Mark Whitehead 16 June 2023

Scrap proposed infrastructure levy, council chiefs say

Scrap proposed infrastructure levy, council chiefs say  image
Image: I T S / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders, developers, charities and others have written to levelling up secretary Michael Gove criticising the Government’s proposed infrastructure levy.

They say the proposed reform, which would allow councils to impose a levy on developers based on the estimated final value of a scheme, could mean fewer affordable homes being built and less money for roads, health centres and schools.

The County Councils Network (CCN), the District Councils’ Network (DCN) and the 28 other organisations who signed the letter are calling instead for reform of the developer contributions system.

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) describes the Government's plan as 'unworkable'.

It says the levy, which is supposed to increase the number of affordable houses built and the amount of infrastructure supplied for new developments, is likely to have the opposite effect and would 'heap financial risk on local government'.

DCN’s Barry Wood said: 'While we support the principle of local planning authorities being allowed to borrow against the proceeds from the infrastructure levy, what has been proposed would [place] significant financial risk on councils.

'Local service users will be the losers if a development takes longer than expected to be completed or a developer goes bust.

'It is also essential that the new system provides money for genuine essential infrastructure – the parks and green spaces, play areas, schools, cultural facilities, transport facilities and health centres required by new developments – and should not be used as a cash cow by other services.'

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner