(2) what assessment has been made of the effect of the community infrastructure levy on levels of development (a) during and (b) outside a period of recession;
(3) what recent discussions there have been between her Department and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on the community infrastructure levy.
As the Government announced in the Budget, the community infrastructure levy (CIL) will be introduced on 6 April 2010. A full 12-week consultation will be held in advance of final regulations being made.
CIL is a voluntary instrument, so it will be for local authorities to decide whether the circumstances in their area make the introduction of CIL appropriate and at what level to set the charge. CIL charges will need to reflect local economic circumstances and be subject to consultation with both developers and communities, and testing by an independent examiner so as to ensure that charges do not put development at risk.
An initial impact assessment was published when the Planning Act received Royal Assent last November and will be updated as CIL regulations are consulted upon and made.
Communities and Local Government works closely with other Government Departments in developing CIL.