A Bill to make provision for the abolition within construction contracts of the practice of allowing the paying party to withhold, as security against the risk of contractual non-performance by the other party, sums which would otherwise be due; and for connected purposes
House of Lords
28 April 2022
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This Bill would abolish the practice of withholding money (retentions) in construction contracts, so paying parties cannot hold back funds as security for potential non-performance. It aims to protect cash flow for contractors and suppliers by replacing retentions with alternative protections and clearer payment rules in construction deals. It would apply to contracts across the construction sector and related arrangements.
The bill is at its first reading in the Lords and has not yet progressed to further stages in Parliament.
Generated 21 February 2026
25 Oct 2021
First reading took place on 25 October. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2021-2022 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
