The Department for Communities and Local Government wants local authorities to lead on the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy.
The following news release was published by the Department for Communities and Local Government on 24 December 2010:
The Department for Communities and Local Government wants local authorities to lead on the implementation of the levy. The Front Runners project will both support authorities to develop the best approach to take when implementing the levy in their area and also encourage the Front Runners to share their learning and good practice across the sector.
The Planning Advisory Service has been asked by the Department to provide support to up to eight authorities who are likely to be among the first to implement the levy. The support package will include an introductory group workshop, and one individual support meeting with each selected Front Runner to assess their progress to date and help them ensure they are working in compliance with the regulations.
This support will be supplemented by advisory visits from the Planning Inspectorate for those authorities close to publishing preliminary draft charging schedules by March 2011. The project will run until the end of March 2011. Subject to funding, a further opportunity to bid for a place on this project may arise in the next financial year.
In return, authorities selected will be expected to participate fully in the support programme, move ahead with implementation as quickly as possible, and through the Planning Advisory Service share experiences and methodologies, this may include attending and talking at events or round table discussions, or working with the Planning Advisory Service on written case studies.
Eligibility Criteria
All local authorities across England are invited to consider applying to become a Front Runner. We are looking to support up to eight local authorities that ideally meet all of the following criteria:
· In particular, intend to submit their charging schedule for examination no later than Autumn 2011
· Have a good track record of planning policy competence e.g. in adopting their development plan and
· Have secured the necessary buy-in from corporate, finance and planning functions within the councilApplications should clearly address each of the above criteria. A short covering letter or email should be added, providing the applicant’s contact details. The deadline for applications is 14 January 2011. Applications should be sent in PDF format to frontrunners@communities.gsi.gov.uk.
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