Thank you for contacting me about the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
I completely agree with you that new homes should be accompanied by the infrastructure that development creates the need for. As you are aware, I have been leading the rebellion to change the planning system which will lead to more emphasis on the local community. New measures - to be introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill – will place local communities at the heart of the planning system including strengthening the government’s commitment to build enough of the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure, making housing targets a ‘starting point’ with new flexibilities to reflect local circumstances, introducing new penalties for slow developers failing to build already-approved homes and bringing in new powers for local authorities to promote brownfield development.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will introduce a new Infrastructure Levy which is designed to be simpler and more transparent to communities than the current system of developer contributions. The Bill includes provision for ‘schools and other educational facilities’ to be funded within scope of the levy. This means that proceeds could be spent on childcare facilities such as nurseries and pre-schools. This includes childcare facilities that are not attached to schools.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill would also allow for a specified amount of levy proceeds to be applied towards projects which fall outside of the Bill's definition of infrastructure. The Housing Minister has explicitly said that this could cover the funding of services, such as childcare, if providing them was considered a local priority.
I understand that the Government will be consulting on the Infrastructure Levy.
It is critical that children get the support, care and education they deserve and that the planning system supports Island families with regards to accommodation provision.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.