Kirklees Council has accumulated more than £14.5m which was intended to fund improvements and support local services, and a local MP wants answers.
On August 12, 2026, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported the findings of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, regarding Section 106 payments. These contributions are made by developers to local authorities to mitigate the impact of building projects and extend to matters including: affordable housing; new school places; and road improvements.
The FOI showed that Kirklees Council had racked up £14,501,613.10 in unspent Section 106 funding as of the current financial year. These funds stem from a total of 36 applications, with some of the money dating back decades.
One example in the Cleckheaton ward, showed that £20,000 was received between 1998 and 1999 to offset the impacts caused by building a residential development near Broomfield Terrace, but the money was never spent. More recently, in 2024, over £590,000 was set aside for education to offset the impacts of building 260 new homes in Dewsbury, and the funds have yet to be allocated, according to the FOI.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, Coun John Hardie, told the LDRS: “Section 106 is very much on the top of my list for discussion and resolution. It is a very complicated and legally bound matter. We are progressing and hope to have some news by October this year.”
Since then, Spen Valley Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater has written to Leader of the Council, Coun Sarah Wood asking what steps will be taken by the new Reform administration to get the money spent. The MP said she has raised the issue with the council on a number of occasions over the past five years.
She highlighted several examples, in Cleckheaton (£20,000 as above), Birkenshaw (£500,995.86) secured in 2021 for a development at Heathfield Lane, and additional funds in Gomersal, Liversedge, Mirfield and the wider Spen Valley.
In her letter published on October 2, she continued: “When houses are built, the impact on residents is immediate – traffic increases, school places tighten and local services face extra demand. It is wrong that developers finish their estates and move on while the funds set aside to protect our communities sit unused year after year.
“This money belongs to the people of Cleckheaton, Birkenshaw, Gomersal, Liversedge, Mirfield, and our communities across Spen Valley. Residents deserve to see a fair deal delivered on the ground right now to get our roads fixed, support our schools and improve our community spaces.”