The Building Safety Levy
The Building Safety Levy is a national requirement introduced by the UK Government. We must act as the levy collection authority on behalf of the Government and must apply the regulations set out in national legislation.
It’s a charge that developers must pay on certain building control applications and notices.
When the levy applies
From 1 October 2026, the Building Safety Levy will apply to most new residential developments in England, unless an exemption applies.
How the levy is calculated
The amount payable depends on the building’s size, use and location. The levy rates are set per square metre (sqm) and the charge is calculated on the floorspace of the development.
The levy will be charged on certain applications for works that result in:
- 10 or more new dwellings
- 30 or more new bedspaces in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
This includes change of use to residential purposes.
Some developments may be exempt from the levy, including affordable housing and certain types of specialist accommodation.
Redbridge Building Safety Levy rates
The levy rates for Redbridge are:
- £57.02 per sqm for non-previously developed land
- £28.51 per sqm for previously developed land
Building works that must provide levy information
The following building control applications will need to provide levy information from 1 October 2026:
- applications for Building Control approval with full plans
- higher risk building applications
- initial notices
- updated applications (if updating an original application submitted on or after 1 October 2026)
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