Infrastructure levy
On 6 August 2020, the Government published a consultation on reforms to the planning system. The proposals are intended to streamline the process, cut red tape, harness technology and protect green space to deliver high-quality, sustainable communities.
The white paper, Planning for the future, developed with advice from the Planning Taskforce, focusses on local community agreement, with communities consulted from the very beginning of the planning process. For more information see: Planning for the future.
One of the proposals within the white paper is that the system of charging a Community Infrastructure Levy on developments and imposing planning obligations (Section 106 agreements) should be reformed, to create a nationally set, value-based flat rate charge referred to as the ‘Infrastructure Levy’.
A single rate or varied rates could be set, but the aim is that the new Levy to raises more revenue than the current system and delivers at least as much – if not more – on-site affordable housing. It will also avoid months of negotiation of Section 106 agreements and the need to consider site viability.
The proposals go on to state:
‘We will give local authorities greater powers to determine how developer contributions are used, including by expanding the scope of the Levy to cover affordable housing provision to allow local planning authorities to drive up the provision of affordable homes. We will ensure that affordable housing provision supported through developer contributions is kept at least at current levels, and that it is still delivered on-site to ensure that new development continues to support mixed communities. Local authorities will have the flexibility to use this funding to support both existing communities as well as new communities.’
‘We will also look to extend the scope of the consolidated Infrastructure Levy and remove exemptions from it to capture changes of use through permitted development rights, so that additional homes delivered through this route bring with them support for new infrastructure.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”