G15 response to Building Safety Levy consultation

The G15, the group of London’s largest housing associations, has responded to the government’s consultation on the proposal to introduce a Building Safety Levy as part of the Building Safety Bill. The proceeds of this tax would contribute to building safety remediation works.

The G15 support the levy in principle, as it will help to raise funds for vital remediation works.

The upmost priority of G15 members is keeping their residents safe. Over the next 15 years, are members estimate that they will invest £3.6 billion into building safety remedial works. This is the equivalent to building 72,000 homes which are needed across the country and in London.

In response to the consultation, we make clear that:

• Providers of affordable housing exempt from the proposed Building Safety Levy.
• There should be a mechanism whereby the Building Safety Levy can be clawed-back if any part of a building in respect of which the levy was paid is subsequently transferred to a registered provider of social housing and used to provide affordable homes.
• Affordable housing providers and 100% subsidiaries to be exempt from paying the levy when entering joint ventures with private developers, which is consistent with the Residential Property Developer Tax.

The G15 are keen to work with the government on this important issue and share the ambition to ensure that every home is safe to live in. You can read our full response below.