CIL – what is it, and what does it mean for Easton and Lawrence Hill?
What is CIL?
When new buildings are constructed, the contractor is required to pay a fee to the council. This fee is used to fund projects that help mitigate the impact of increased population in the area. This funding is known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Each year, a portion of this money is allocated to neighbourhoods, allowing local groups to propose projects that would enhance the community. Project ideas must be supported by local Councillors and will be presented to a committee that decides whether to award funding.
There are two types of projects eligible for CIL funding:
- Council-Led Projects: These projects must be executed by the council. Examples include pedestrian crossings, double yellow lines, or new play equipment in parks. Although local groups can provide input on the designs, they cannot lead the projects. These initiatives can take a long time to complete, often spanning several years.
- Community-Led Projects: These projects can be carried out by community organisations or groups of residents. For instance, the new lift at Easton Community Centre was funded through CIL because it is a public building. In this case, the money was given to Eastside Community Trust, which contracted a company and managed the project themselves.
CIL money can be utilised in various ways to improve our community, with residents working together alongside local organisations like Eastside.
What’s happening in our area and when?
Area Committees met throughout May and June to consider and shortlist Stage 1 proposals submitted by community members. This marked the end of Stage 1. You can view which Stage 1 proposals each committee shortlisted here. Navigate to ‘Apply for Area Committee funding’.
Applicants whose proposals have been shortlisted by their committee for Stage 2 of the funding process have been informed, and the next stage explained in detail.
The next steps for projects being delivered by community organisations are to develop a Stage 2 Full Project Proposal, with full details of the project.
For any proposals that would be delivered on public land, by a Bristol City Council department, the relevant team will develop the Full Project Proposal. They will do this using the information provided at Stage 1, councillor knowledge, and will contact applicants where necessary.
The deadline for submitting Stage 2 Full Project Proposal forms is the 7 September 2026.
The Community Resources team will be holding a Stage 2 information session to provide an overview of what is expected, answer any questions, and provide support where needed.
The amount of funding available to each Area Committee changes throughout the year, as developments are completed.
Easton, Lawrence Hill, and Ashley wards are under Area Committee 4: the amount allocated for Area 4 is £739,000
Area Committees will meet to consider the Full Project Proposals received, and make their funding allocations throughout December 2026.
The venues for these meeting will be confirmed nearer to the time.
Area Committee 4: will take place on Thursday 3 December,17:30-19:30
Below you can view the Stage 1 applications, and the applications that have been approved to Stage 2.
