Understanding the Building Safety Levy (BSL)

The UK Government has confirmed that the Building Safety Levy (BSL) will come into effect in Autumn 2026, with rates varying by local authority to reflect house price differences—ranging from £100.35 per square metre in Kensington and Chelsea to £12.70 in County Durham. The levy, which will be charged to the client (the entity commissioning the construction project), aims to fund building safety improvements, with regulations set to be laid in Parliament later this year.
Created: 25 March 2025
Last Reviewed: 8 April 2025
Contents
Introduction
The Levy Rate Calculation Methodology
Calculating Floorspace
Collection of the Levy
Identifying Previously Developed Land (PDL)
Dealing with Disputes
Excluding Some Types of Communal Accommodation
NFB Resources

Introduction

The Government has released its response to the Building Safety Levy Technical consultation and determined it will come into effect from Autumn 2026.

The rates that developers will be charged under the Building Safety Levy have been published for each local authority area as part of the government’s response to the levy consultation. A BSL Calculator can be downloaded at the following address: https://ask-nfb.builders.org.uk/documents/building-safety-levy-calculator/

Developments that have begun the building control process (i.e. submitted a full plans application, an initial notice or a Gateway 2 application ) before launch will not be subject to the levy charge.

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