I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 666 together. Sections 48 and 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 set out the framework within which planning authorities must draw up a development contribution scheme in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of the local authority that benefit development in the area. The Act provides for three types of development contribution that can be attached as conditions to planning permissions granted under Section 34 of the 2000 Act.
In addition to the above legal framework, my Department has also issued policy guidance on development contributions to planning authorities in the form of circular letter PD 4/2003. The advice given in the guidance relates to the different types of development contribution that can be attached as a condition to planning permissions granted, the types of public infrastructure and facilities that can be funded by this mechanism, and the level of contribution. The legislation also requires planning authorities to base the contributions on the actual cost of providing the infrastructure in question. On the issue of actual moneys collected and spent, local authority annual reports must contain details of monies paid or owing to it under section 50 of the Local Government Act 1991 and must indicate how such monies paid to it have been applied. This includes charges under sections 48 and 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
In addition, Annual Financial Statements of local authorities in respect of 2005 and future years are required to include details of opening and closing balances on the development levies account together with the extent of movement in and out of the account during the year.
My Department has also established an interdepartmental committee to look at issues raised by different interests in relation to the operation of development contribution schemes. The committee is due to complete its work shortly and it is expected that this will provide the basis for further guidance to be issued to planning authorities.