UK Retention Deposit Scheme

Articles & Information

Articles, blogs, information and insights about construction retentions and construction retention reform in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
Protecting Retentions - Have Your Say!
The Department for Business & Trade is consulting on major changes to retentions in construction. The consultation runs until 23 October 2025. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure fair treatment for contractors and subcontractors.
UK Retention Deposit Scheme Offers Ready-Made Solution to Retention Reform

UK Retention Deposit Scheme Offers Ready-Made Solution to Retention Reform

We offer a ready-made, FCA-regulated solution to protect construction retentions and eliminate insolvency-related losses.
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Cash Flow Crunch: The Impact of Retentions on Construction Firms

Cash Flow Crunch: The Impact of Retentions on Construction Firms

Although designed as a quality assurance mechanism, retentions have evolved into a structural impediment to healthy cash flow across the supply chain.
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Parliamentary Efforts to Overhaul Retentions: Legislation and Lobbying

Parliamentary Efforts to Overhaul Retentions: Legislation and Lobbying

The retention system in UK construction contracts has been criticised for decades, and successive attempts to legislate reform have emerged in Parliament since the 1990's.
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The Long Road to Reform: UK Consultations and Industry Debates on Retentions

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

This article charts the UK’s long and complex journey through formal consultations, industry responses and proposed reforms.
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Global Perspectives on Retentions: International Practices and Reforms
Overseas
September 8, 2025

Global Perspectives on Retentions: International Practices and Reforms

A focus on other common law jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
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From Victorian Railways to Modern Construction: The History of Retentions

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

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

A Bill to make provision to safeguard, and for the release of, cash retentions in the construction industry; and for connected purposes.
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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.

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  • 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