Building Safety Levy
The Building Safety Levy (BSL) is a government charge introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022. The levy will help fund the remediation of historic building safety defects in residential buildings across England. Levy income is collected by local authorities and transferred to central Government.
The Levy is separate from CIL and Section 106 obligations. A development may be liable for one, two or all three charges. The Levy is administered through the building control process rather than the planning application process.
Application of the Levy
The Building Safety Levy applies to certain building control applications and notices submitted on or after 1 October 2026. Applications made before this date will generally not be subject to the levy.
Liable Development
The Levy applies to major residential developments, including:
- Development creating 10 or more dwellings.
- Development creating 30 or more bedspaces in PBSA.
- Mixed-use developments that include residential floorspace.
The Council will determine whether a development is liable based on the information provided through the building control process and the requirements set out in the Building Safety Levy Regulations and Government guidance.
Exempt Development
Certain developments are exempt from the Levy, including:
- Affordable housing
- Supported housing
- Registered provider housing
- Care homes and hospices
- Hospitals
- Hotels and hostels
- Residential school accommodation
- Almshouses
- Temporary accommodation for homeless people
Applicants claiming an exemption will be required to submit evidence in support of their claim.
Levy Charges
The Levy is charged on the amount of chargeable residential floorspace created by a development.
The Levy rate is set nationally and varies between local authority areas. Different rates may apply where development takes place on previously developed (brownfield) land.
| Levy Type | Rate (£/sqm) |
|---|---|
| Standard Rate | 42.47 |
| Previously Developed Land Rate | 21.23 |
Building Safety Levy Process and Guidance
The Government has published guidance, information templates and example proformas to assist applicants and developers:
Payment
The Levy must be paid before the earlier of:
- Occupation, or
- Completion of the development.
Failure to pay the levy will mean Be First/LBBD will withhold your completion certificate or reject any final certificate until full payment has been received.