2027 RICS Community Infrastructure Levy Index published

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) has published the RICS Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Index for 2027, which shows an increase of 3.0% on the previous year.

The index, which rose from 400 in 2026 to 412 for 2027, is used by local authorities to apply inflation adjustments to rates in CIL charging schedules. They can levy CIL on new development in their area to help fund infrastructure such as roads, schools and flood defences. The new figure applies to charges calculated from 1 January 2027.

The annual index is based on the BCIS All-in Tender Price Index, which measures changes in the prices contractors charge for building work. The 2027 figure reflects tender prices from the final quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2026.

Karl Horton, data services director at BCIS, said: "The Community Infrastructure Levy helps local authorities fund the infrastructure needed to support development. Indexation keeps charging rates in line with changes in tender prices, so the levy continues to find a comparable level of infrastructure over time.

"For developers and their advisers, the increase needs to be reflected in development budgets alongside construction costs, finance and other obligations. Understanding these costs early helps project teams assess scheme viability."

The amount payable is generally calculated using the net additional chargeable floor area and the rate for the relevant development type, adjusted for indexation. Each authority sets out its rates in its charging schedule, and reliefs and exemptions available in specified circumstances.

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Editors notes

About the RICS CIL Index

The RICS CIL Index is prepared, maintained and published by BCIS on behalf of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), with the support of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Each year’s index is the average of the BCIS All-in Tender Price Index for four quarters, rounded to the nearest whole number. For the 2027 index, these are the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first three quarters of 2026.

The index is published on the fourth Monday in October each year and is not normally subject to revision.

View the RICS CIL Index and figures for previous years.

Read the government’s Community Infrastructure Levy guidance.

About BCIS

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) is the leading independent provider of construction data to the built environment and insurance sectors. For some 60 years, BCIS has been collecting, collating, analysing, modelling and interpreting cost information to support built environment professionals, helping them provide cost advice, to have confidence in commercial decision-making and to mitigate risk.