At a Glance
- Calls grow for “Infrastructure First” before new housing developments
- RDC explains why it cannot deliver infrastructure directly
- Over £1.18 million in healthcare funds held but unused
- Urgent call for NHS and partner agencies to act
We often hear calls for more schools, GP surgeries, and increased hospital capacity, etc. Our response is clear: ‘Infrastructure First!’
Here is why infrastructure isn’t built first
Rochford District Council (RDC) is the planning authority, but it does not directly deliver or control major infrastructure such as roads, schools, healthcare, or utilities. The Council can only collect developer contributions — known as Section 106 (S106) funding — which must be used for specific purposes set out in legal agreements.
Funding Limits Council Action
While RDC holds some of these funds, the majority (for example, healthcare contributions) are held on behalf of other agencies, such as the NHS, and can only be spent when those bodies bring forward suitable projects.
RDC currently holds over £1.18 million for healthcare, alongside funds for affordable housing, community facilities, open spaces, and environmental improvements. These are ring-fenced for their agreed purposes and cannot be redirected by the Council.
This means RDC cannot build infrastructure first — it can only ensure that developers meet their obligations and that funds are used appropriately once the relevant delivery partners (such as the NHS, Essex County Council, or utility companies) are ready to proceed.
Agencies Must Act Now!
We need our other agencies e.g. NHS, affordable housing and partners to claim these funds by providing additional services for our communities. Stop sitting on desperately needed funding and make it happen!
Southend MSE hospital is £6.5 million in debt! According to staff – dreadful working conditions, undervalued employees, and many are moving to other hospitals. These funds held by RDC are not helping our community at all.
By Cllr Julie Gooding
Rochford District Council
CllrJulie.Gooding@Rochford.gov.uk