Issue - meetings

The report provides an overview of Brent’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) programme, and makes recommendations for improvements following a review undertaken 2018.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            Cabinet agreed the following significant amendments to the NClL programme:

a)   Panel membership be increased from two to four (see 5.10-5.11);

b)   The distribution of NCIL funds be changed as per Option 4 and will be reviewed annually (5.12-5.19);

(ii)          Cabinet agreed the following minor amendments to the NClL programme:

a)   To adopt the same four priorities across all five CIL Neighbourhoods until 2020, rather than have different priorities for each Neighbourhood;

b)   To rename ‘Parks and Open Space’ to ‘Parks and Green Spaces’;

c)   To retain the existing shortlisting criteria, but with minor wording changes to provide greater clarity and remove duplication;

d)   NCIL funds would continue to be allocated to shortlisted projects at two points in the years, but in exceptional circumstances the NCIL Panel may consider bids outside these times;

e)   Delegated authority be given to the relevant Strategic Director responsible for the NCIL programme (currently the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environment) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning, to approve spend for individual Neighbourhood CIL projects up to the value of £100k. (Projects above £100k will continue to be agreed by Cabinet);

(iii)         Cabinet agreed there would be no change to the following elements of the NCIL programme:

a)   Brent ‘CIL Neighbourhood’ areas match the ‘Brent Connects’ areas;

b)   NCIL bids be accepted from community organisations and stakeholders (residents, local businesses etc.) and Council officers;

c)   There would be no limit, other than the amount available in the respective NCIL pot, to the value of funds requested. (Projects over £100k in value would still require Cabinet approval following Panel shortlisting);

d)   There would be no limit to the number of bids that may be submitted by a group or individual (although the same project cannot be funded more than once); and

(iv)         Cabinet agreed an action plan to be developed to enhance capacity building and support for those who wish to make an NCIL application.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways & Planning, introduced the report providing an overview of Brent’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) programme. The report, she stated, makes recommendations for improvements following a review that took place in spring 2018.

Councillor Mili Patel, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care, spoke in support of the report recommendations.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, stated that it was important to now develop the action plan to enhance capacity building and support for those who wish to make an NCIL application.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            Cabinet agreed the following significant amendments to the NClL programme:

a)   Panel membership be increased from two to four (see 5.10-5.11);

b)   The distribution of NCIL funds be changed as per Option 4 and will be reviewed annually (5.12-5.19);

(ii)          Cabinet agreed the following minor amendments to the NClL programme:

a)   To adopt the same four priorities across all five CIL Neighbourhoods until 2020, rather than have different priorities for each Neighbourhood;

b)   To rename ‘Parks and Open Space’ to ‘Parks and Green Spaces’;

c)   To retain the existing shortlisting criteria, but with minor wording changes to provide greater clarity and remove duplication;

d)   NCIL funds would continue to be allocated to shortlisted projects at two points in the years, but in exceptional circumstances the NCIL Panel may consider bids outside these times;

e)   Delegated authority be given to the relevant Strategic Director responsible for the NCIL programme (currently the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environment) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning, to approve spend for individual Neighbourhood CIL projects up to the value of £100k. (Projects above £100k will continue to be agreed by Cabinet);

(iii)         Cabinet agreed there would be no change to the following elements of the NCIL programme:

a)   Brent ‘CIL Neighbourhood’ areas match the ‘Brent Connects’ areas;

b)   NCIL bids be accepted from community organisations and stakeholders (residents, local businesses etc.) and Council officers;

c)   There would be no limit, other than the amount available in the respective NCIL pot, to the value of funds requested. (Projects over £100k in value would still require Cabinet approval following Panel shortlisting);

d)   There would be no limit to the number of bids that may be submitted by a group or individual (although the same project cannot be funded more than once); and

(iv)         Cabinet agreed an action plan to be developed to enhance capacity building and support for those who wish to make an NCIL application.