Articles & Information

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The UK Retention Deposit Scheme is an independent scheme for the protection of retentions under construction contracts.  

We provide segregated bank accounts for construction retentions under standard-form and bespoke construction contracts in England and Wales.

No-cost retention protection
Funds safeguarded at the Bank of England
Open an account for free, online, 24/7
No-cost retention protection
Funds safeguarded at the Bank of England
Open an account for free, online, 24/7
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Insights

Articles & Information

For the UK Retention Deposit Scheme
Construction Retention Reform (UK)

Parliamentary Efforts to Overhaul Retentions: Legislation and Lobbying

While many reviews and consultations have examined the merits of retention, formal legislative proposals - particularly through Private Members’ Bills - have repeatedly fallen short of enacting substantive change.
UK Retention Deposit Scheme logo
UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 23, 2025
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Construction Retention Reform (UK)

The Long Road to Reform: UK Consultations and Industry Debates on Retentions

Successive governments, industry groups and parliamentary committees have all scrutinised the practice, weighing its intended benefits against the risks and unintended consequences. Despite this sustained attention, comprehensive reform has proved elusive.
UK Retention Deposit Scheme logo
UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 18, 2025
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Overseas

Global Perspectives on Retentions: International Practices and Reforms

This article examines how different countries regulate or reform retentions, with particular focus on other common law jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
UK Retention Deposit Scheme logo
UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 11, 2025
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Construction Retention Reform (UK)

Cash Flow Crunch: The Impact of Retentions on Construction Firms

This article explores the financial realities faced by construction firms under the current retention regime, drawing on government data, industry reports and economic analysis to understand the full cost of this longstanding practice.
UK Retention Deposit Scheme logo
UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 6, 2025
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Construction Retention Reform (UK)

From Victorian Railways to Modern Construction: The History of Retentions

This practice began in the United Kingdom during the Victorian era and remains common in modern construction projects.
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UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 4, 2025
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Construction Retention Reform (UK)

The Latham Report 1994

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UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 26, 2024
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Construction Retention Reform (UK)

The Banwell Report 1964

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UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 26, 2024
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Construction Retention Reform (UK)

Construction Industry (Protection of Cash Retentions) Bill 2016-17

On 26th April 2017, SNP MP Alan Brown introduced a Bill under the 10-minute rule proposing to safeguard construction retentions. It failed during the Brexit-related general election.
UK Retention Deposit Scheme logo
UK Retention Deposit Scheme
May 26, 2024
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For Employers

Support your supply chain and ring-fence your Contractor's retentions.

For Contractors

Secure your retentions and ensure prompt release in line with your contract.

For Sub-Contractors

Protect your retention and insulate yourself from Contractor insolvency.

As safe as houses.

We secure your retentions at the Bank of England

We don't lend, invest or leverage your retentions.  We simply hold all deposits in full and unencumbered at the Bank of England, always keeping them fully available on demand.

Learn more
  • Bank of England Britannia

    Retentions are safeguarded and protected from the trading activities of any underlying bank, meaning that even if the worst happens to a bank, or there is a run on its funds, or even if anything happens to us, your retentions are 100% secure.

Retention Protection Pledge Supporter Badge

We support the Retention Protection Pledge

Waiving retentions for contracts under £100,000
Protecting retentions for contracts over £100,000
Committing to fair practices in respect of retentions and payment