Brent Council has committed to enhancing transparency surrounding the allocation of its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds following a motion passed at a recent Council meeting.
The motion, brought forward by the Conservative Group and passed by the Council, mandates that Cabinet will now publish an annual forward pipeline of proposed SCIL schemes. This pipeline will include indicative costs, timelines, and locations for these schemes.
Furthermore, future reports seeking approval for major SCIL allocations will require a clear written statement detailing why a scheme qualifies for SCIL support and how it relates to infrastructure needs driven by development. This aims to provide greater clarity on the justification for SCIL funding. For example, SCIL funds are used to support infrastructure needs driven by development, such as the £11.2 million investment in SCIL funding for the College of North West London campus, which is intended to unlock new skills pathways and contribute to new housing. This indicates that SCIL can fund educational facilities and housing developments.
In a move to improve cross-party understanding and oversight, all Group Leaders will be offered briefings on proposed SCIL programmes before they are considered by Cabinet. Additionally, councillors will receive quarterly updates on SCIL balances, receipts, allocations, expenditure, and remaining funds.
An annual public report will also be published, detailing SCIL allocations, expenditure, progress, and outcomes. These measures are intended to increase transparency and accountability in the use of SCIL funds, ensuring they are strategically deployed to support infrastructure needs driven by development.
