We've introduced an innovative scheme to allocate money from developers to areas with most need

In another first, money will be redistributed among the borough’s most deprived areas, as part of the Council’s ongoing work to tackle inequality.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can place on developers who build in a local area. The money is used to deliver infrastructure needed to support development in the local community – community facilities, parks, open spaces, and transport improvements.

About the scheme

The first Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy scheme (NCIL) launched on 9 September with a £2.3million funding pot.

The consultation runs for six weeks. During that time residents will be asked to submit their priorities for their local areas on an interactive map of Lewisham. These will be discussed at local community meetings and a final list of priorities will be published which residents will vote on.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: ‘For too long residents have felt that they do not have a say over the changes happening in their community. Our new approach will not only give residents the power to vote to decide where the new investment goes but also see more money invested in our most deprived areas.

‘After almost a decade of austerity, we need to find innovative and new ways to protect residents and support our communities. I am proud that Lewisham is leading the way in ensuring that residents have their say over how money raised from developers is spent in their local area.’