Agenda item

This report outlines the background to the Community Infrastructure Levy, which came into effect in August 2016 and the Governance Arrangements that were adopted by Cabinet in June 2020. It also explains what projects the district council will seek to deliver using CIL receipts it controls, as well as summarising those projects that Kent County Council (KCC) will deliver using their proportionate share of CIL receipts as set out in the approved Governance Framework.

James Hammond, Strategy & Policy (Planning Infrastructure Specilalist), introduced the item with a presentation.

The report outlined the background to the Community Infrastructure Levy, which came into effect in August 2016 and the Governance Arrangements that were adopted by Cabinet in June 2020. It also explained what projects the district council will seek to deliver using CIL receipts it controls, as well as a summary of those projects that Kent County Council (KCC) will deliver using their proportionate share of CIL receipts as set out in the approved Governance Framework.

Following the Strategy & Policy (Planning Infrastructure Specilalist’s) presentation, members raised points, including:

·       When members could have earlier oversight of the CIL receipts? – It was confirmed that the officers explore the suggestion of bringing oversight of CIL to members at an earlier date.

·       How is CIL calculated and distributed across the whole of the district? – Typically, the larger the population the higher the CIL funding level.

·       Definition of qualifying development – New developments that create net additional ‘gross internal area’ of 100 square metres or more, or create new dwellings, are potentially liable to pay the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

·       As per the report (page 41, table 4.1), why does this table not list all Town/Parishes – There could be several reasons as to why a Town/Parish is not included within the table. There were no qualifying CIL payments at the time of publication, or the particular Town/Parish may not be eligible for CIL (zero rated). CIL guidance to town and parishes.

·       It was also noted that Hawkinge Town Council, was incorrectly detailed as ‘Hawkinge Parish Council’ within the above table.

·       How can members encourage Town/Parishes to spend their CIL? – Members could look to projects that other Town/Parishes have delivered. Members were also made aware that an item on CIL will be presented to the Folkestone & Hythe District Joint Parishes’ Committee on 14 March 2024.

·       As per appendix 1 (page 50, paragraph 2) The difference between CIL invoiced and received – These figures can differ due to the council’s policy, which allows recipients to spread the cost over 1, 2 or 3 instalments depending on the amount.

·       Could members be provided with a breakdown of KCC CIL funding that has been reincorporated within the district. (KCC CIL Policies).

·       Members asked for more information on how they could better contribute to the CIL process, particularly in supporting town and parishes allocate funding. It was requested that a general narrative about CIL could be produced which would give an overview of CIL and what it is used for.

·       Members also asked whether more promotion can be done around projects that have been completed with CIL funding.

It was concluded that should members have further questions of feedback that they provide this directly to officers.

Proposed by Councillor James Butcher,

Seconded by Councillor John Wing; and,

Resolved:

1.   To receive and note report OS/23/07

2.   To offer reflections on future allocation of CIL receipts related to the Infrastructure Funding Statement and supporting Infrastructure Schedule.

(As there was no dissent the recommendations were approved by affirmation of the meeting).