Local CIL funding applications now open: Apply for funding to help your community thrive

The annual local Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding round is now open and applications can be submitted until midnight on Sunday 16 March 2025. Applications will be reviewed in June and early July.

CIL enables Elmbridge Borough Council to collect funds through developments within the borough to finance the necessary physical infrastructure to offset the impacts of new development. Each year, a portion of these CIL funds is allocated to smaller infrastructure projects within the communities where the development occurred.

Area committees, also known as ‘Local Spending Boards’, have been formed where local Councillors decide how these local CIL funds will be distributed. For Claygate, the local share of CIL funds will be directly transferred to the Parish Council.

Before applying, you can check the available funding for each area committee. The total amount of funding  for each area is  determined by the level of development in that area.

Councillor Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning is a keen supporter of the CIL process and is delighted that local groups have benefited from the funding. 

“Working with community groups, schools, charities and other non-profit organisations, I have seen how CIL funding can provide vital support and improvement to the lives of Elmbridge residents. I recommend local groups have a look at the criteria and apply.”

Successful local CIL applications have included projects such as improvements to state schools to better enable them to meet the needs of an increasing school population, improvements to community facilities and play areas, footpath works and countryside access improvements. See some examples below:

CIL fundings, along with other grants, has enabled the replacement of the old timber framed huts by a brand new community centre home to the Oxshott Scouts and Guides. 

Cobham & Downside Residents Association used CIL funding to refurbish the Hamilton Children’s Playground.

St Mary’s Community Hall applied and received funding to purchase a larger, watertight storage shed. 

To find out more, and apply, visit our Community Infrastructure Levy webpages.