The Building Safety Levy is a new statutory charge introduced by the UK Government to help fund the remediation of historical building safety defects across England.
It comes into force on 1 October 2026 and applies to certain residential developments, including new dwellings, new residential floorspace created through change of use and purpose-built student accommodation.
The levy applies to building control approval applications submitted from 1 October 2026 where the relevant charging conditions are met.
There are exemptions, including certain affordable and social housing, supported housing and specific residential accommodation. Smaller developments may also qualify for an exemption.
The levy is calculated based on the location of the development, the applicable local authority rate and the amount of chargeable residential floorspace. Developments on previously developed land benefit from a reduced rate.
Appointing a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) does not remove the client’s levy obligations.
The client remains legally responsible for the levy, which is administered and collected by the relevant local authority.
As your RBCA, we can support the process by helping identify potential levy requirements, collecting the necessary information and ensuring levy-related requirements are considered alongside the building control process.
Potential levy liability should be considered during project feasibility and financial appraisal. Understanding whether the levy applies, what exemptions may be available and the information required can help avoid unexpected costs and delays later in the project.
For more detail on the Building Safety Levy and what it means for clients using an RBCA, download our Client Guidance Note.
Our Building Safety Levy Process Map provides a simple overview of the key stages, from initial project assessment through to levy payment and completion.
The Building Safety Levy is administered by the relevant collecting authority. The RBCA does not calculate the statutory levy, determine exemptions or collect levy payments.