Lead Member – Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer - Eddie West, Planning Policy and Strategy Manager

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED

A. To agree the Infrastructure Funding Statement - Appendix 1 to this report – for publication before the end of 2025  

B. To delegate responsibility to the Service Director – Legal, Governance and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services, to agree, if necessary, amendments to the Infrastructure Funding Statement before its publication. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement for 2025, confirming that £6.5m of developer contributions had been received, £7.1m allocated, and £5.7m spent between April 2024 and March 2025. A further £1.1m was distributed to town and parish councils as Neighbourhood Fund during the same period. The statement covered Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 contributions supporting sustainable growth and essential infrastructure.

He explained that although the statement must be published before the end of the calendar year, officers had been asked to publish future reports earlier in the financial year, when figures were more current and useful. The infrastructure list remained indicative; inclusion did not guarantee funding, and projects not listed were not excluded from receiving CIL funding.

In discussion, members noted ongoing concerns regarding the transparency and progress of CIL?funded projects. References were made to the ongoing task?and?finish work reviewing the future use and allocation of CIL.

The Leader emphasised the importance of aligning CIL spending with the Council’s wider financial context and improving visibility given that most projects do not currently require Cabinet approval unless above £500k.

A Member highlighted issues accessing the place plans via the link in the report, which officers agreed to investigate.

RESOLVED

A. To agree the Infrastructure Funding Statement - Appendix 1 to this report – for publication before the end of 2025  

B. To delegate responsibility to the Service Director – Legal, Governance and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to agree, if necessary, amendments to the Infrastructure Funding Statement before its publication.