The CSS (County Surveyors’ Society) has sought to provide local authorities with a transparent and consistent approach to the commuted sums mechanism, with the launch of new guidance calling for a closer working relationship between highway authorities, planners and developers.
The organisation hopes the guidance will help overcome the long-standing controversy on the subject, which has seen the current mechanism become unpopular with developers. Although the exercise of commuted sums is not new, there is considerable variation in their use and practice by highway authorities in relation to new developments.
New recommendations include the request for a transparent process, with collected funds ring-fenced to the maintenance of the highway network. It also says highway authorities should look more flexibly at what assets they are prepared to adopt, for example sustainable drainage systems, and review the circumstances for which commuted sums will be sought.
It is recommended they set up materials databases and look to share information, both regionally and nationally, on new supplies and methods.
The guidance suggests final commuted sums paid should be calculated immediately before the development infrastructure is adopted, and the figure adjusted periodically throughout design and construction to accommodate any price fluctuations.
The CSS says the challenges brought about by the use of enhanced materials and street design comes at the same time as moves to develop more constrained and challenging sites. These challenges often lead to the introduction of higher levels of maintenance, and may also involve additional features which are often the only way to allow the practical development of a site, but place additional burdens on future maintenance.
Matthew Lugg, chair of the CSS engineering committee, told Surveyor that if developers did not adopt the guidance, then highway authorities could face ‘difficulties’ adopting some assets.
‘Increasing pressure on local highway budgets tends to preclude enhanced developments from being maintained to the appropriate standard, unless payment is sought from the developer for the extra over costs involved,’ he said. ‘On the other hand, it is not in the original spirit of commuted sums for an authority to ask for sums in excess of reasonable additional future costs.’
The guidance aligned with the fundamental asset management principle of understanding whole-life costs, he added. ‘We hope it will be used in the spirit in which it is intended, and that innovation is not stifled.’