In response to a letter from Jacky Howle regarding Section 106 money "unspent" by Devon County Council (DCC), I would like to clarify some of the points she makes.

As part of the planning process, developers make financial contributions towards infrastructure via Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Some of the examples of Section 106 agreement payments cited, such as social housing, parks, and GP surgeries, are paid to the Local Planning Authority, East Devon District Council, who are responsible for housing.

The NHS makes requests for GP surgery funding and not DCC.

The DCC does make requests for contributions to schools, transport, and public highways needed to support new development where Section 106 and CIL money paid to the DCC is not "unspent", as was stated.

It helps contribute towards many projects across the county of Devon.

The figure of money held by DCC (and EDDC) is constantly changing as development takes place, funding a rolling programme of projects.

The DCC spends large sums of money each year on capital projects (one-off, not annual running costs) each year.

Contributions from Section 106 and CIL help towards the overall cost of these.

The budget for 2024/25 allocates £59 million for local transport and small-scale highway maintenance, £54 million for large and major highway schemes, £9 million towards school expansions and special needs places, and £9 million towards environmental work including flood prevention.

Officers at County Hall work very closely with the local planning authority, who monitor the position very carefully.

I am not aware of any missed funding opportunities by DCC.

Councillor Phil Twiss
Cabinet member finance, Devon County Council