Developer contributions
Request data on section 75 planning agreements and developer contributions received.
When councils grant planning permission for major developments, they can require developers to contribute to local infrastructure through section 75 agreements. A request like this shows how much has been collected and what it has been spent on.
Dear [AUTHORITY NAME],
Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]:
1. The total value of developer contributions received under section 75 agreements.
2. A breakdown of contributions by purpose (e.g. affordable housing, education, transport, open space).
3. The total value of developer contributions held but not yet spent as at the end of the period.
4. A list of section 75 agreements entered into during the period, showing the development site and the obligations agreed.
I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible.
Yours faithfully,
[YOUR NAME]
Who to send it to#
Your local council’s planning department. Find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.
Tips#
- Some councils publish a register of section 75 agreements. Check the council website before submitting your request.
- Unspent contributions are a useful indicator. Large sums sitting unspent may mean infrastructure improvements are being delayed.
- If the council says this would exceed the cost limit, drop item 4 and request only the financial summaries.
- Section 75 refers to the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. In England and Wales the equivalent is section 106.