Cabinet, at its meeting on 15 April 2026, will consider a report to approve the decision-making route for Councillor applications for Ward Member Budget and Community Infrastructure Levy spend and approve amendments to with part 4 of the Council Constitution to reflect those arrangements.

Cllr Susan Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working and Jonathan Malton, Committee and Member Services Manager have been invited to present the report and take part in discussions.

The Committee is asked to consider the report and agree any recommendations.

Cabinet, at its meeting on 15 April 2026, will consider a report to approve the decision-making route for Councillor applications for Ward Member Budget and Community Infrastructure Levy spend and approve amendments to with part 4 of the Council Constitution to reflect those arrangements. 

Jonathan Malton, Committee and Member Services Manager, was present to respond to questions.   

The Committee and Member Services Manager introduced the report, noting that it provides an update on the decision-making route for ward member budgets and community infrastructure levy (CIL) applications. The Committee heard that the process has been formalised, and it ensures delegation is made to appropriate officers. Members were also informed that the report summarises the ongoing work of reviewing the applications process to ensure it is fit for purpose and aligned with relevant legislation.  

The Chair invited questions from the Committee. 

The Chair asked how decision regarding central CIL spend are reached and also requested an explanation of the process for adding to the central CIL list.  

The Committee and Member Services Manager explained that, although outside the scope of this report, strategic CIL (i.e. that not allocated to member CIL budgets /parish /Neighbourhood forums or on CIL administration) is agreed as part of the wider budget process. CIL projects are discussed through the Development Board process with the Director of Planning & Regulation and the Group Finance Director agreeing on both the appropriateness of the item, and the capacity of the CIL budget to incorporate any new nominations. In response to the Chair’s second question, The Committee and Member Services Manager relayed a response from officers which explained that additional requests come forward via the Development Board process where the proposal is for the strategic CIL budget, with ultimate approval via the budget process. 

Councillor Stares welcomed the changes listed in the report and noted that they have been effective in streamlining the processes.  

Councillor Ottino also welcomed the changes and requested clarity on when planning permission is required for ward member budget and CIL requests.  

The Committee and Member Services Manager explained that the relevant form has been updated to include questions relating to the need for planning permission and location; this will ensure necessary permissions are in place before CIL is spent. The Committee were minded that due to the number of stakeholders across the city, it is not possible to give a one-size-fits-all response. In relation to ongoing costs, the Committee and Member Services Manager also explained that ward member spend cannot be used for projects which involve ongoing costs; examples were discussed.  
Councillor Ottino requested additional clarification of what would be classified as an ongoing spend.  

The Chair also welcomed the changes set out in the report. The Chair queried the response times for applications and requested a description of the background processes involved. 

In response to Councillor Ottino, the Committee and Member Services Manager outlined that anything not accounted for in an annual ongoing budget cannot be accepted, this included examples of waste bins with ongoing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 124