Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
I agree that new homes should be accompanied by the infrastructure that development creates the need for. I am pleased that it is already the case that developer contributions can be used to provide funding for schools and educational facilities.
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. I share your view that this levy represents an important opportunity for communities to have their voices heard on the types of infrastructure they would like to see in their areas.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration 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 will also allow for a specified amount of levy proceeds to be applied towards projects which fall outside of the Bill's definition of infrastructure. In a recent debate on the Bill, the Housing Minister has said that this can cover the funding of services, such as childcare, if providing them is considered a local priority. You can read the debate in full here: Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill - Hansard - UK Parliament
I understand from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy consultation that the Government will consult on the Infrastructure Levy, and I would encourage you to share your views when the consultation launches, Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
It is critical that children get the support, care and education they deserve. I am confident that the new Infrastructure Levy will help to do just that.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
