£8bn of Unspent Funds and Missed Opportunities
Local communities across the UK are facing growing challenges, from social inequality to environmental needs. Yet, vast funds remain untapped.
The HBF (Homebuilders Federation) recently reported that approximately £8 billion in Section 106 (S106) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions are held in UK local authority accounts, with an estimated 26% of these funds left unspent for over five years.
These funds—intended to support communities impacted by new developments—remain unspent because of resource constraints and bureaucratic challenges faced by Local Authorities.
This is a problem for everyone.
🛑 Developers’ inability to showcase their community benefits leads to planning resistance, reputational risks, and increased tension with community stakeholders.
🛑 Local Authorities are facing challenging finances and increasing pressures. Effective deployment of these funds is increasingly critical to maintain services through 3rd Sector partners, and retain voter trust in their politicians.
🛑 Local Communities miss out on vital projects that could improve their neighbourhoods. Delays in S106/CIL spending means critical projects are put on hold—or never happen.
Deliver S106 & CIL with Greater Speed, Transparency, and Cost-Efficiency
ActionFunder bridges the gap between developers, councils, and local communities.
We can help you transform unspent S106/CIL funds into measurable community impact through our streamlined grant-giving mechanism. Deliver fast, transparent, and impactful community investment.
How it Works
✅ Developers and councils use ActionFunder to distribute unspent funds through community grants, ensuring they reach the local community quickly and transparently.
✅ We match funds with local VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations to drive social impact at a local level.
✅ Our platform tracks impact in real time, quantifying the social value (£SROI) and wider public benefits these projects create.
This approach reduces planning resistance, enhances ESG credentials and brand value, and rebuilds public trust—all while delivering measurable improvements for local communities.
Turn Unspent Funds into Visible Impact
Learn more about how we can help you transform unspent funds into community impact.
As a property developer, local councillor, and community investment expert, our Founder Mark Shearer understands the unique challenges and opportunities.
