What is NCIL?
Large scale infrastructure projects in the Borough of Solihull, including major transport upgrades, education facilities, flood protection measures and more are provided for by a fund known as Strategic CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy). This fund is driven by charges to developers.
Smaller scale infrastructure projects can be delivered through specific funding known as Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). This is intended to help specifically address the demands that new development places on the local area. The funds are distributed and spent at a local level. Funds raised by development in a neighbourhood are allocated to community projects and initiatives within the same neighbourhood, meaning, for example, that development in Dorridge Ward generates NCIL funds for community projects directly impacting Dorridge Ward. It is a great opportunity for communities to access funding to support local projects and initiatives in their area.
The Forum has been heavily committed to and engaged with Solihull Council’s NCIL process and local community organisations since access to funding first became available in 2019. By virtue of the tremendous amount of work put in by the Neighbourhood Forum to create an adopted Neighbourhood Plan, the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath area is entitled to receive 25% of all Community Infrastructure Levy receipts in the Knowle and Dorridge (including Bentley Heath) Wards rather than the standard 15% normally allocated. This makes a material difference to the benefits that can be delivered for our community.
Since implementation, projects in excess of £240,000 have already been delivered in our community, of which over £100,000 directly results from having an adopted Neighbourhood Plan in place.