Independent panel to review community infrastructure levy, with a consultation also launched

Planning Houses

The government has launched a review of the community infrastructure levy, a tax paid by developers to local authorities to fund local infrastructure.

The communities department has appointed former BPF chief executive Liz Peace as chair of an independent panel to carry out a review of the community infrastructure levy (CIL).

Many developers have criticised CIL for resulting in “double charging” of clients by local authorities for infrastructure improvements, on top of existing section 106 requirements.

The review will assess whether CIL is meeting its objectives, as well as consider its relationship with section 106 agreements and whether or not the CIL is helping to increase community support for development.

The department said the review is part of the government’s ongoing reforms to streamline the planning process.

Communities secretary Greg Clark said: “This independent review will examine how we can improve the community infrastructure levy to ensure it best benefits local communities whilst delivering the houses the country needs.”

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, welcomed the review. She said: “Whilst some would like to see it abolished altogether, we believe that with the right changes, CIL could be a useful tool for ensuring infrastructure delivery on development sites.

“The creation of this group is a step in the right direction, but it must not stop here. It is crucial that government take any recommendations on board, and works with both public and private sectors to ensure that the regime really works in the future.”

The government has also started a public consultation on the levy, and will accept responses until 15 January from local authorities, communities groups, developers, surveyors, lawyers and consultants involved in the levy process.

The questionnaire can be accessed here. The government said it will also accept any other relevant information regarding the review, which can be emailed to Cilreview@communities.gsi.gov.uk with “CIL review” in the subject line.

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