Published Monday, 9th January 2017
Residents and businesses are being urged to share their views on how money raised from new development should be spent to improve facilities and services in their area.
In April 2016, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council introduced the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a new charge which developers of new homes and supermarkets are required to pay to help fund infrastructure and services. Most of the money generated through the levy will be used to fund large projects – like schools, healthcare and transport. However, 15% of the money collected will be made available to spend on smaller local projects in the neighbourhoods where development has been built.
Known as the Local Improvements Fund, it can be spent on a wide range of projects to improve neighbourhoods in the borough, from improving a nearby community hall or providing new playground equipment at a local green space, to upgrading walking and cycling routes to local shops and schools.
Help shape neighbourhood improvements
Cllr Victor Broad, Council Leader, said: “It is important that our local infrastructure keeps pace with increasing demand, whether that’s meeting the demand for school places, keeping our roads moving or improving our parks and open spaces.
"Money raised through the new levy will help us and our partners to meet some of these big infrastructure challenges and ensure that our growing communities are supported by the services and facilities they need.
"Our new Local Improvements Fund will give communities a fantastic opportunity to shape how some of the money we collect is spent to improve and enhance the facilities and services in their neighbourhood, making sure that we all feel the benefits that new development can bring.
"I would encourage residents, local businesses and community groups to get involved in our consultation. Whether you have an idea for a specific project that needs funding or just want to tell us which services and facilities should be enhanced in your area, we want to hear your views.”
How to get involved
You can get involved by completing a short online survey on the Community Infrastructure Levy page of the Council’s website www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/localfund.
For those without access to the internet, hard copies of the survey will be available at local libraries or by calling 01737 276178. The deadline for responses is Monday 6 February 2017.
Following the close of consultation, Council officers and ward members will work together to prioritise schemes, based on feedback from the local community and infrastructure providers. Money will be allocated to these schemes as it becomes available. In Horley and Salfords and Sidlow, the town and parish councils will decide how the Local Improvement Fund will be spent in their areas.
- For more information and to take part in the consultation see the Community Infrastructure Levy Local Fund page.