Information on the value of section 106 monies held by each local authority is not collected centrally. However, the Department for Communities and Local Government has produced research reports into the value of planning obligations in England for 2003-04 and 2005-06 based on a sample of authorities across the country. It was estimated that the total value of planning obligations agreed in England in 2003-04 was £1.9 billion and in 2005-06 the estimate had risen to £4 billion. These reports are available on the Department's website. New research covering 2007-08 has recently been commissioned and will be published in summer 2009.
Appropriate openness over the collection and use of s106 monies is an important element of local authority accountability and the Government recommend in planning Circular 05/05 that authorities keep accurate records which can be used to inform the public. In July, the Government announced in the Empowerment White Paper that it will explore whether more can be done to strengthen this local accountability.