Millions unspent by Devon councils

Developers' cash piles up

Millions of pounds given by house builders to Devon councils as compulsory contributions to community projects and infrastructure has yet to be spent.

Twenty per cent of the money - known as 'section 106' contributions I-  has't yet to be allocated to a project. That's more than £12 million. Section 106 contributions are paid to local authorities by developers when planning permission is agreed. The contributions are discussed and agreed before developments are given the go ahead. The money is ringfenced for certain projects and has to be spent within a time period – usually five year

In the last five years, more than £71m has been received by Plymouth, Exeter, Teignbridge, East Devon, Torbay, North Devon and Torridge councils. Thirty-six million pounds hasn't been spent. 

Mid Devon, South Hams and West Devon council wouldn't provide figures, saying it would take them more than 18 hours to get the information.

North Devon District Council returned a small amount of money, £7,562, which was due to be used to partially provide an informal play area for children for a housing development off Cherry Tree Drive in Barnstaple.

These are the figures received by our local democracy reporter under a Freedom of Information request.

Section 106 contributions aren't universally popular with developers. The top listing on Google search on the topic is for a company that advises house builders how to get away with paying.