Financial Benefits for Your Neighbourhood

How the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Can Benefit Your Area

Have you ever wondered how new construction projects contribute to your local community? Local councils have the power to apply a charge, known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), to these new developments. They collect these funds specifically to help pay for essential new or improved local facilities and services that benefit everyone in the area.

Thanks to the Localism Act, a substantial portion of the money collected through CIL must directly return to the neighbourhoods where the new building work has taken place. This means your local area can directly benefit financially from the development happening within it.

The New Homes Bonus Scheme: Rewarding Growth in Your Community

When new homes are built in your area, the government offers a special incentive called the New Homes Bonus Scheme. This programme aims to reward communities for welcoming housing development. The government provides funding to your local council, which they can then use to improve your community.

Here’s how it works: for the first six years after new homes are built, the government matches the council tax revenue these new properties generate. Your council then works collaboratively with your community to decide the best way to spend this extra money. You might see it used for things like:

• Offering discounts on council tax for local residents.

• Improving vital local services, such as waste collection.

• Investing in community amenities, including swimming pools or leisure centres.

If you want to learn more about this scheme, you can find further information in the government's official policy on house building and the New Homes Bonus.