Government backs down over CIL

HCA to trial self-build with five pilots and £30m fund

The Homes and Communities Agency is set to release a series of pilot land parcels for self-build projects as part of a government push on the low-cost development model.

New tax could hamper affordable homes

Councils could set new development taxes so high that house builders will not be able to afford to provide affordable housing, the National Housing Federation has warned.

Viable questions

No cash left for low-cost homes

Councils are dropping affordable housing targets to prioritise more lucrative types of development, the National Housing Federation has warned.

Spending cuts blamed for rising benefit bill

Housing bodies have blamed swingeing government spending cuts for adding nearly £2 billion to the cost of housing benefit over the next five years.

A charitable case for relief

Exemptions from CIL are available but it’s advisable to check the details, says Mark Burrows, associate at Penningtons Solicitors

Avoid the levy

Social landlords should be exempt from paying the community infrastructure levy, but they must be vigilant, says Karen Howe

Tax break

Landlords can have their say on a new levy which could increase affordable housing provision, says Katherine Evans

Knocking down barriers

Finance Bill reforms aim to make it easier and cheaper to invest in the housing market. James Duncan, partner at Winckworth Sherwood, explains

A new public right of way?

The government’s latest announcement underpins the trend towards treating housing associations as public bodies. Philip Heath, partner, and Jane Plant, associate, at Weightmans, explain