New £7m fund opens to help fund infrastructure and community improvements

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund has been built up since 2021 by the Council, and comes from the money charged to developers whenever they build in the borough.

A total of £6million in the fund will be available to ‘strategic’ projects, with a further £1million for neighbourhood projects. Runnymede Borough Council is now asking local people for their priorities on how to spend the neighbourhood money.

To do this a new survey has been launched where local people and groups can share their priorities. By understanding people’s views, the Council will be able to approve funding bids that support local priorities.

The two strands of funding will be available to:

• Neighbourhood / community groups for community projects to help address the impacts of new development. Infrastructure providers can also bid to this part of the fund for smaller-scale projects.
• Strategic infrastructure providers, like the Environment Agency, NHS, Runnymede Borough Council and county council, to help fund larger initiatives with borough-wide benefits.

In a statement, the Co-Leaders of Runnymede Borough Council said: “This fund will help to bring clear improvements to the infrastructure in Runnymede that people need now and in the future. The money has been built up by contributions which developers pay when they build here, and it’s right they help fund new infrastructure as the number of homes grows.

“At the same time, the neighbourhood fund is a way for smaller-scale localised improvements which can make a difference to come to life. We know local people are proud of where they live and have good ideas for improvements. We’re ready to hear from you!

“We really urge Runnymede-based clubs and groups to think about new projects that could positively impact their activities or fill an urgent community need, and to submit an application. Your local councillors will be happy to help you.”

All bids to both strands of the fund will be competitive and the money available is limited. However, it will be topped-up on an ongoing basis when other developments are built in future.

The £6m strategic infrastructure fund is open now but in the meantime, the Council is keen to understand priorities among community groups through the survey for the neighbourhood fund. Bids for the latter will open in June.

This is so sports clubs, local charities, individual schools, amenity groups and others can think about improvements and begin preparing to bid for them. Local groups are encouraged to talk to their local Runnymede Borough Council ward councillors about ideas for bids.

The neighbourhood fund can be allocated towards the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or anything else that addresses the demands development places on an area. It could be spent on improving a community hall or playground equipment, upgrading walking and cycling routes to local shops and schools, community safety initiatives and lots more.

Strategic funds can be used to provide, improve, replace, operate or maintain infrastructure necessary to support new development in Runnymede. It can be used to help fund a wide range of things like road and transport facilities, flood defences, school and healthcare facilities; sport and recreation facilities; open spaces and more.

Take part in the survey.

Further information