Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           Approve the proposed BCP CIL Instalment Policy;

(b)           Approve the proposed BCP CIL Payment in Kind Policy; and

(c)           Approve the BCP CIL Discretionary Relief Statement.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy that local authorities can charge on development in their area. CIL income can be used to contribute towards the funding of infrastructure needed to support new development.  

BCP Council currently operates three legacy approaches in the implementation of the levy. This report and accompanying appendices are looking to harmonise these legacy approaches to deliver a single policy approach to be implemented across the charging authority area. These policy changes will be implemented as part of the Planning Harmonisation and Improvement Project. 

Internal auditors have reviewed the current CIL processes and identified a series of actions. The response to these actions is set out in the report, with many actions already implemented or in the process of being implemented through the Planning Harmonisation and Improvement Project. Cabinet is asked to note the progress against these actions. 

Officers will prepare a CIL guidance note for applicants, to reflect the recommendations below. This will ensure that the current three ways of working are harmonised into a single BCP Council approach. 

Cabinet is also asked to note that requests from the NHS to fund infrastructure projects will be kept under review, given the current demand on CIL funding.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy that local authorities can charge on development in their area, and that CIL income can be used to contribute towards the funding of infrastructure needed to support new development.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that BCP Council currently operates three legacy approaches in the implementation of the levy. And that this report and accompanying appendices are looking to harmonise these legacy approaches to deliver a single policy approach to be implemented across the charging authority area.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that these policy changes will be implemented as part of the Planning Harmonisation and Improvement Project.

Cabinet was informed that internal auditors have reviewed the current CIL processes and identified a series of actions, and that the response to these actions is set out in the report, with many actions already implemented or in the process of being implemented through the Planning Harmonisation and Improvement Project. Cabinet was asked to note the progress against these actions.

Cabinet was further informed that officers will prepare a CIL guidance note for applicants, to reflect the recommendations below, and that this will ensure that the current three ways of working are harmonised into a single BCP Council approach.

Cabinet was also asked to note that requests from the NHS to fund infrastructure projects will be kept under review, given the current demand on CIL funding.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           Approve the proposed BCP CIL Instalment Policy;

(b)           Approve the proposed BCP CIL Payment in Kind Policy; and

(c)           Approve the BCP CIL Discretionary Relief Statement.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning