Greenwich Council ask how they should spend money from developers

After revelations of how little Greenwich Council have been spending improving the borough from property developer income comes news of a consultation in how they could spend future sums.

Don’t get too excited though; they’re only consulting on 15% of total income derived from the Community Infrastructure Levy. That is the legal minimum that must be spent locally from developer payments when new developments are approved.

In Greenwich borough they’ve given it the title Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund, which sounds nice. If you didn’t know better you’d miss that they’re only doing it as it’s a legal requirement now and the amount allocated to local neighbourhoods is less than many other councils.

Neighboring Labour Lewisham and Southwark go above and beyond the legal minimum of 15 % and allocate 25% for local community spending from new developments.

Under this consultation the public will not have a say on 85% of the total spend. Even accounting for Woolwich Crossrail station it’s a lot of money.

And in fact, Greenwich is the only council in London which sees the Mayoral element of CIL reduce this year.

The consultation is worded in such a way that the authority can state spending only the legal minimum is supported. For example, one question states “is the scheme a positive?”

Well, or course it is as 15% still achieves fantastic projects. But it could be more. However, no doubt because people say it’s a positive then that’ll be used as a justification to keep it at low levels.

Remember, this is how much income Greenwich want to spend on improving streets and public spaces across the borough from both the Community Infrastructure Levy and its precursor Section 106 in addition to money TfL is giving each London council:

• Greenwich – £206k
• Lewisham – £1.33m
• Lambeth – £1.2m
• Southwark – £765k
• Ealing – £766k
• Brent – £6 million
• Camden – £5.26m
• Hounslow – £5.3m
• Hammersmith & Fulham – £27.2m

You won’t see that in the consultation. Click here to view and fill it in.