The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can set on new developments in their area. Its purpose is to raise funds for infrastructure needs in the area to support growth. The CIL charge is set out in what is called a Charging Schedule. Arun District Council's approved Charging Schedule came into effect on 1st April 2020 and from that date onwards, became a CIL Charging Authority. CIL liable developments will be charged on a pound (£) per per square metre (sqm) basis in accordance with the charges in Table 6.1 of the Arun Charging Schedule. Rates will vary based on the type, size and location of each development.
The legislation which sets out how CIL is spent requires that a portion of the CIL income raised from development, within a charging authority area, is paid to the Town and Parish Council where the development has taken place. This is referred to as Neighbourhood CIL. Arun District Council are responsible for collecting and allocating the neighbourhood element to Town and Parish Councils that fall within the Arun District outside of the South Downs National Park Authority Area.
Neighbourhood CIL amounts will depend on: - the amount of development that has been granted and commenced in the local council area (CIL payment is only due upon commencement of the development); if all/any part of that development is granted exemption of relief from some/all of the CIL charge; if the local council has a 'made' Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) in place or not. Bognor Regis Town Council has a 'made' Neighbourhood Development Plan and is therefore eligible to receive a 25% uncapped portion of CIL receipts from development in the area.
CIL spending should be carried out by the Town Council within five years of receipt. Where money is not used to support development of the area within five years of receipt, or is used for other purposes, the regulations give charging authorities the power to recover those funds. This is to ensure that money is spent, and spent effectively, to benefit the local community.
CIL monies must be spent on: providing, replacing, improving, operating or maintaining infrastructure that supports development in the area; or anything else concerned with addressing the demands that development places on the area. Infrastructure includes: roads and other transport facilities; flood defences; schools and other education facilities; sporting and recreational facilities; open spaces; green infrastructure (may include tree or hedgerow planting).
CIL Monitoring requires the Town Council to provide Annual Financial Reports, on CIL, detailing how the money has been spent and these must be published on the Town Council's website. Please view the files below for details of monies received and spent.