Skip to content

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.

*Unspent developer contributions

How can Brookbanks help?

S106 Agreements Review

We will carry out a full review of your S106 agreements and expenditure to identify recovery opportunities, taking the paperwork and administration off your hands.

Work with local Authorities

We will then work with you and the local authorities to recover any contributions which are due.

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...

Anthony Brown, Group Director for Cost and Commercial at Brookbanks
Group Director of Cost and Commercial

Anthony Brown

Read Profile
Ben Wakeling, Head of Cost and Commercial at Brookbanks
Head of Cost and Commercial

Ben Wakeling

Read Profile
Ismail Ali, Senior Cost Consultant at Brookbanks
Senior Cost Consultant

Ismail Ali

Read Profile
Senior Cost Consultant

Jaskaran Singh

Read Profile
Mark Miller, Senior Associate Director at Brookbanks
Senior Associate Director, Cost and Commercial Group

Mark Miller

Read Profile

Check Out Our Services...

Civil Engineering Group

Our dedicated Civil Engineering and Infrastructure teams are trusted designers and deliverers of major developments including new towns, major urban extens...
View More

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

Group of students and teacher walking in a school courtyard with modern architecture and playground.

Delivering Education Infrastructure: Direct Delivery or Section 106 Contributions?

May 22, 2026

Education facilities play a vital role in shaping successful residential communities. Alongside providing essential school places for growing populations, they help create well-connected neighbourhoods, support long-term community wellbeing and contribute positively to placemaking outcomes. For developers bringing forward significant housing schemes, deciding how education infrastructure obligations should be delivered is rarely straightforward. In most cases, this involves either directly delivering a new education facility as part of the development, or making a financial contribution through a Section 106 Agreement to support provision elsewhere. Each approach carries implications for cost, programme, planning strategy and the long-term success of the development.

Read More
Aerial view of various vehicles driving on asphalt road near typical residential houses in suburban district on sunny day

Podcast Episode #17: Moving Places, Managing Noise

May 20, 2026

As development sites become more constrained and expectations around placemaking continue to rise, the interaction between transport planning and acoustics is playing an increasingly important role in successful design. In our latest podcast, “Moving Places, Managing Noise,” Ben Wakling is joined by Melanie A’Lee and Tom Quaife-Jones to explore how these two disciplines come together in practice. The discussion focuses on how early coordination between transport and noise specialists can improve scheme viability, reduce planning risk and ultimately create better places to live.

Read More
An aerial view of houses surrounding a road featuring a roundabout

Integrated Acoustic Consultancy Services

May 19, 2026

Expanding our specialist services to include integrated acoustic consultancy strengthens how we support clients across the full development lifecycle. By bringing together building acoustics and environmental noise and vibration, we are able to provide a more coordinated and consistent approach to sound, from early feasibility through to detailed design. This article introduces our acoustics capability at Brookbanks, outlining the expertise within the team and the role acoustics plays in delivering compliant, well‑designed and high‑performing environments across a range of sectors.

Read More