Purpose

Insight and recommendations arising form the Neighbourhood CIL Consultation

Decision

Agreed:

RESOLVED that Executive:

(1)  approve the continued use of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for the Community Grants Programme, comprising Ward Grants and City Grants, and for the Wellbeing Exeter core programme for 2027/28, as set out in the financial position in section 4.1 of the report.

(2) agree that operational recommendations arising from the consultation, including improvements to promotion, accessibility, communications, application support, evaluation, transparency, annual reporting, visibility of Neighbourhood CIL-funded activity and further neighbourhood-level engagement are progressed within existing delegated powers and subject to feasibility, capacity and available budget. This would include development of a communications and engagement plan to improve public awareness and understanding of how Neighbourhood CIL funding is used and the outcomes it delivers for communities across Exeter.

(3) agree that the Council will undertake ongoing engagement with community groups, residents’ associations and VCSE organisations, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation, to ensure that the future design of Neighbourhood CIL-funded activity continues to meet communities’ needs.

Reasons for Decision: As set out in the report/and amended at the meeting.