Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026

Purpose: To consider a report recommending the establishment of a new grant scheme to support neighbourhood planning in light of national government funding ceasing

Content: Cabinet agree:   1)         To introduce a grant scheme to support neighbourhood planning in the borough utilising the £0.10M set aside for this purpose in the Neighbourhood Planning Reserve to fund this scheme.   2)         Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, to:   a)         agree the details of the scheme, including setting relevant eligibility criteria in line with paragraph 4.9 of the report; and   b)         to implement the scheme as agreed including assessing applications for funding against the eligibility criteria and making recommendations to the Section 151 Officer.   3)         To monitor the uptake and impact of the scheme through the council’s Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) for planning which is published annually in December.