FAQs
Is the project identified as strategic infrastructure?
Is there a link between the project and new development and increase in demand/additional pressures on existing infrastructure?
Can the project be delivered within two financial years?
Are clear project costs known?
Have match funding opportunities been realised and/or secured?
Are there 'Neighbourhood' CIL monies available in the Parish / Non Parished Area the project is located within that could fund the project?
Does the project help meet any of the Council's Corporate Priorities or identified in a relevant local strategy document?
Does the project realise potential barriers and has it sought to minimise the risk of non-delivery?
What are the implications of non-delivery of the project?
Why is CIL funding required?
How are schemes shortlisted?
We manage an Infrastructure Delivery Schedule (IDS) which is a list of projects identified as being necessary to support the delivery of the Local Plan. Each year, Council officers assess all the projects on the IDS and call for bids for new projects. These are initially assessed against a set of criteria. If it is found that a project clearly does not meet the assessment criteria, bidders for CIL funding are notified and explanation given as to why their project bid will fail to progress to the next stage. Following this initial assessment, we then go out to public consultation each autumn so that you can tell us whether or not you support the projects. We then use your comments to help prepare our final recommendations for CIL funding. Our Policy and Resources Committee Members then make the final decision on those projects that will receive CIL funding in the following financial year.
Difference between CIL and NCIL
When we collect CIL, most of it is kept by the Council to spend on infrastructure anywhere across the Borough. However, a portion (usually 15%) of the CIL collected in an area is given to the relevant parish/town council for them to spend in their local area. This is called 'Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL)' and is designed to make sure that some monies are always spent in the area where the development(s) occurred.
The amount of NCIL held by Parish/Town Councils varies; some receive more than others due to receiving more development. When we make decisions on how to spend CIL, we should also consider whether there is any NCIL available in that area. This makes sure that we get the best value from our CIL monies.
In some areas without a parish council, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale, we are responsible for deciding how any NCIL money should be spent, and must do this in consultation with the local communities of those areas. Where any shortlisted projects fall in those areas, the CIL Funding Programme recommends whether NCIL or CIL monies should be used.
What types of things can we spend CIL or NCIL on?
We must spend CIL monies on community infrastructure that supports new (not existing) development. Our annual Infrastructure Funding Statement sets out the types of infrastructure that we will provide using CIL monies. Within West Lancashire, this will include things like open spaces, play areas, parks, playing pitches, outdoor sports facilities, libraries, health facilities, community centres, public realm, leisure centres, cycle networks, footpaths and bus stops.
We must report annually on the amount of CIL we collect and what we spend it on. Parish Councils, who receive local portions, must also publish annual reports.
What are the assessment criteria?
To assess which projects on the IDS may be suitable for CIL funding, we assess schemes against 10 key criteria:
What does IDS mean?
IDS is the Infrastructure Delivery Schedule. The IDS is a working document which is regularly updated. The IDS identifies infrastructure projects and improvements which may be needed to support the growth and development set out within the West Lancashire Local Plan. It includes information on infrastructure schemes, projects costs and funding gaps along with timescales and delivery partners.
What does S106 mean?
S106 or planning obligations are legal obligations entered into by developers to mitigate the impacts of a development proposal by way of financial contributions. It can be used an alternative funding source to help deliver infrastructure projects.