Building Safety Levy

The Building Safety Levy is a government charge on new residential developments, which only applies to developers (client).

The government will use the income raised to fund the remediation of building safety defects across England.

How much to pay

Although we are responsible for collecting the levy, the rates are set nationally by the government, and differ by local authority area. 

We will calculate the levy based on the information you supply when you submit any of the following:

• Building Control application with full plans

• initial notices

• Higher Risk Building (HRB) applications, for works providing at least one dwelling or a bedspace in purpose-built student accommodation

You will also need to provide further information for levy calculation at commencement notice stage.

After you supply your evidence, we will calculate the levy. The charge is based on the floor area (square metres) of residential buildings. If a development is on previously developed land, there will be a 50% discount.

You can view the current rate for Chelmsford.

If you do not supply the information we need to calculate your levy, we will reject your application.

When and how to pay

The levy will come into effect on 1 October 2026 and is payable by the developer (client).

If your works are liable for the charge, you need to pay before the first occupation. We will not issue a completion certificate until you have paid the levy in full.

We will send you payment instructions when we tell you how much the levy is for your development.

Exemptions

There will be no levy to pay if the work relates to:

• a small development with fewer than ten units 

• affordable housing, supported housing or any housing built by non-profit registered providers (and their wholly-owned subsidiaries) 

You can also read more about the Building Safety Levy, including guidance, methodology notes, process maps and proformas.