West Lancashire Borough Council seeks public views on £500,000 funding for community projects

West Lancashire Borough Council is launching a three-week public consultation from 4 November seeking feedback on potential projects for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.  

The public are encouraged to provide their feedback on eight proposed projects that will potentially enhance local infrastructure across the Borough. This consultation offers everyone a valuable opportunity to shape decisions on how these funds are invested. 

Since 2014 the Council has collected CIL contributions from developers undertaking certain new developments across the Borough. The money we raise can be used to pay for a wide range of community infrastructure that is needed, though can only go to support new development.  This can include transport schemes, green space enhancements and other community facilities. 

Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader of the Council and lead member for Planning, said: "We’re excited to invite comments to help shape West Lancashire’s future through this year’s CIL consultation. This funding plays a crucial role in creating a thriving, accessible, and connected community.  

"From small-scale enhancements to larger-scale infrastructure, each project represents an opportunity to improve local people’s quality of life.  

“We're pleased to be consulting on investing in projects right across West Lancashire including children's play areas, sports pitches, road safety and in some of our prize assets such as Fairy Glen and Tawd Valley.  Last year we were able to invest £2.5million in our communities through ringfenced funding with over half that coming through CIL.   

“Up to £500,000 could be invested by West Lancashire Borough Council in supporting these community projects, with match funding amounting up to £430,000 set to be drawn in from other funding sources.   

"By participating in this consultation, you can ensure our community needs are at the heart of these important funding decisions.” 

We invite the public to review these proposals and submit feedback. This consultation ensures that each project shortlisted to be awarded funding reflects the views and needs of our community.   

You can complete the public consultation which will be live between 4 November to 25 November here: https://letstalkwestlancashire.uk.engagementhq.com/community-infrastructure-levy-cil-funding-programme-2024  

For further details on the CIL funding process, assessment criteria, and the types of projects eligible for CIL and NCIL funding, please visit the FAQ section on our website here.