From: Fiona White

Lib Dem borough councillor for Ash Wharf

In response to: What Ash and Tongham Residents Need To Know About Developer Contributions in Ash & Tongham

Section 106 Money

The ongoing debate about the appropriate use of Section 106 money has taken a new twist with the Reform UK candidate's recent statements. This issue, which involves developer contributions towards community infrastructure, demands clarity and precision. Fiona White, a Lib Dem borough councillor for Ash Wharf, has provided a detailed response aimed at correcting misconceptions and explaining the intricacies of these financial arrangements.

Understanding Section 106 Money

In his letter, Mr. Drage's attempt to simplify the intricate issue of Section 106 (S106) planning payments has resulted in several inaccuracies. It is crucial to elucidate the process accurately for the benefit of residents and stakeholders.

Allocation of Funds for Education

Source: https://guildford-dragon.com/letter-reform-uk-candidate-is-wrong-about-section-106-money/

The first point of contention pertains to the allocation of S106 money for educational purposes. As outlined by Fiona White, any funds earmarked for education—including early years learning, primary, and secondary schools—are collected by Guildford Borough Council on behalf of Surrey County Council, which is the relevant education authority. Notably, the borough council does not oversee how Surrey County Council allocates these funds. Specifically, some S106 agreements designate a particular school, stipulating that the money can only be spent on that institution. Conversely, if no specific school is mentioned, the funds can be utilised for any school within the development's proximity, provided it relates to creating additional spaces rather than repairing existing structures unless such repairs lead to new places being created.

Specifics in Ash Developments

Drilling down into the specifics of developments in the Ash area, certain S106 agreements refer directly to Ash Grange School. Payments are made progressively as trigger points are reached during each development phase. Surrey County Council must then conduct a thorough assessment and undergo a procurement process before utilising these funds.

The Role of Church Schools

Addressing the situation at St Paul's School in Tongham, it is essential to highlight that this institution is a Church of England School. Given that it is the only church school in the Ash and Tongham areas, parents retain the right to choose it for their children's education. The decision to create additional spaces at St. Paul’s was made following comprehensive consultations with all local schools, ensuring it wasn't an arbitrary choice but one reflecting parental aspirations.

Monitoring & Returning Funds

Lastly, concerns about the need to return unutilised funds to developers have been addressed. Surrey County Council has a dedicated department tasked with monitoring S106 agreements, ensuring that funds are used within the agreed timescales to prevent any need for reimbursement.

Conclusion

Fiona White's response underscores the complexity and regulatory nature of S106 allocations, a topic that cannot be oversimplified without risking misunderstanding. Proper knowledge dissemination is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability within community development projects.

For more detailed information and updates, visit Guildford Dragon.