Homeowner Support in Administering the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Received: 24 September 2025
Dear FOI team,I am writing under the Freedom of Information Act to request records, documentation, or information regarding how your Council assists homeowners with queries and understanding the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).By way of context: I am a homeowner in Merton and, during a large extension project, I experienced significant difficulties with CIL processes. Due to not receiving clear or timely information, my exemption form was submitted late and I was charged £86,000. My neighbour, who had just been widowed and left to raise three children alone, faced a similar situation and was charged £56,000, now increased with interest to £64,000.I share this background not to ask for case-specific action, but to illustrate why I am seeking to understand what support mechanisms other Councils put in place for homeowners in navigating CIL requirements.Specifically, I request any of the following (if held):*Published guidelines, policies, or internal procedures used to advise and assist homeowners regarding CIL. For example: *Is CIL mentioned at pre-application meetings? *Is CIL Form 1 part of the validation process? *Is explanatory material provided with the Decision/ Planning Notice or separately? *How is the liability notice served?*Do homeowners/ developers receive any reminders?*Training materials or briefings provided to planning/CIL staff on handling homeowner/ developer inquiries.*Records of internal reviews, audits, or correspondence relating to CIL guidance and homeowner/ developer support.*Documentation showing how the Council seeks to ensure fairness, transparency, and a duty of care in administering CIL for homeowners/ developers.*Any other relevant information about how your Council supports residents/ developers in understanding and complying with CIL requirements.I appreciate that this is a broad request, but I hope it can be fulfilled within FOI parameters. If the scope needs narrowing, I would be grateful for your advice on how best to refine it.Thank you for your assistance, and please let me know if you require any further clarification.
Outcome / Documents
- Response (all information to be supplied) - application/pdf - Download