Apologies had been received from Councillor Ed Bird (substituted by Councillor Susan Coleman) and Councillor Sam Walmsley (attending remotely).

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2026 be confirmed as an accurate record.

To receive any questions from members of the public.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

There were no public questions.

To receive any questions of which members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

There were no members’ questions.

To consider the report and recommendations of the first phase of work of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Task and Finish Group, whose specific focus for phase one has been upon CIL allocations.

The Committee considered the report of the Community Infrastructure Levy Task and Finish Group, which reviewed the governance, transparency and allocation of CIL funding. The Chair of the Task and Finish Group outlined the scope of the review, noting that this was the first phase of work and focused on decision-making structures, the balance between local and strategic CIL, reporting arrangements and Member involvement.

Members discussed the current 90:10 local/strategic split, highlighting the need for flexibility, clarity over local mitigation for communities affected by development, and fairness where development impacts cross administrative boundaries. It was noted that the Task and Finish Group had not reached a unanimous view on revising the split and considered that Cabinet was best placed to determine this, informed by improved information and an annual strategic approach.

Members welcomed recommendations to introduce an annual CIL strategy, enhanced Member oversight, improved transparency of decisions and spending, more regular reporting to scrutiny, and clearer communication with Members and town and parish councils. Concerns were raised about the opacity of current arrangements, delays in delivery of approved schemes, and limited visibility of available balances and funded projects.

The Committee endorsed the report and its recommendations, including further exploration of alternative models and consideration of future arrangements to strengthen local engagement, and agreed that the report be submitted to Cabinet for consideration, together with the issues and assurances raised during scrutiny.

To consider proposals for the Committee’s work programme 2025 – 2026 attached

Members received an update on the work programme and noted the forthcoming member workshop scheduled for 9 June, which will involve all scrutiny committees and senior officers to consider future topics aligned to the corporate plan.

Members sought clarification on the relationship between the devolution and partnership workstreams. It was confirmed that the Partnership Task and Finish Group would continue into a further phase of work, while a separate Devolution Task and Finish Group would be established to consider the devolution of specific services, including pilot schemes, at an appropriate stage.

The Committee noted the update and the ongoing development of both workstreams.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 8 June 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 8 June 2026.