Elmbridge Council will give 25 per cent of developer contributions for communities to deliver improvements in their local areas.

Under Government regulations, the council is obliged to pass a “meaningful proportion” of levy funds raised in any given year to communities.

The regulations state that 15 per cent to 25 per cent should be set aside for such purposes, depending on the existence or not of a neighbourhood plan for the area.

Elmbridge has become the first council in the country to uniformly apply the higher rate. It is envisaged that the 25 per cent “meaningful proportion” could equate to £6m in the next 10 years.

Speaking on the decision, leader of the Council John O’Reilly said: “The introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy is a game changer for community-led planning in Elmbridge.

“By taking the proactive decision to give every area 25 per cent, we are fostering greater community involvement, treating everyone equally, and proving once more, as a council, we can deliver in advance of government aspirations.”

As the only parish council in the borough, the 25 per cent proportion will be passed directly to Claygate Parish Council each year.

The council is establishing infrastructure spending boards for the seven other settlements in the borough.

For further information, call 01372 474826.