Fears New Forest will lose Community Infrastructure Levy millions after devolution

THERE are concerns that millions of pounds collected from developers in the New Forest could be lost under devolution.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) goes to the district council to mitigate the impacts of development on local communities. Last year, the council allocated £4.5m of CIL money for the regeneration of towns centres, upgrades to walking routes, new play areas and flood defences.

However, NFDC is soon to be abolished under the government’s fast-track devolution plans, which includes establishing a new mayor for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Speaking at a recent full council meeting, Cllr David Millar asked: “With unitary authorities due to be established in the next couple of years, and with them the end of New Forest District Council as a legal entity, what reassurance can we give our residents that the funds this council has received under the Community Infrastructure Levy – totalling many millions of pounds – will be spent in the New Forest, for the benefit of New Forest residents, once the spending decision passes to another authority?”

Responding, the council’s cabinet member for planning and economy, Cllr Derek Tipp said: “The leader of our council has reiterated our commitment to ensure the interests of our communities are placed at the heart of discussion about future local government reorganisation.

“Until we hear otherwise, this council will continue to lead our communities in delivering high quality services across its areas of responsibilities, including the collection and distribution of the Community Infrastructure Levy.”

He added the council had allocated more than £11m of CIL funding for projects until 2028: “We will do our best to spend the money here, and hopefully anything pending will also be used in this area.”