The Building Safety Levy is a charge on certain new residential developments in England. The funds collected will go to the government. These funds will help pay for building safety improvements and remediation work.
The levy applies to major residential developments that require building control approval. This includes developments with:
- 10 or more dwellings
- 30 or more purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedspaces
The levy applies to building control applications submitted on or after 1 October 2026.
We are responsible for calculating and collecting the levy for developments in Bracknell Forest.
As the Building Safety Levy is a new requirement, regulations and guidance may change. This page will be updated as further information becomes available.
Current levy rates
The levy is calculated based on the gross internal floorspace of the development and is charged per square metre.
| Rate type | Rate (per square metre) |
|---|---|
| Previously developed land rate | £19.88 |
| Non-previously developed land (standard) rate | £39.76 |
Previously developed land
A reduced levy rate may apply where a development is built on a previously developed site. This is often referred to as brownfield land.
A site will be assessed against both the:
- planning permission red line boundary
- statutory definition of previously developed land
Payment and non-payment
We assess the levy when the developer gives notice that development is commencing and submits the required levy information and supporting evidence.
You must make your payment to Bracknell Forest Council before whichever occurs first:
- occupation of the development
- completion of the development
If the levy is not paid, we may withold a completion certificate or final certificate until the outstanding amount has been paid in full.
Reviews, refunds and appeals
A developer may request a review if they disagree with:
- the levy calculation
- a refund amount
- a decision not to issue a refund
You must put your request in writing within 28 days of the notice or decision being issued.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 28 days.
The 28-day period starts on either the day:
- after you receive the review decision
- the review decision should have been issued if you did not receive it
Exemptions
There are a number of exemptions from the Building Safety Levy which are:
- school accommodation
- care homes
- secure residential institutions or other premises for the supervision and rehabilitation of persons charged with or convicted of offences
- hospitals
- accommodation for victims of domestic abuse
- a children’s home, residential family centre or supported accommodation for children
- hotels and hostels
- monasteries, nunneries, seminaries or similar establishments
- almshouses
- temporary accommodation for homeless people
More information
For more information about the Building Safety Levy, view:
- The Building Safety Levy (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 on GOV.UK
- Building Safety Levy: Guidance on GOV.UK
- Levy rates and calculations on GOV.UK