial Group
Mark Miller
Read ProfileCheck Out Our Services...
Civil Engineering Group
Cost & Commercial Group
Infrastructure/Abnormal/Site-Wide Cost Planning. We have vast experience in structuring, maintaining and managing budgets of hundreds of million pounds, en...
View More
Development Management Group
We are one of the UK's leading partners to blue chip developers, funders and land promoters. From securing planning consents for major house building schem...
View More
Land, Development and Communities Group
Our Land, Development and Communities Group (LDC) has built an enviable reputation across our industry as leading providers of a variety of services with t...
View More
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group
Our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group has a renowned team of award-winning, energy-centric building services specialists.
We are a creative te...
View More
Structural Engineering Group
Our Structural Engineering Group can trace its origins back to its formation in 1984. From the outset it quickly gained a reputation for producing practica...
View More
More News
Development Viability: An Increasing Area of Focus for SME Housebuilders
July 10, 2026
The development landscape continues to evolve. Planning policy, infrastructure requirements, utility capacity, environmental obligations and market conditions are all influencing how residential schemes are assessed, planned and delivered. Against this backdrop, the Home Builders Federation's latest SME Developer Sentiment Survey highlights development viability as an increasingly important area of focus for SME housebuilders. For a sector that plays a critical role in delivering much-needed housing across the UK, the findings provide a valuable snapshot of the factors influencing investment decisions, land acquisition strategies and project delivery.
Transfer Slabs Under the Spotlight
June 19, 2026
Transfer slabs are a key component in complex structural design, and evolving regulatory expectations are strengthening how their performance is understood and demonstrated. This article shares our perspective on the Building Safety Regulator’s focus on transfer slabs, outlining what it means for new and existing buildings, and highlighting the value of clear, evidence-led design and proportionate engineering judgement.
Brookbanks Podcast #19: Life Cycle & Upfront Costs
June 18, 2026
As the long-term sustainability and operational efficiency of developments come under greater scrutiny, the balance between initial capital outlay and long-term expenditure is playing an increasingly important role in successful project delivery. In our latest podcast, “Life Cycle & Upfront Costs,” Ben Wakeling is joined by Gerrad Mukuyu to explore how these two critical aspects of project budgeting interact in practice. The discussion focuses on why evaluating a project's financial footprint over its entire lifespan rather than just its construction phase can improve scheme viability, reduce risk, and ultimately create more sustainable, cost-effective assets.