How much town and parish councils receive
Parish councils receive:
- 15% of community infrastructure levy receipts from developments in their area
- 25% if the town or parish has an adopted neighbourhood plan
Payment schedule
We transfer community infrastructure levy funds to town and parish councils twice a year:
| Community infrastructure levy receipts period | Payment date |
|---|---|
| 1 April to 30 September | October |
| 1 October to 31 March | April |
What community infrastructure levy can be spent on
According to national planning guidance, the neighbourhood portion of the levy can be spent on a wide range of projects, provided they support the development of the area. Examples include:
- infrastructure improvements
- affordable housing
- community facilities
- projects addressing the impact of development
Town and parish councils should work with ourselves and neighbouring councils to agree on spending priorities. In some cases, funds may be used for infrastructure outside the town or parish if it benefits the local area.
Unspent or misused funds
We may issue a notice requiring repayment if a town or parish council:
- does not spend community infrastructure levy funds within five years
- spends the funds inappropriately
Any recovered funds will be reinvested in the town or parish area.
Choosing infrastructure projects
We cannot advise on specific projects. Town or parish councils must ensure:
- projects meet the definitions under community infrastructure levy regulation 59c
- they can evidence how the project supports development in their area
Town or parish council reporting requirements
Town or parish councils must publish annual community infrastructure levy reports by 31 December each year. These must include:
- total community infrastructure levy income received
- total community infrastructure levy expenditure
- a summary of what funds were spent on
- the amount of community infrastructure levy retained, including current and previous years
These reports should be available on the town or parish council’s website and clearly distinguish community infrastructure levy income and expenditure from other council finances.
Further guidance
You should contact your town or parish council for details of local community infrastructure levy spending.
You can view our community infrastructure levy guidance for town and parish councils (pdf / 1 MB).