Local CIL funding applications to open 2 February 2026

The annual local Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding round is opening soon, 2 February and applications can be submitted until midnight on Sunday 15 March 2025. Applications will be reviewed in June and 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.  

By working closely with community groups, schools, charities, and other non-profit organisations, I’ve seen firsthand how CIL funding can make a real difference - providing essential support and improving the lives of Elmbridge residents. I encourage local groups to review the criteria and submit an application.

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: 

Lower Green Community Centre 

Installation of a new kitchen and café serving area as part of an ongoing programme to improve the centre, providing essential services to the local community. 

St Andrew’s Primary School, Cobham 

Creation of an immersive and interactive library for pupils and the wider school community. 

Cobham Conservation & Heritage Trust

Footpath improvements and resurfacing to enhance accessible and safely, benefiting the community and promoting an active lifestyle. 

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