Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill

A Bill to make provision about protecting retention deposits in connection with construction contracts; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

21 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

The bill aims to protect money that is kept back by clients from construction contract payments (retention deposits). It would establish approved retention deposit schemes to hold these deposits securely, set rules on how they are managed and released, and provide enforcement and redress if schemes or participants fail to follow the rules.

Key Points

Introduces retention deposit schemes to protect withheld funds in construction projects.
Requires deposits to be held in approved schemes and outlines rules for custody, operation, and release of funds.
Establishes regulatory oversight, reporting, and enforcement with potential penalties for non-compliance.
Applies to construction contracts and affects employers/clients, contractors and suppliers, with mechanisms for dispute resolution.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons. It will move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny, then on to the Lords if it passes.

Who is affected?

Construction contractors and subcontractorsEmployers/clients (main contractors, developers)Retention deposit scheme operators and administratorsConstruction industry organisations and professionalsRegulators and enforcement bodiesLenders/financiers involved in construction projects

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 148 2017-19, as introduced

BillCommons

23 Apr 2018

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill | TrackPolitics