It is the question we ask every time a planning application goes in: “Where is the money for our roads, doctors, and parks?” The Council’s newly released Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) for 2024/25 lifts the lid on the millions of pounds collected from property developers—and crucially, where it is finally being spent.
The report confirms the Council is currently holding a massive war chest of retained funds:
Where is the cash going? The big ticket items
While £15 million remains unspent, the report details exactly which projects have recently been allocated funding. The focus this year is heavily tilted toward healthcare and community facilities.
Health & emergency services
A huge portion of the funding has been transferred directly to the NHS to cope with growing patient numbers:
- NHS Transfer: A total of £1.62 million was transferred to the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust last year to improve medical centres in Meon Vale, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kineton, Gaydon, and Lower Quinton.
- Shipston-on-Stour: A massive combined allocation of over £1.4 million has been ringfenced for the new GP practice and health facility at the Ellen Badger Hospital site.
- Diagnostic Centre: £1,000,000 has been allocated for the South Warwickshire Community Diagnostic Centre.
- Policing: The report confirms £217,208 was transferred to Warwickshire Police to support service provision.
Stratford town centre & transport
Several major infrastructure upgrades in the town centre have now secured funding:
- Canal Towpath: £329,066 has been transferred to the Canal and River Trust to upgrade the towpath between Bishopton Lane and Timothy’s Bridge Road.
- Cycle Routes: £282,000 is allocated for cycle route enhancements on the Alcester Road.
- Henley Street Hub: A significant £650,000 allocation is in place for the “Learning and Community Hub” on Henley Street.
- Youth Services: £149,000 has been confirmed for “The Ministry” Youth Hub in Stratford.
Village hall & playground bonanza
It isn’t just the main towns seeing the benefit. The report lists specific allocations for village projects that have successfully bid for “Strategic CIL” money:
- Wixford: £175,000 for a replacement Village Hall.
- Fenny Compton: £130,000 for sports and play areas.
- Luddington: £93,410 for Village Hall extensions.
- Ilmington: £30,000 for the renovation of Grace’s Playground.
- Tanworth-in-Arden: Over £44,000 spent on new playground equipment including a “Kompan Custom Play Tower”.
- Studley: £3,175 allocated for Village Hall roof insulation.
The ‘neighbourhood portion’: did your village get paid?
When developers build in your area, a slice of the levy (CIL) is paid directly to your Parish or Town Council. This year, £338,441 was passed down to local councils. Here is who received the biggest cheques in 2024/25:
| Town/Parish | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Stratford-upon-Avon | £94,932 |
| Shipston-on-Stour | £35,591 |
| Wellesbourne & Walton | £22,651 |
| Tanworth-in-Arden | £19,836 |
| Welford-on-Avon | £19,099 |
| Beaudesert & Henley | £13,846 |
| Southam | £10,519 |
Hidden maintenance costs
Interestingly, the Council is also holding significant sums purely for the long-term maintenance of specific sites. This includes £279,623 held specifically for the maintenance of the balancing pond at St Peters Way, and over £245,000 for general grounds maintenance.
Residents wishing to see the full technical breakdown can view the Infrastructure Funding Statement here.
