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Guidance

Developer Contributions Data Improvement Project: Privacy notice

Published 2 June 2026

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2026

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/developer-contributions-data-improvement-project-privacy-notice/developer-contributions-data-improvement-project-privacy-notice

Who we are

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is the data controller for the Developer Contributions Data Improvement Project.

This project is led by the Planning Strategy Directorate and seeks to improve MHCLG’s evidence base on how developer contributions – including section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – operate in practice, to inform policy development and evaluation.

What data we collect

As part of this research, we may collect the following personal data:

  • name, job title and organisation
  • work email address or professional contact details
  • professional views, experiences and opinions relating to CIL, section 106 and developer contributions
  • any information you choose to provide through survey responses or interviews

We do not intend to collect special category personal data (such as health information or other protected characteristics). We will instead collect professional views, experiences and opinions (which will be anonymised in any reporting).

How we use your data

We will use your data to:

  • understand how the developer contributions system is working in practice
  • identify good practice and challenges in the collection and use of CIL and section 106
  • assess the impact of recent planning reforms
  • support policy development, analysis and ministerial advice

Survey and interview data will be analysed alongside quantitative data from Infrastructure Funding Statements.

MHCLG processes your personal data under Article 6(1)(e) of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR):

  • processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority

How we collect your data

Personal data may be collected through:

  • online surveys sent to local planning authorities
  • interviews or case study discussions
  • correspondence relating to participation in the research

Participation is voluntary, and you may choose not to answer any question.

Your personal data, including your name, role and email address, will be collected via Microsoft Forms and stored securely within MHCLG’s Microsoft 365 environment, including SharePoint.

Access to this information will be restricted to authorised MHCLG staff and, where applicable, external research contractors appointed to support delivery of this project. Personal data will only be shared where necessary for the purposes of administering the research, analysing responses, or ensuring appropriate access and permissions within MHCLG systems.

All data will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and MHCLG data protection policies. Responses will be anonymised in any published outputs.

Who we share your data with

Your data may be shared with:

  • external research contractors commissioned by MHCLG to deliver this project
  • relevant analytical and policy teams within MHCLG

All suppliers are required to handle data securely and in line with UK GDPR. Any published outputs will be anonymised and will not identify individuals.

How long we keep your data

Personal data will be retained by our third-party provider until 2027, and by MHCLG for up to two years to deliver the research purposes and meet MHCLG’s records management requirements. After this period, the data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

Your data protection rights

You have the right to:

  • request access to your personal data
  • request rectification of inaccurate data
  • request erasure of your data (where applicable)
  • object to or restrict processing

These rights are subject to legal conditions and exemptions.

How to contact us

If you have questions about this research or how your data is used, please contact:
developercontributions@communities.gov.uk.

For data protection enquiries, contact: dataprotection@communities.gov.uk.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how your data has been handled, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk.

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