Pay more for schools and GPS, Gove tells developers

DEVELOPERS will be forced to contribute more money towards new GP surgeries and schools in an attempt to persuade reluctant communities to accept more homes.

Michael Gove will today unveil details of a new “infrastructure levy”, which will ensure housebuilders pay a fairer share for affordable housing and local infrastructure such as roads.

The Levelling Up Secretary is to bring in new powers for town halls to set the size of the levy, and will ensure that nearby neighbourhoods are consulted on how the money is spent.

“Central to our levelling-up mission is ensuring local communities can take back control,” said Mr Gove. “The infrastructure levy will do just that – giving local leaders the tools to bring forward more affordable housing and the transport links, schools and GP surgeries their communities need.

“It will also speed up delivery and put an end to lengthy negotiations with developers seeking to shirk their responsibility.” He is concerned that developers currently do not contribute enough, because the system allows them to negotiate down the amount they contribute to the community.

Under the proposals, the amount developers will have to pay will be calculated once a project is complete, instead of at the stage the site is given planning permission, making sure councils benefit from land value rises, which can be significant for developments that take years to complete.