Building Safety Levy
Important Changes for Residential Development in England
The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 come into force on 1st October 2026.
The levy introduces a new charge on certain residential developments in England, including new housing developments and some types of purpose-built student accommodation. The levy has been introduced by Government to help fund the remediation of buildings affected by historic building safety issues identified following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017.
Further information and resources for developers can be found on the LABC's website
Who Does the Levy Apply To?
The levy applies to developments that create at least one dwelling or a bed space in purpose-built student accommodation, where a relevant building control application or notice is submitted.
Exemptions
The following developments will be exempt:
- housing built by non-profit registered providers and wholly owned by subsidies
- affordable housing
- supported housing
Required Information From Developers
Developers must provide information by completing the Building Safety Levy Information (Application Stage) form which can be found in our library at time of submitting the building control application.
Further evidence will be required at commencement and the Building Safety Levy Charging Information (Commencement Stage) form must be completed and submitted.
Payment must be made to the local authority acting as the Collecting Authority, before completion of the first development.
Collection and Enforcement
Levy rates vary by local authority and on whether the development is on previously developed land. Rates are published in the GOV.UK rates table and guidance.
Collecting authority
Local authorities with building control responsibility will act as levy collecting authorities and transfer funds to central government.
Enforcement
Failure to pay allows the building control authority to withhold the completion certificate or reject the final certificate.
Disputes and appeals
Developers can request a review from the collecting authority within 28 days if they dispute the charge, a refund amount or a decision not to issue a refund. Unresolved disputes may be appealed to the First Tier Tribunal.
