Glossary · UK
What is Community Infrastructure Levy?
A charge that local authorities in England and Wales can levy on new development to help fund supporting infrastructure.
Full Definition
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge that local authorities in England and Wales may impose on certain new development to help pay for infrastructure such as roads, schools, parks, and flood defences needed to support growth. It is not a national tax: each charging authority that chooses to adopt CIL sets its own rates through a published charging schedule, usually expressed as a pounds-per-square-metre figure that varies by development type and location. The levy is generally calculated on the net additional floorspace created and becomes payable when development commences, though instalment policies may apply. Some development qualifies for relief or exemption, including certain self-build homes, residential extensions, and charitable use. CIL operates alongside, rather than instead of, section 106 planning obligations. It matters to developers, builders, and homeowners undertaking larger projects because it can add materially to costs. Because rates are set locally and change over time, check the relevant council's current charging schedule.