Councillors have reiterated they want to see improvements in the process of deciding which groups and organisations receive a slice of 'developer tax' in Solihull.

Solihull's Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) was introduced by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) in 2010 and requires developers to pay a tariff-based planning charge, levied on new development, to support development in the area.

But as the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported a record number of bids were made for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) cash last year.

The NCIL bids that are currently being considered for allocation are from the 2025 funding round.

A total of 25 bids have been received for £388,964 available for non-parished areas

However councillors have heard in total the bids are seeking more than £1 million, which has led officers again being forced to use a scoring matrix first introduced in 2019.

Councillors have previously agreed to a review of the matrix but heard at the latest meeting of Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board that review has been delayed as the authority's local plan process continues.

The matrix was back under the spotlight with Cllr Keith Green saying he recognised the "complexities" in allocation, particularly when wards have had a number of bids.

And he highlighted some could be time sensitive, such as an application for Christmas lighting in Knowle.

Officer Alison McGrory said: "There is some significant difference in the bids for Knowle – there are some very big amounts and lots of small amounts.

"One of the things we could consider is authorising some of the smaller amounts quicker while we do more work on the bigger ones."

Cllr Richard Holt said: "I fully support the idea of identifying some smaller awards because it is clearly an effective thing to do.

"But the flip side is some of the bigger opportunities are well worth considering.

"The community infrastructure label – it has got to be for the community. We don't want commercial interests being subsidised really."

Cllr Laura McCarthy then said: "I have been on this board for a few years now.

"There's not a single bid I disagree with, I think they are all really good.

"But I have noticed year after year we do have some organisations putting in multiple bids for different wards.

"In one cycle maybe we say 'yes your bid is fantastic but one bid' just to give everybody a chance."

Cllr Paul Goldingay said: "There has got to be some sort of checks and balances with regards to one application for one year, along with potentially a two year limit."

And chairman of the board Cllr Alan Feeney added: "You throw enough balls at enough coconuts you win a gold fish – I think there is probably a bit of that going on."

The officer replied: "This is the sort of steer it is helpful to have.

"We can't say yes to everybody and ultimately the scheme needs to be fair.

"This is useful feedback to take to the next stage."

At the end of the discussions Cllr Feeney said: "NCIL is a complex one.

"When you are trying to come up with scoring matrices and ways to allocate it you are never going to please everyone."