Decision

RESOLVED:

1. Cabinet approved CNC Building Control to manage and administer the Building Safety Levy (BSL) on behalf of the Council;
2. Approval of the transfer of the new burdens funding to CNC Building Control, subject to an agreed retention by the Council to cover its own administrative and oversight costs.
3. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Environment and Planning, in consultation with the portfolio holder for Planning and licensing and Section 151 Officer to agree the financial arrangements (including retained costs and the operational and reporting protocols).
4. Approve that CNC submits BSL returns on behalf of the Council, subject to the appropriate oversight and assurance arrangements agreed by the Section 151 Officer

REASON FOR DECISION: The Building Safety Levy is a statutory requirement which must be implemented by October 2026.  Given that the levy is intrinsically linked to building control functions and that CNC Building Control already provides this service on behalf of the Council, it is considered that CNC are best placed to deliver this function efficiently and consistently across partner authorities.

The proposal provides a robust, cost-effective and lower-risk solution subject to

appropriate governance, financial oversight and assurance arrangements.