Planning applicant information

What is CIL?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge, introduced through the Planning Act 2008. This is to make sure that new development contributes to the cost of the infrastructure it will rely upon, such as schools and roads. The Levy applies to most new buildings and charges are based on the size and type of new floorspace. More details can be found within the CIL Process and Guidance document.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Indexation

CIL payments must be index-linked from the year that the CIL was introduced to the year that planning permissions are granted.

From the calendar year 2020 and any subsequent year the index we must use is the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) CIL Index.

The Annual CIL Rate Summary can be seen in the list of guidance notes.

Tools and guidance for planning applicants

You can use the online Charging Zone Map to see if your proposal is liable for a CIL charge. The map shows each charging zone for residential use. You can use the figure to enter into the CIL calculator to see how much CIL liability your proposals will have. Please be aware warehouse and retail charges cover the whole district.

Calculate the amount of CIL payable using the CIL calculator. Please note that indexation will apply.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Approval pages includes details of CIL Adoption:

• the Examination Report
• Charging Schedule
• Charging Zones
• Instalment Policy
• Exceptional Circumstances Relief 
• the Viability Study

Applicants are advised that Wakefield's approach to CIL differs in 2 specific areas.

• automatic relief for residential extensions and annexes in most cases.
• early submission of the Assumption of Liability form so we can issue a CIL Liability Notice to the correct liable party following the grant of planning permission

Planning Practice Guidance provides more information on CIL. All CIL application forms can be downloaded from the Planning Portal.

To help applicants and agents we have provided some guidance documents that summarise the key areas of CIL, these are listed below.

Claiming relief from Community Infrastructure Levy

Please note that relief from paying Community Infrastructure Levy is not granted automatically. You must make a claim in line with the process set out in the Regulations. Typically, this involves submitting the relevant CIL Relief Form as well as evidence of eligibility. This evidence may be required before relief is granted, or after completion of the development.

In all cases, the initial Relief Claim must be made (and granted) before the development commences. The applicant must assume liability for any CIL due before they can be granted relief. A Commencement Notice must then be submitted prior to starting works on site. Failure to submit a Commencement Notice can lead to loss of Relief and/or financial penalties.

It is the responsibility of the applicant (whether an organisation or an individual) to make sure that they follow the correct procedure as outlined in the CIL Regulations. Failure to do so may lead to the loss of eligibility for relief and/or a loss of any relief previously granted.

Please note

The granting of a CIL Relief does not mean no CIL will ever become payable and does not create an exemption from CIL. CIL Reliefs grant relief against the need to pay any CIL liability due on a development but do not exempt that development from being CIL Liable. If a CIL Relief is withdrawn, the full CIL Liability will become due for payment.

Guidance Notes

The below guidance notes have been provided to help give applicants an overview of the procedure and requirements. You should also consult the full regulations that are on the government website. Where social housing relief or charitable relief is claimed there is a seven-year clawback period.

Where Self Build relief is claimed the new dwelling has to remain your sole or main residence for a minimum period of 3 years starting from the formal completion of your dwelling. You are also required to provide specific information following the completion of the dwelling. Please make sure that you understand these requirements before making a claim for relief and then commencing your development.

Where the requirements are not met, or a disqualifying event occurs within the clawback period, relief from CIL may be withdrawn and consequently the CIL Levy will become payable in full.

Useful resources

• The Planning Portal
• Planning Inspectorate
• Planning Guidance

Further Information

• Download our ‘Frequently Asked Question’ guide.