Issue - meetings

Chris Egan (Lead Commissioner Strategic Growth and Infrastructure) stated that the report summarised the annual infrastructure statement (AIS) which must legally be provided by all local authorities and show all the developer contributions the local authority receives annually. The statement provided current CILs (community infrastructure levy) implemented. The 2019/20 AIS was approved by Cabinet on the 10^th December 2020 and published on the 31st. The production of the 2020/2021 statement aimed to reduce the burden of producing the statement in the future through improved monitoring processes and provide greater transparency. The committee was asked to note the recommendations as printed.

Following several queries from Councillor Kondakor, Graham Palmer (Infrastructure Strategy & Commissioning Lead) stated that ‘trigger points’ were implemented with all developments so the money will be brought in at points when the infrastructure will be provided. Flexibility agreements are brought in around the times that the funding can be spent to ensure infrastructure is provided at the right time. Funding is often held by the council so it can be provided at the correct time.

Mark Ryder (Strategic Director – Communities) added that there were specific requirements on where and how developer contribution money can be spent, which stops the money being spent on other services. However, it can be added with other funding to link schemes together, for example the Europa Way scheme.

Councillor Holland praised the report and raised whether the NHS could receive contributor’s money. Chris Egan noted that Section 38 funding was not covered by the AIS and requests for funding from developers for the NHS/CCGs needs to come from the organisations itself.

In response to Councillor Shilton, Chris Egan noted that road agreements came under the section 38 agreements which is when the developer designs and implements a road with the permission of the local authority; as this process is done outside section 106, it makes it difficult for the road to be adopted. Graham Palmer clarified that unadopted roads do not stop section 106 contributions. Mark Ryder added that there was no legal requirement for developers to adopt roads, but this was encouraged by the Council.

Councillor Bell noted that developments felt adhoc so building conditions should be reviewed instead and a plan be formulated. Mark Ryder noted that as developer contributions are negotiated it was difficult to get them to pay more than compulsory; he agreed that there was a need to look at schemes interacting with each other. Graham Palmer noted that current legislation allowed multiple projects to be carried out from one contribution pool.

Resolved:

1. The committee note the production and publication of the Annual Infrastructure Statement 2019/20.
2. The committee note the approach to be taken to publish developer contribution data in future years.

The committee is asked to provide feedback on the statement and suggestions to improve future Annual Infrastructure Statements