Issue - meetings

To receive a report inviting the Cabinet to consider recommendations relating to infrastructure projects seeking funding in whole or in part from an amount of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received to date.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson.

The Cabinet has

(a)  noted the information on projects previously allocated or in receipt of funding commitments and the update on their delivery (as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report now submitted);

(b)  agreed Officer recommendations for projects submitted in this round for over £50,000 Community Infrastructure Levy funding as detailed in Section 4 of the report now submitted subject to the inclusion of the words “and to show that this is the best value for money to carry out health care provision for the population” at the end of recommendation 1) of paragraph 4.6 relating to the New NHS Health Facility, Alconbury Weald;

(c)  noted the funding bids submitted in this round and the emergency application for £50,000 or less Community Infrastructure Levy and the approvals in line with delegated authority (as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report now submitted);

(d)  agreed an extension of time for Warboys Village Hall until 31st December 2023;

(e)  agreed an extension of time for Buckden safe cycle project until 31st May 2023; and

(f)  agreed an extension of time for Ramsey Skate Park until 31st December 2023.

See Members’ Interests.

With the aid of a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were invited to consider and agree infrastructure projects seeking funding in whole or in part from an amount of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received to date.

The Executive Councillor for Planning introduced the report, reminding the Cabinet of the decision taken in 2020 which revised the approach to the governance arrangements for allocating Community Infrastructure Levy funding. Under these arrangements Cabinet would consider applications received seeking over £50,000 with any requests of £50,000 or less agreed in line with delegated powers. Members attention was then drawn to three current projects, namely, Warboys Village Hall, Buckden safe cycle route and Ramsey skate park which were being recommended for an extension of time. Each project considered in this round of funding had been assessed against a number of factors, including, growth, deliverability, risks, benefits, outputs and match funding opportunities.  

The Executive Councillor for Planning also reported upon an urgent application in respect of Ramsey Pavilion Hub which had been authorised by the serving Leader of the Council at the time. Attention was then drawn to a proposed amendment to paragraph 4.6 relating to the New NHS Health Facility, Alconbury Weald to include the words “and to show that this is the best value for money to carry out health care provision for the population” at the end of recommendation 1) which had been supported by the Cabinet.

In response to a question raised by the Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene, the Chief Planning Officer confirmed that delegated authority to approve projects at £50,000 or less were approved by the Leader, Deputy Leader, Corporate Director (Place) and Chief Planning Officer.

Having acknowledged the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) and comments made by the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, the Cabinet recognised the need for clearer guidance to be provided to applicants and Members generally around the legalities surrounding project applications and the reasons for decline/approval. The example referred to at the meeting was the declined funding application for street lighting within Great Staughton Ward on the grounds that CIL funding should be used to unlock growth and the obligations of other service providers. In doing so, the Managing Director undertook to bring back further clarity and context on the matter.   

Whereupon, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

(a)  that the information on projects previously allocated or in receipt of funding commitments and the update on their delivery (as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report now submitted) be noted;

(b)  that Officer recommendations for projects submitted in this round for over £50,000 Community Infrastructure Levy funding as detailed in Section 4 of the report now submitted be approved subject to the inclusion of the words “and to show that this is the best value for money to carry out health care provision for the population” at the end of recommendation 1)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43

The Panel are to receive the Community Infrastructure Levy Funding report. – Report to follow.

By means of a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Community Infrastructure Levy Spend Allocation report was presented to the Panel.

It was confirmed that the figure in 2.12 of the report should read £100,000 following an enquiry by Councillor Pickering.

Following a question by Councillor Pickering regarding funding to support new developments which had generated the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, the Panel heard that CIL funds are to support growth and infrastructure across the district and to support the needs of all residents and businesses, funds are not tied to specific developments as is the case for S106 developer obligations. It was confirmed however that the new administration intends to review the governance surrounding CIL arrangements and that this would be done in due course.

Councillors Corney and Gleadow enquired as to whether Parish Councils were aware of the funding available and whether many smaller applications were anticipated. It was clarified to the Panel that projects requesting £50,000 or less CIL funding could be determined under the delegated authority approved by the Cabinet in 2020. It was further confirmed that there is regular communication with Parish Councils from the team to ensure awareness and support where required.

It was confirmed to the Panel that the current reserves within the CIL fund are the average of what is usually expected to be available and that the statutory Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement shows annual statements and outlines priorities for future spending. It was further clarified that some strategic projects would be required and that consideration would need to be given to ensure wise use of the funds awarded and to ensure best value for the local communities.

Councillor Cawley enquired about the decision to decline a funding application for street lighting within the Great Staughton ward. It was advised to the Panel that CIL money should be used to unlock growth and that in order to use the money to its full potential, the Council needed to be mindful of obligations which fall under other providers. It was confirmed that the County Council are responsible for street lighting within the public highway.

Councillor Gardener enquired about the potential for the Alconbury Flood Group applying for funding in the future. The Panel heard that an application could be made to future rounds of CIL and that would be considered assuming that it met the relevant criteria and provided the required supporting information.

Having welcomed the report, it was thereupon

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be recommended to endorse the recommendations within the report.