Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

(a)   Agree to the proposed introduction of a framework for CIL expenditure (Appendix A) to align funds to identified infrastructure needs;

(b)   Agree to release £1m of CIL in 2023/2024 to fund local infrastructure in the short term;

(c)   Approve to the publication of the Town and Parish council CIL information note at Appendix C;

(d)   Agree to the proposal to report back to Cabinet by the end of the calendar year 2024 with a review of the allocation of the £1m and to finalise the framework for future years; and

(e)   Agree to establishing a Task and Finish Group to review the proposed CIL allocations so that they may directly advise the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy.  The terms of reference and composition of the Group will be agreed by the Leader of the Council in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, as an Executive Advisory Task and Finish Group.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Economy

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy supported the recommendations in the report.  He looked forward to working with members, through a Task and Finish Group to consider the proposed CIL allocations in order to spend money on much needed infrastructure projects.

The Planning Implementation and Monitoring Team Leader confirmed that the report proposed a new system, which would include working with the local town and parish councils to seek the submission of funding bids in order to allocate and spend the CIL money.  The bidding round would be opened from mid October until mid December.  Officers would provide the necessary information and support to the Towns and Parishes in order to seek the best proposals.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate confirmed his support to the proposals noting that infrastructure was necessary to follow development.  It was important to ensure that work was carried out to deliver the right results with the limited resources available.

Non Cabinet members welcomed the recommendations contained in the report.  A member spoke about the clarity given within the report on the type of projects which could be considered as infrastructure projects and that the guidance provided would help the Towns and Parishes in their bid submissions.