Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025

Purpose: The report sets out amendments to the adopted Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy approach.

Content: 1.     Approves the proposed NCIL implementation framework for decision making on the allocation of NCIL set out in Table 2 of the report to ensure that spending of NCIL remains in accordance with CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended).   2.     Notes that the proposed changes to the NCIL implementation framework will apply to NCIL funding currently held and future NCIL funding.   3.     Notes that decisions on project level allocations of NCIL on an annual basis to Capital, Revenue and Affordable Housing projects, will be made via the Council’s standard revenue governance processes and Capital Programme governance process up to Cabinet.   4.     Notes that decisions on the allocation of NCIL to individual grants will be made via the existing Council Grants process set out in the Cabinet Paper approved at the Wednesday 29th March 2023 meeting of the Cabinet.   5.     Notes the Equalities Impact Assessment / specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraphs 4.1 - 4.3 of the report submitted.

Reasons for the decision: The Council has a statutory duty under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations 2010 (as amended) to set aside 15-25% of CIL income as NCIL for local communities to support local development by involving them in decision making processes on local investment of infrastructure, and anything else that addresses the demands that development places on an area.   The Council’s existing approach to NCIL was adopted by the Mayor in Cabinet in June 2023. The proposed amendments are required to introduce more flexibility into the current approach and recognise that the most appropriate way to meet local people’s priorities can be via both capital and revenue interventions. The proposed amendments will also minimise any delays in the spending of NCIL funds held by the Council and ensure that local improvements to support both existing residents and to accommodate residential / commercial and associated population growth are delivered in a timely manner. The proposed amendments need formal approval in order to be enacted and ensure that NCIL funding is spent in good time to benefit local communities. 

Alternative options considered: The Council is required to approve the amendments to NCIL approach in order to not delay the spending of NCIL funds currently held by the Council. This would undermine the Council’s ability to provide the necessary level and quality of housing, infrastructure and services to support both existing residents and to accommodate residential / commercial and associated population growth.   The alternative option is to continue with the existing NCIL approach. This is not recommended as it would not adequately deliver the Council’s priorities set out in the new Strategic Plan 2022-26 or allow the flexibility to meet local people’s identified priorities.