Issue - meetings

That:

·       Members approve CIL funding for the following schemes detailed in Table 1 of this report and summarised in the table below for 2025/2026:

·       The final funding and implementation of the 2 agreed projects is delegated to the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Lead Members for Resources and Planning Policy and Infrastructure, to determine to enable the agreed projects to be progressed and implemented. 

Councillor Giles-Medhurst introduced the report and moved the recommendations, summarizing the applications received and the officer assessments undertaken agains the Council’s CIL governance framework.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Price.

During debate, Members discussed procedural and policy matters relating to the use of CIL funding, including: the distinction between capital and revenue expenditure, the treatment of VAT within CIL-funded projects, the importance of ensuring that applications were supported by appropriate documentation and value for money considerations and the need for clarity and consistency within the Council’s CIL Policy to avoid unintended barriers for community organisations.

Specific reference was made to Beryl Bikes scheme, with Members noting assurances that the Council would not incur ongoing revenue liabilities, as commitments were borne by the operator. Members also discussed an application relating to Rickmansworth Sports Centre, where it was explained that delays had arisen due to procedural matters and the need for additional information, with officers having worked with the applicant to resolve these issues.

Members noted that revisiting and updating the Council’s CIL policy could improve accessibility for a wider range of organisation in future rounds.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair with the voting being by General Assent.

That:

·         Members approve CIL funding for the following schemes detailed in Table 1 of this report and summarised in the table below for 2025/2026:

·         The final funding and implementation of the 2 agreed projects is delegated to the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Lead Members for Resources and Planning Policy and Infrastructure, to determine to enable the agreed projects to be progressed and implemented. 

The Chair introduced the report, with the Head of Regulatory Services highlighting the benefits of the Bery Bike scheme.

Beryl Bikes Smidsy LTD T/A Beryl

Concerns were raised about the long-term financial viability, maintenance costs and the operational sustainability of the scheme, especially given that the operator has reported significant financial losses. Questions about usage rates, revenue generation and contingency plans, if the operator ceases to function, were discussed, with reassurance provided that ownership of bikes and docks remains with the Council, and alternative operators could be engaged if necessary. The conversation also touched on the flexibility of site locations, and the potential for future expansion as usage grows.

Rickmansworth Sports Club & Rickmansworth Cricket Club

Key points Members raised include concerns about delays caused by the applicant’s framework of funding and match funding, particularly related to VAT costs. Members highlighted that the current policy does not cover VAT where it is not reclaimable, which disadvantages community sports organisations that are below the VAT threshold. This has led to confusion and delays since applicants may use match funding to cover VAT costs but are not credited for it in scoring. In response, the officer explained that delays were also due to the applicant not progressing the application and lacking necessary planning permissions, which led to removal of the storage building element from the project. The VAT policy was justified as focusing CIL funds on tangible infrastructure, but there is some flexibility recognised for funding other project costs.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst moved the recommendation as set out in the report.

On being put to the Committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

• Members approve CIL funding for the following schemes detailed in Table 1 of this report and summarised in the table below for 2025/2026:

• The final funding and implementation of the 2 agreed projects is delegated to the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Lead Members for Resources and Planning Policy and Infrastructure, to determine to enable the agreed projects to be progressed and implemented.