LGA statement on NAO report on developer funding system

Cllr Adam Hug, housing and planning spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents councils, said:

“Developer contributions play a vital part in delivering the infrastructure and affordable housing that communities need. Councils work hard to secure these contributions, but the current system is not delivering the full benefits it should. 

“It's right that the National Audit Office recognises the challenges councils face, and the need for further capacity and capability support for council planning departments.

“Councils need a developer contribution system that is transparent, efficient and effective. There also needs to be urgent changes made to the viability system – for example, removing the requirement to factor in an assumed developer or landowner return or removal of viability assessments as a material planning consideration entirely.”