Ealing's new approach for developer levy

Ealing Council is introducing a new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to complement existing Section 106 (S106) agreements and fund public facilities and infrastructure as the borough grows.

The CIL, effective from March 2026, will require developers to pay a fixed rate per square metre of new floorspace, with rates varying by development type and location. For instance, new homes in central Ealing will incur a charge of £300 per square metre, while those elsewhere will incur a charge of £150.

Student housing and purpose-built shared living will be charged at £350 per square metre, whereas uses such as offices and community facilities will be exempt. The CIL is designed to provide a more predictable and transparent funding mechanism compared to S106, which is negotiable and site-specific.

While S106 will continue to address specific requirements, such as affordable housing, the CIL will generate funds for broader community infrastructure needs, including roads, schools, and green spaces. A portion of the CIL, known as Neighbourhood CIL, will be allocated to local town teams to spend on their priorities through the council’s Your Voice Your Town programme, ensuring community involvement in decision-making.

Councillor Shital Manro, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes, emphasised that the CIL will ensure new developments benefit all residents by funding essential community facilities. The levy is part of the council’s broader strategy to support good growth, making the borough greener and more resilient to climate change.

The introduction of CIL is expected to raise several million pounds annually, supporting new community facilities and infrastructure projects.

In contrast, S106 agreements have been a crucial tool for funding local facilities and affordable housing. Since 2022, Ealing has raised almost £27 million through S106, investing in projects like the relocation and refurbishment of Hillcrest Surgery, the expansion of John Chilton School, and cycling improvements across the borough. S106 has also funded the Merrick Road pedestrian bridge and the refurbishment of the Young Adult Centre in Southall, enhancing local amenities and accessibility.

Overall, the shift to include CIL alongside S106 reflects Ealing’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. By diversifying funding sources, the council aims to meet the infrastructure demands of a growing population while preserving local heritage and character.

The CIL will provide a steady stream of funding for essential services, ensuring that development is accompanied by the necessary infrastructure to support residents’ needs. This approach aligns with the council’s ambitious targets for good growth, which include protecting conservation areas, enhancing local employment, and fostering responsible investment through initiatives like the Good for Ealing programme.

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