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How to avoid tripping up when you apply for your CIL exemption

Of all the self build topics I get asked about, the most prevalent is exemptions from taxes and levies, such as Section 106 (S106) agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The S106 issue was resolved in May when the high court restored the government’s advice that projects of 10 homes or fewer with a cumulative floor area of no more than 1,000m2 should not be liable.

CIL immunity for self builders is enshrined in law. However, I’m continuing to hear incredible stories of individuals doing their best to claim the exemption yet still being hit with enormous fines for failing to follow bureaucratic processes or missing technical details. In some cases, the bills have exceeded £50,000 and have effectively killed the project dead. It’s bewildering that omitting a piece of paper, or getting over-enthusiastic and digging a hole without permission, can result in such eye-watering fees. The penalties are lacking in proportion to the wrongdoing committed and, in my opinion, are nothing short of scandalous.