The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) can only be used to fund infrastructure, including transport, flood defences, schools, hospitals, and other health and social care facilities.

According to guidelines issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the wide definition allows CIL to be used to fund a very broad range of facilities such as play areas, parks and green spaces, cultural and sports facilities, academies and free schools, district heating schemes and police stations and other community safety facilities. This gives local areas the opportunity to choose what infrastructure they need to deliver their local plan.

Note that CIL cannot be used to deliver affordable housing.

In London, the Mayor’s levy can only be spent to fund roads or other transport facilities, including Crossrail, to ensure a balance between the spending priorities of the boroughs and the Mayor.