Call for CIL exemption for self builders

16 January 2013

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) has prompted much debate over how it should be instilled, and even its validity, for some who want to embrace self building.

Now, a Labour MP has called on the Government to think again about how CIL payments of up to £35,000 could hinder those wish to build a home of their own. 

John Mann, the Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire states, in his Early Day Motion, that 'people are already abandoning plans to build a house because of these new taxes'.

The motion calls for a limit to be set for exemption from the taxes, to include one-off homes and, potentially some of the smaller collaborative projects, which will 'give a boost to the aspiration of people and the small businesses who lose out the most from these unfair taxes'. The motion has been signed by eight MPs, so far.

The CIL enables local authorities to place a monetary charge on any new developments in their area, to fund local infrastructure. It came into force on the 6th April 2010 and, after some uncertainty over its future, was retained by the Coalition Government six months later as part of the Localism Bill. Local Authorities, particularly Newark and Sherwood District Council and the London Borough of Redbridge, have begun to implement CIL over the last two years.

Speaking further to The Self Build Portal, Mr Mann added: "This is something that is simply closing down all small developments. Asking people to pay a third of the value of their property in taxes is crippling. I already know of six specific cases of this nature that have occurred in my constituency. Local councils need to adapt to ensure that individual self build projects are not hindered".

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