Waverley Borough Council has called for ‘clearer’ and ‘fairer’ legislation around the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
In a recent statement, the council confirmed it has written to deputy prime minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner, expressing ‘serious concerns’ about the CIL system.
The letter written by Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, criticised the ‘confusing’ and ‘unforgiving’ nature of current CIL guidelines, and argued that the system fails to accommodate ‘small, honest mistakes’ made by residents.
The letter detailed that accidental failure to follow the ‘strict application process’ for residential extensions can result in ‘life-changing financial penalties’ for homeowners, whilst councils have ‘no legal discretion to intervene’.
Urging the Government to update the CIL legislation, Cllr Follows emphasised the need for ‘national reform’ that allows councils ‘the flexibility to act with fairness and common sense’.
Whilst arguing that its powers are ‘limited’, the council revealed its plans to formulate a ‘discretionary review scheme’ that enables residents to submit a reassessment request if they are dissatisfied with how CIL rules have been applied.
.png)
