Community Infrastructure Levy
CIL is back on, so charging authorities need to prepare. We can help.
The CIL Process
The publication of the Localism Bill confirms CIL is alive. CIL is highly significant, as after April 2014, authorities will only be able to pool s106 contributions for up to five contributions per infrastructure project or type of infrastructure. This effectively compels an authority to adopt a CIL if it wants to use developer contributions to fund infrastructure of a more strategic nature.
The publication of the Localism Bill confirms CIL is alive. CIL is highly significant, as after April 2014, authorities will only be able to pool s106 contributions for up to five contributions per infrastructure project or type of infrastructure. This effectively compels an authority to adopt a CIL if it wants to use developer contributions to fund infrastructure of a more strategic nature.
Changes
The Localism Bill also proposes four main changes to the current CIL Regulations:
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CIL funding can now be used for ongoing costs - not just capital costs;
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A proportion of CIL proceeds can be passed on to the neighbourhood where they are earned;
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A CIL inspector can only ensure that authorities do not set unreasonable charges; his or her recommendations are not fully binding; and
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The local authority will have scope to set flexible payment deadlines.
Evidence
The Localism Bill makes clear that the CIL Charging Schedule will need to be taken more seriously than tariffs and other SPD charges. The Charging Schedule will have to be based on robust evidence, and will be subject to examination. The right to be heard at that examination is wider than that for DPDs, which means that developers will have their first real opportunity to challenge the basis of the charges, in a way that they currently don’t through consultation on a tariff SPD. Developers can be expected to make their voices heard.
The Localism Bill makes clear that the CIL Charging Schedule will need to be taken more seriously than tariffs and other SPD charges. The Charging Schedule will have to be based on robust evidence, and will be subject to examination. The right to be heard at that examination is wider than that for DPDs, which means that developers will have their first real opportunity to challenge the basis of the charges, in a way that they currently don’t through consultation on a tariff SPD. Developers can be expected to make their voices heard.
Tools
RTP has developed three tools to help you through the CIL process. Depending on your needs, each one can provide you with a stronger evidence base:
RTP has developed three tools to help you through the CIL process. Depending on your needs, each one can provide you with a stronger evidence base:
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The Infrastructure Delivery Assessment Tool will help you to plan developments and understand which infrastructure lies on the critical path.
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The Land Value Zones Mapping Tool can help to identify the differences in value across an area, critical for determining variances in viability.
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The Viability Impact Appraisal Tool will help you to provide evidence of economic viability for different types and classes of development across an area.
We would be happy to talk through these with you and see how all or some of these may be used to strengthen your CIL charging evidence base.
Further information
