Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Blunt (Cllr Crofts substitute).

The notes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Members should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

 

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting.

Councillor Sandell informed the Spending Panel that she had provided a supporting statement for Burnham Market Tennis Club.

 

The Chair advised that he had also provided a supporting statement for Marham.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100b(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chair of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.

Councillor de Winton attended in relation to Brancaster Staithe.

 

There was no Chair’s correspondence to report.

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The Senior Monitoring and Compliance Officer provided a comprehensive update on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding collected, allocation procedures, and the statutory reporting obligations, highlighting the current available funds and the process for reviewing applications.

 

• CIL Funding Collected: Since adoption in 2017, £14 million in CIL had been collected, with £784,000 due following commencement and development, and a potential £5 million based on approved applications to date.

 

• Parish Payments and Reporting: Parish payments were a statutory obligation, with parishes currently holding over £1.1 million unspent and allocated CIL; this figure would be updated upon receipt of parish reports and recorded at the end of the financial year.

 

• Allocation Breakdown: CIL was allocated as follows: 5% for administration, 15-25% paid directly to parishes twice yearly, and the remainder ring-fenced to support new development, with nearly £6 million already allocated to projects and £5.5 million paid upon evidence of project completion.

 

• Current Funding Round: For the current round, £5.3 million was available, resulting from unallocated borough funds and new income, with 18 valid applications requesting a total of £7.5 million to be considered for allocation.

 

• Application Review Process: Officers validated each application, requested further information where necessary, and provided anonymised quotes, evidence of development, and letters of support in the report pack, with amendments to requested amounts based on submitted quotes.

 

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The Senior Monitoring and Compliance Officer reminded the Panel of its Terms of Reference, and that the Community CIL Fund 20% - Local Infrastructure Projects were:

 

·       Identified through an application process.

·       Project funding between £10k and £100k.

·       Infrastructure must support new development

 

All applications had met all of the validation criteria, as follows:

 

·       located in or close to areas where new developments were coming forward (granted permissions had commenced or are about to commence); and

·       increase the provision, capacity, or function to benefit a growing community; and

·       take into consideration inclusivity and accessibility; and

·       be deliverable in the short term (within 2/3 years); and

·       be supported by the submission of evidence to confirm the finance arrangements (quotes or procurement process and match funding); and

·       have written support of the Ward Member(s).

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Review and Approval of CIL Funding Applications

 

The Spending Panelreviewed and unanimously approved funding for 18 community projects, discussing details, eligibility, and financial contributions for each application.

 

1        Brancaster Staithe Hard Works - increase access (and accessibility) capacity to the water

 

In accordance with Standing Order 34, Councillor De Winton explained the need for infrastructure improvements due to increased activity and tourism, with the Parish Council managing the site. The Panel asked  questions about funding and eligibility.

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the application for £19,983.73.

 

2        The Burnhams Tennis Club – Resurfacing project, Station Road, Burnham Market

 

Councillor Sandell proposed awarding the full requested amount of £31,690.40, noting the club's significant matched funding.

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the application for £31,690.40.

 

3        Denver Play Area Redevelopment

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £15,478.30.

 

4        Dersingham Sports Pavilion Refurbishment

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £99,881.87 recognising the long gestation of the project.

 

5        Tapping House Car Park Resurfacing

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £86,000.00.

 

6        RSPCA, 142 Norfolk Street - Solar Application

 

Councillors Sandell and de Whalley discussed the financial benefits and challenges for charities.

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £11,000.

 

7        Kings Lynn scout hut refurbishment

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £74,136.00.

 

 

 

8        Marham Bowls Sports and Social Club:

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £98,678.00

 

9        Marshland St James Parish Council – accessible car park surface upgrade

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £27,010.00.

 

10      Accessible Disabled Toilet/Wet Room for North Wootton Pre-School

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £22,000.

 

11.     Stow Bridge Footway Extension        

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £17,000.

 

12.     Barroway Drove Village Hall - Renovations to inside and out

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £13,625.96.

 

13.     Upwell Village Hall refurbishment

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £32,000.

 

14.     Upwell Cemetery road repair and new pathway

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £10,000.

 

15.     Three Holes Village Hall and Playing Field - New warm flat roof, replacement of substandard flat roof

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £31,904.00.

 

16.     West Walton Play Area Redevelopment

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £32,973.00.

 

17.     West Winch Village Hall – Roof

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £36,514.00

 

18.     West Winch Primary School - Enhancing Digital Access and Skills Through Shared ICT Provision

 

AGREED:     The Panel unanimously approved the full amount of £100,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

Next Steps

 

The Spending Panel discussed the next steps, and officers agreed to issue allocation letters and publish funding decisions within the week, with funding to be transferred upon receipt of evidence, and outlined plans for future review and allocation meetings.

 

Funding will be transferred upon receipt of evidence from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Panel agreed to arrange a review progress meeting and potentially an earlier allocation meeting, as required.