Have your say on Community Infrastructure funding for improvements in your community
West Lancashire Borough Council is launching a four-week public consultation from 15 July seeking views on potential projects for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.
The public are encouraged to provide feedback on the 23 proposed projects that will enhance local infrastructure across the Borough. Project bids are seeking up to £2.6m of CIL which would unlock an additional £291,800 in match-funding if the projects are successful in receiving the CIL funding. This consultation offers everyone a valuable opportunity to shape decisions on how these funds are invested.
Since 2014, the Council has charged a levy on developers for carrying out certain new developments across the Borough called the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The money we raise can be used to pay for a wide range of community infrastructure that is needed to support the new development. This can include transport schemes, green spaces and community facilities.
Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader of the Council and lead member for Planning and Community Safety, said: "CIL funding plays a crucial role in enhancing the way our communities connect and develop.
“CIL funding was successfully used to improve the footpaths at Beacon Country Park and Tawd Valley in Skelmersdale, and expand capacity at Hall Green Surgery in Up Holland and Hants Lane Clinic in Ormskirk and we want to see this year’s funding have similar tangible outcomes for our communities.
“We really want to hear directly from residents and groups about which projects they feel would positively impact their lives in real ways.
“This year, we've had a huge amount of applications and we're delighted to be consulting on the allocation to 23 of these projects which include further canal towpath improvements, children's play areas, bus stop improvements and even renovation work for Ormskirk clocktower!
“Over the past 20 months we have been able to invest over £1.7m of CIL funding in our communities through this ringfenced funding, working closely with internal and external partners to deliver key improvements across the Borough drawing in over £1.5m of match funding also.”
For more information on all bids and to take part in the consultation, click here: https://bit.ly/4koNPsP
Learn about the CIL process, assessment criteria and the different types of projects eligible for the different types of CIL funding available here.
