Consultation starts on new ‘levy’ to help deliver local infrastructure

Key stakeholders, neighbouring authorities, residents and businesses are being asked for their views on proposals to introduce a Community Infrastructure Levy (the ‘levy’ or CIL)

Key stakeholders, neighbouring authorities, residents and businesses are being asked for their views on proposals to introduce a Community Infrastructure Levy (the ‘levy’ or CIL) which will result in significant investment in local communities where new developments are built in York.

The levy is a charge which can be raised by local authorities on new development in their area to support key infrastructure delivery to deliver the Local Plan. Schemes on which the money can be spent include transport infrastructure, flood defences, schools, hospitals, and other health and social care facilities, as well as open spaces, cultural and sports facilities, district heating schemes and other community safety facilities to the benefit of local communities.

The Levy is set to allow greater flexibility and certainty than existing S106 agreements, because it is non-negotiable, meaning development costs can be more readily calculated.

The consultation will run from today, February 13th to 27th March 2023. The online survey can be found at https://www.york.gov.uk/CILConsultation2023.  Alternatively, formatted response forms are available by contacting the Strategic Planning Policy Team at localplan@york.gov.uk or (01904) 552255. 

Following consultation, the CIL Draft Charging Schedule will be considered at an independent examination, following which, the charging schedule would be brought back to the Council’s Executive for consideration of its adoption.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Major Projects, commented, 

“With the Local Plan now entering its final stage, it’s essential that we set the right approach to delivering the homes and business spaces set out in the plan. The Community Infrastructure Levy will enable us to deliver the right infrastructure for our local communities, alongside the new homes York needs to support our city's sustainable growth.”

For more information about the Community Infrastructure Levy visit https://www.york.gov.uk/consultations