The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can impose on new developments to help fund infrastructure projects needed to support growth. Essentially, it's a way for councils to secure funding for things like schools, transport, and community facilities from developers, ensuring that new developments contribute to the infrastructure required to support them. 

Purpose: CIL is designed to fund infrastructure projects like schools, transport improvements, and community facilities that are needed to support new developments.

How it works: Local authorities set a levy (a charge) on new development, typically based on the size and type of development.

Who pays: Developers of most new buildings over a certain size (often 100 square meters or more, or those creating new dwellings) are liable to pay the CIL.

What it funds: CIL can be used for a wide range of infrastructure projects, including schools, transport, health facilities, and community spaces.

Local authority control: The funds raised through CIL are controlled by the local authority and are used to address the infrastructure needs of the area.

Not a replacement for other contributions: CIL is in addition to other planning obligations like Section 106 agreements, which may still be used to secure other types of contributions from developers.

Exemptions: Certain types of development or extensions may be exempt from CIL, but it's important to check the specific regulations of the local authority.