The Northumberland County Council's Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 24 April 2024 focused on the Infrastructure Funding Statement, the Climate Change Action Plan, and the Energising Blyth project. Key decisions included noting the Infrastructure Funding Statement and plans to update the Open Space policy.

Infrastructure Funding Statement

The committee reviewed the fourth Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS), which details the Section 106 funds collected by the Local Planning Authorities (LPA). Rob Murfin, Director of Housing and Planning, highlighted that the statement now includes a breakdown of funds for each of the five Local Area Committees. He noted that this would likely be the last report in its current format due to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, which may introduce a mandatory tariff-based system for developer contributions.

Murfin explained that the new system would likely be a variation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which would standardise contributions based on a rate per square metre. He also mentioned that the impact on Town and Parish Councils' funds is still uncertain. The committee discussed various aspects of Section 106 agreements, including their monitoring, allocation, and the potential for a new open space policy.

Councillors raised concerns about the transparency and robustness of the Section 106 process. They requested comparative data for previous years to better understand trends in funding and suggested that county councillors be informed of Section 106 monies in their wards. The committee resolved to note the report and the IFS for 2022-2023 and agreed to circulate relevant documents to members.

Climate Change Action Plan

The committee queried whether the Climate Change Action Plan 2024-26 required approval by the Council. This point was to be checked as it was not explicitly stated in the report.

Energising Blyth: Levelling Up Deep Dive

The committee discussed the Energising Blyth project, specifically focusing on Bowes Court. A report on this project is scheduled to be considered by the Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 3 June 2024. The Chair of that committee has agreed to arrangements for community input.

Work Programme and Other Issues

The committee reviewed its work programme for the 2023/24 council year. Key points included:

• A report on the Great Northumberland Forest is scheduled for the next meeting.
• The Planning Service Performance Report will be sent to members.
• The NE Transport Plan is to be timetabled.
• A list of subsidised bus routes and plans for the allocation of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding will be circulated.
• Updates on the draft tree policy and the Tree and Woodland Strategy were requested.
• A report on roads maintenance will be split into two parts: policies and infrastructure, and water management of roads.

The committee resolved to note the work programme and the various updates and reports discussed.