| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| CIL 11/003 |
Community Infrastructure Levy - Reform Consultation |
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure gave details of a Government consultation on reforms to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations, with particular reference to proposals for passing a meaningful proportion of funds arising from CIL to local councils and to affordable housing. The report provided a commentary on the consultation questions together with suggested responses. It was noted that the deadline for comments was 30 December 2011 so it would be necessary for the Council's response to be sent in advance of formal approval by the Cabinet. Members expressed concern that the Council was being asked to commit itself before knowing the full implications of the operation of the CIL, especially in relation to suggesting the precise proportion of funds collected to be passed on to local councils. There was considerable concern about the possible deterrent effect on developers of using CIL to fund affordable housing as compared with Section 106 arrangements. Members also doubted that the parishes potentially affected by a development would benefit from any funding under CIL, referring by way of example to the effects of the Kings Hill development on surrounding communities. The Panel considered that there was insufficient information in the consultation document or from experience elsewhere to allow detailed replies to the individual questions posed in the consultation and therefore the response should be based on the general issues raised by Panel Members in respect of the distribution of CIL funds and how affordable housing might be treated. RECOMMENDED: That (1) a response expressing the Council's concerns on the broad topics contained in the consultation be submitted by the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and appropriate Members of the Cabinet; (2) a copy of the final response be circulated to Members of the Panel and other interested parties including the two local Members of Parliament; and (3) the Cabinet confirm the action taken in responding to the consultation by the deadline of 30 December 2011. *Referred to Cabinet |