You must include Building Safety Levy information within your building control application.
This only applies if your application is submitted on or after 1 October 2026.
The levy will come into effect from 1 October 2026.
Where does the levy apply?
The levy applies to:
- major residential developments – this means creating 10 or more new dwellings or 30 new bedspaces
- works which create new residential floorspace
- developers who are not registered non-profit providers of social housing
- conversions or changes of use from non-residential to major residential developments
Exemptions
The levy does not apply to:
- accommodation for domestic abuse victims
- almshouses
- armed forces accommodation
- care homes and hospices
- children’s homes and residential family centres
- hospitals
- hotels and hostels
- monasteries, nunneries and similar establishments
- prisons and secure accommodation
- school accommodation
- social housing
- supported housing
- temporary accommodation for homeless people
- Ministry of Defence or Crown properties
How is the levy calculated?
The levy is charged based on the floor area of residential buildings
Levy rates are set by the government and depend on:
- the location of the development
- if the development qualifies for the Previously Developed Land (PDL) discounted rate
- the Gross Internal Area (GIA) of the chargeable floorspace
Charging rates for Solihull
| Land type | Rate (£ for square metre) |
|---|---|
| Previously developed land | £17.56 |
| Non-previously developed land | £35.12 |
Who is required to pay the levy?
The developer, the person or organisation carrying out the development, is responsible for paying the levy.
The levy is charged on:
- relevant building control full plans
- initial notices
- high rise building applications
- works providing at least one dwelling or a bedspace in purpose-built student accommodation
Your application, or initial notice, may be rejected if you do not include information for the purpose of the levy.
How to calculate and pay the levy
Apply
Submit a commencement notice
Before starting work, a commencement notice must be submitted within two working days with supporting levy information.
Council assessment
We will issue either a:
- levy liability notice
- notice of no charge
This will be issued within:
- five weeks
- eight weeks - if a spot check is required
Paying the levy
The levy must be paid in full.
Completion certificate
A completion certificate will only be issued once the levy has been paid.
Further information
Full guidance on the Building Safety Levy can be found on the government website: