Agenda item

The Infrastructure Contributions and Spend Manager submitted the Infrastructure Funding Statement Report for 2020/21, which provided an update on the collection and allocation of section 106 contributions and the additional work undertaken by the Infrastructure Contributions and Spend Manager over the last year.  The Manager explained that her role was to ensure that all funds were collected and allocated in an appropriate way.  She explained that this year, there had been no late payment fees sent to developers and despite the pandemic, matters had been kept on track and significant income from Section 106 monies and expenditure would be achieved.

The Infrastructure Contributions and Spend Manager highlighted what projects had been allocated funds and explained the restrictions around how Section 106 monies could be spent.  She explained that she worked closely with planning officers and developers to ensure these S106 contributions could be more easily spent including the development of community assets.  She reminded Members that the council had 10 years to use the monies from the date of receipt.

It was noted that there was income generated from her role in terms of monitoring fee income and secondly where the Manager provided confirmation of the status of section 106 monies to solicitors in relation to house moves.

The Manager explained that this was the second report produced requiring publication before 31 December 2021 on the website and to central government, along with CSV machine readable files as required by Regulations.  She explained that the statement had been produced in such a way as to be accessible to those using screen readers and those with visual impairment. 

The Statement detailed agreements signed, contributions spent and an overview of affordable housing units proposed.  Last year, there were over 400 affordable homes delivered from  S106 agreements.  The statement gave an overview of spending and individual contributions for the last financial year.  She explained that next year, she would be reporting on this financial year and to date the Council had collected an additional £2.2M and allocated £2.4M of contributions to projects.

Following a question from Councillor Townsend on the allocations, the Manager explained that the council was holding £8.8M in contributions collected and held on behalf of others, which would be spent in accordance with the legal agreements.  It was noted that some contributions were coming up to the 10 year claw back date but work was ongoing with developers to ensure that this was not returned.

Councillor Ward-Booth thanked the Officer for her continued work adding that it was good to have a dedicated officer monitoring this important work.

Councillor Curtis thanked the Officer for her report.  He asked how much the council could lose on those coming up to the 10 year claw back on funds.   He sought assurances that the wording on the documents was as flexible as possible.  The Manager confirmed that the council was not losing any money and that there was significant ongoing work to ensure that any historical contributions were spent in accordance with the agreement.  She explained that in relation to a situation in Gilston and the provision of outdoor equipment, the Manager had been working with developers and residents and the Parish Council to produce a Deed of Variation to be able to use the S106 contributions to cover community facilities and outdoor sports and so use the S106 monies in the locality. 

The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked the Officer for an informative and well thought out document. 

RESOLVED – that the Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement 2020/21 report, the update on the collection and allocation of section 106 financial contributions and the work of the Infrastructure Contributions and Spend Manager be noted.