NCIL - the basics

NCIL - the basics

What is NCIL and what it can be spent on

The community infrastructure levy (CIL) is a non-negotiable charge that developers pay to councils on most new developments. The way the Council spends CIL must meet the requirements set out in the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended).

CIL must be spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure.

A portion of CIL can be set aside to be spent on neighbourhood priorities, known as NCIL. In the Lewisham borough this is 25% of all CIL collected. Councils are responsible for collecting, allocating and spending CIL, including NCIL.

NCIL can be spent on a wider range of things. It can be for the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.

There are NCIL funds available for each ward, and residents can influence how it is spent via their local assembly.

To contribute your ideas and highlight your priorities, click 'Have your say'.

NCIL project examples

Some examples of NCIL projects that have been funded in other London boroughs are provided here to help you understand the types of projects that NCIL can fund.

£159,000 awarded for ongoing running costs to Primrose Hill Community Library services for 2 years

£95,000 awarded to the supply, installation and improvement of playground equipment in Woodcock Park

£50,000 awarded towards restoration works to the listed Burgh House Museum as part of the councils wider £120,000 restoration project

£65,000 awarded to redesign ward 10 at the Royal Free Hospital to be a dementia friendly space with 32 beds

£50,000 awarded to refurbish and improve facilities to Hampsted Community Centre

£39,000 awarded to Dragon Hall to upgrade facilities and fund under age drop in classes and after school clubs

£21,888 awarded to provide public realm improvements through the Hyde Town Centre Improvement Scheme

£20,000 awarded to a community art project that produced a Mural on the Brent Indian Association's building on Ealing Road

£20,000 awarded towards staffing and equipment costs for the Befriending Older People project run by the Holborn Community Centre

£12,000 awarded to fund an under age Creative Play and Arts Programme at Bedford House Community Centre

£9,980 awarded to Brent Work Rights Centre which is a video and workshop series designed to promote awareness of precarious employment, and equip skills to access fairer, better work

£7,457.41 awarded to support the Destiny House after school homework club

£5,020 awarded to run an Air Quality Monitoring programme in Swiss Cottage