Communities receive cash from levy on developers

VILLAGES and smaller towns across West Lancashire have been sent thousands of pounds for local enhancements, such as children's play equipment or public benches, using a tax paid by developers behind new homes, shops and other property and land schemes.

- BY ROBBIE MACDONALD

Nearly £164,000 has been sent to smaller parish and town councils from West Lancashire Council's neighbourhood community infrastructure levy.

The levy is paid by developers of new projects or the conversions of some existing buildings, such as barns.

The cash is intended to help fund improvements in the local communities effected by the new developments.

West Lancashire Council keeps some of the levy collected but a portion, 15 or 25 per cent, is sent directly to each specific area, depending on new developments locally.

The lower or higher level depends on whether each town or parish has a neighbourhood plan.

Parishes must spend the money within five years and produce an annual report, saying what they have received and spent.

The borough has been charging a community infrastructure levy on certain developments since 2014.