Building Safety Levy (BSL)
The Building Safety Levy (BSL) is part of the government’s wider approach to ensure that industry contributes to the cost of remediating building safety defects, while protecting leaseholders and taxpayers.
Revenue raised through the levy will support remediation work and help make affected buildings safer for residents.
When the levy applies
The levy applies to all building control applications and initial notices submitted on or after Thursday 1 October 2026, unless an exemption applies.
The charge was introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 were approved by Parliament and made on 19 November 2025.
Developments that must provide levy information
You must submit levy information with Building Control applications, initial notices and high-rise building applications if the work involves:
- Building at least 1 new dwelling
- Building at least 1 new bedspace in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
You must include the information required for the levy even if you believe your development is exempt. An application may be rejected if the information is missing.
We will reject initial notices if the required levy information has not been included, for submissions made on or after 1 October 2026.
Exemptions
The following developments are exempt, but must still submit the BSL information:
- Affordable housing and supported housing
- Housing built by non-profit registered providers, including their wholly owned subsidiaries
- Care homes, hospices, hotels, hostels, hospitals, school accommodation, almshouses and temporary accommodation for homeless people
Levy rates and payment
The levy rates for Richmond are:
- Previously developed land rate: £36.60 per sqm
- Non-previously developed land rate: £73.20 per sqm
The levy charge is calculated using the information and evidence provided by the developer at the commencement notice stage. Payment must be made before the earlier of occupation or completion.
Find out how the Building Safety Levy is calculated (GOV.UK).
Failure to pay the levy
If the levy is not paid in full, we will withhold the completion certificate or reject any final certificate until payment is received.
Review and appeals
A residential developer may request a review if they wish to dispute:
- The levy charge
- A refund amount
- A decision not to issue a refund
Requests must be made within 28 days. If the dispute remains unresolved, the developer may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
Information forms
Up to: Building Control
Updated: 06 October 2026
