Issue - meetings

Report DRR11/132

The Executive considered a report seeking agreement to a Council response to the Government’s consultation on the detailed proposals and draft regulations for reforms to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which began on 10^th October and closed on 30^th December 2011.  The proposed reforms were as a result of the changes to the levy included in the Localism Act which had gained Royal Assent in November.  Detailed in the report were the main issues for consideration arising from the Government’s proposals.

Members noted that Local Authorities could levy a charge (CIL) on most types of residential, commercial and industrial development that involved an increase in floor space.  The CIL charge could then be used alongside other funding streams to deliver infrastructure plans locally but could not be used to remedy existing local deficiencies.  As part of the process Bromley would have to prepare an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) on which work was already underway and a CIL viability assessment.  The Executive was also aware that alongside of this was the ongoing issue of the Mayor’s CIL proposals which Bromley had objected to (Minute 178 – 14.02.11 refers) and the Chief Planner had attended the Public Examination currently taking place. 

The Chief Planner drew attention to the proposed response appended to the report, some of which did not relate directly to London Boroughs.  The Chairman commented on the use of the phrase ‘meaningful proportion’ in question 1 and what that really meant.  In response the Chief Planner drew attention to the suggested response to question 2 which emphasised the view that local authorities such as Bromley should retain control over how the levy was spent locally.

RESOLVED that

1)  the proposed response to the Government’s consultation as set out in the Appendix to the report be approved;  and

2)  as the preparation of a Bromley CIL is linked to the plan making process a report on the matter will be submitted back to the Executive in due course.

On 10 October 2011, the Government implemented a consultation on detailed proposals and draft regulations for reforms to the Community Infrastructure Levy.  The proposed reforms were the result of changes to the levy proposed by the Localism Bill in its final stages through Parliament (providing for a new neighbourhood planning regime).  Members were asked to note the consultation together with the questions attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

As the issues covered by the consultation extended beyond just planning, it was anticipated that a report outlining the suggested corporate response would be submitted to the Executive in time to meet the deadline of 30 December 2011.

The Chairman outlined the report and stated that the Council would levy a charge however, it had not been formally agreed as to how this would be made up.

RESOLVED that:-

1)  the publication of the consultation and question at Appendix 1 be noted; and

2)  the intention for a report to go to the Executive in December 2011 with a suggested corporate response to meet the deadline of 30^th December 2011 be noted.