Building Safety Levy Information
The Building Safety Levy is a charge on new residential developments (unless exempt) in England. The Building Safety Levy Regulations 2025 come into force on 1 October 2026.
Applicable works
The levy applies to building control approval applications with full plans, initial notices and higher-risk building applications resulting in the provision of:
10 or more dwellings, or
30 or more bed spaces in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
Exempt works
affordable housing
supported housing
any housing built by non-profit registered providers (and their wholly owned subsidiaries)
Other exempt buildings
school accommodation
care homes
hospitals
accommodation for victims of domestic abuse
hotels and hostels
temporary accommodation for homeless people
Developers seeking an exemption must provide the required information and evidence as part of the levy process.
Levy charge
The levy rate is charged per square meter and will vary depending if the development is on previously developed land. The charge is collected by the local authority with building control responsibility.
Wakefield levy rates are:
previously developed land - £10.04 per m2
non-previously developed land - £20.08 per m2
Levy rates are set by legislation and cannot be altered.
The person or organisation carrying out the residential development is responsible for paying the levy. Information required for the levy must be submitted as part of the building control process.
Failure to pay the levy may result in a completion certificate not being issued or a final certificate being rejected.
Levy notices
Building Safety Levy information annex must be provided with every new residential floorspace application, local authority then will assess the information provided and issue one of the following notices:
Levy liability notice stating the amount payable will be issued to the developer if the levy applies to the submitted development.
Levy Payment Certificate will be issued once the payment is collected.
No charge notice will be issued if the development is exempt from the levy.
To dispute the levy, a residential developer can request as review by collecting local authority.
If you are unsure whether the levy applies to your development or what information you need to provide, email buildingsafetylevy@wakefield.gov.uk
For more details, please visit: