Concern over levy scheme anomalies

OLDHAM’S Liberal Democrat group has voiced concern over a new proposed local levy scheme, which will replace planning contributions.

Oldham Council has conducted public consultation on its proposed Community Infrastructure Levy, which can be charged by local authorities on new developments. The levy has been introduced by the Government to make arrangements fairer and more transparent.

The Government has decided how much of the levy can be spent in the area in which the development lies, but allows the local authority to decide the amount.

Oldham liberals believe the Government is wrong to insist that only 15 per cent of the levy can be spent in the local ward, and the other 85 per cent goes to the council.

Councillor Dave Murphy, shadow cabinet member for transport, planning and housing, said the group wants the council to determine how much of the levy in each ward goes to the ward.

Councillor Murphy added: “We believe ward boundaries are a crude determinant in setting the levy. Homes built in Woodhouses, a high value property area, are in a wider area that attracts a nil levy; while Lees - an area of entry-level properties - is in Saddleworth, the highest levy area.

“We believe the authority should use postcode areas as a more discerning determinant.”