Agenda item

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel is invited to comment on Officer recommendations c) to h) from the Community Infrastructure Levy Spend Allocation Cabinet report attached.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson

By means of a report by the Funding Project Manager of Strategic Growth (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Community Infrastructure Levy Funding Report was presented to the Panel.

A question was raised regarding the criteria for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) applications. Clarification was sought as to whether the standards had been adjusted, referencing Kimbolton and Stoney Parish Council’s previous attempt which was unsuccessful but has now been approved this round. It was explained that it was not a difference in scoring, instead, feedback was provided to declined applicants and Officers worked closely with them, advising how to make their submissions stronger for their next attempt.

The Chair commented that it was positive the applications were improving and that funds were being allocated as a result of this.

The issue of Huntingdonshire’s CIL still having £35 million available was raised. The Member wondered why St Neots Town Council was being asked to spend £2.5 million to the Priory Centre project in St Neots which had gone over budget when there are still funds available in the Council’s CIL. The Panel heard any CIL funds that are received in the Strategic pot are for the entire District, using Alconbury SEND school as an example of a project that benefits residents outside of Alconbury. It was confirmed that St Neots had six applications and have been successful with gaining funds in the past.

After hearing a question about the Eaton Socon Grid update, the Panel were advised this would be taken away and an answer sought.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was mentioned. It was questioned if this should be spent to fund infrastructure projects whilst the District is still intact. The Panel heard that there was a review regarding the strategic approach to CIL and LGR, where this issue was being discussed.

It was noted there was a word missing in appendix 1 under Bury Guardroom, it should read ‘To transform the former RAF Guardroom building into a multifunctional SPACE’

It was queried about the location of the project in Appendix 2 and asked if more detail could be added to the address in the future.

Further information was requested about the Monkswood police station, particularly the delays experienced. It was confirmed that there was a review of budget and designs which had halted the project.

Satisfaction was expressed over projects which are now being completed but more detail around when the funding was granted was requested. The Panel heard that this had been included in the report but can be added as its own column in the table.

After a question from the Panel, it was confirmed that the next round of CIL finding will begin 27th October and will close on the 19th December.

Further understanding of the scoring mechanism was requested. It was explained that the scoring is indicative at present, and the decisions were made separately from the score. Attention was drawn to the report which highlights what comes into the scoring process and this was under review.

The Chair suggested the possibility of more Members getting involved in the review of the scoring process for greater understanding.

Parish Councils were raised, it being noted that they were grateful for the feedback from the pre-application process but they would like a further understanding of how the rest of the process works. It was confirmed that this had evolved from the Governance process and that the team had worked closely with the Town and Parish forum where they went through the enquiry process.

A question was raised regarding the Sustainable Framework For Play in Huntingdonshire report which is going to the Overview & Scrutiny (Environment, Communities & Partnerships) Panel in November. Clarity was sought on how this Framework, once adopted, will be taken into consideration with CIL fund allocation in the future. It was confirmed that this will be a relevant evidence base for consideration that Officers will apply when applications are submitted though applications will still be measured against their value, with the fundamental drivers of growth in mind.

Concern was raised referencing 3:3 of the report, spend allocation and CIL being needed to support infrastructure projects in the future. It was noted that there was concern on holding back waiting for Strategic projects like the A141. Insight was sought regarding what CIL will be used for and when. It was advised that all applications are reviewed thoroughly and considered carefully and must ensure funds from CIL are available for key infrastructure needed, referencing strategic allocation.

The Chair shared this concern and asked if the Panel could be provided with an indication of timelines of future CIL fund allocation. The Panel heard there is a report in progress which will come forward and provide a framework around the strategic allocation. 

Dismay was raised that Little Paxton bridge had not been included in the Strategic projects in 3.3 of the report. It was confirmed this was currently with Cambridgeshire County Council who were looking at options beyond bridge changes for the flooding.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.