This report sets out the results of a consultation on priorities for spending of the 15% of collected Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which should be allocated to the local area in which development takes place.

The Committee received a report on a consultation on priorities for spending of the 15% of collected Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to be allocated to the local area in which development took place.  An Equality Impact Assessment was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and a report on the consultation outcomes was attached at Appendix 2.

The report noted that under the CIL Spend Protocol, the Council was expected to undertake a consultation every 3-4 years on priorities for use of 15% local CIL.  A consultation had most recently been carried out early in 2021 and a new consultation had therefore been undertaken between 7 January and 18 February 2026.  There had been 334 responses to the consultation and respondents had ranked the priorities in the following order:

1. Highways, transport and travel measures
2. Healthcare provision
3. Community centres and hubs
4. Education provision
5. Natural environment, e.g. trees and biodiversity
6. Climate change and renewable energy projects
7. Play areas and public open spaces
8. General environmental enhancements
9. Heritage and cultural provision

This differed significantly from the previous consultation carried out in 2021, where the top priorities had been play areas and public open spaces (1), climate change and renewable energy (2) and natural environment (3).  The results of the consultation would be used to inform decisions on how 15% local CIL was used in balance with the other criteria which included compliance with CIL Regulations, deliverability and financial considerations.

The report explained that there was currently no confirmed timetable for making new allocations of funds, as the £752k local CIL available to allocate as of 31 December 2025 was substantially lower than the total of allocations that had previously been made by Policy Committee.  Most recently an allocation of £1.498m had been made towards 31 projects by the Committee at its meeting on 8 July 2024 (Minute 14 refers).

Resolved –

That the results of consultation on priorities for funding under 15% local Community Infrastructure Levy be noted.