Public Consultation on Community Infrastructure Levy Spend

COMMUNITIES across Reading are being consulted on how money collected from local planning developments should be spent.

When development takes place in Reading, as part of the planning permission the Council asks developers to pay towards infrastructure improvements under a charge known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This is part of national planning law applied by all local planning authorities. The law specifies that 15% of the CIL money collected needs to be spent within the local area where development occurs. The Council is now consulting local communities on how that 15% should be spent in each of the four local areas – central, south, west and north Reading. An online questionnaire listing suggested infrastructure schemes in each of the four areas is listed at www.reading.gov.uk/CILlocalspend. The Council is now asking those who live in, work in or regularly visit the local areas for their preferences on how the money should be used, as well as asking for suggestions for other potential schemes. Cllr Tony Page

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said:

“This is an important community consultation which, for the first time ever, offers local communities the chance to review a list of proposals and also to make alternative suggestions where CIL money is spent. “The list of projects includes spending money on infrastructure such as pedestrian crossings, speed calming or playgrounds, but residents and businesses may have their own views on where their local community would benefit the most. I would urge as many people, businesses or organisations to take some time to participate.” The consultation is due to close on Friday 14th September 2018, which will help the Council to decide where the money should best be spent. Decisions on spend will be made at a meeting of the Council’s Policy Committee in Autumn 2018.