Camberwell Referendum on Infrastructure Levy: Revenue Allocation for Road Repairs and Housing Projects

The Camberwell Borough Council ballot measure on 12 September proposes a 2 per cent levy on new commercial developments valued above £2 million, with proceeds earmarked for local infrastructure under the 2026 Infrastructure Levy Act. The policy would collect an estimated £3.4 million annually, according to the council's budget papers released in May. Large-scale property firms and some commercial tenants stand to face higher project costs, while the measure channels resources to designated road and housing accounts rather than general revenue.

Why the referendum arrives now

Council documents show that Camberwell Road resurfacing and drainage work has been deferred since 2023 due to a £1.9 million shortfall in the highways maintenance budget. The legislation states that levy receipts must support projects listed in the 2027 capital plan, which includes 85 new affordable homes at the Benhill Estate and pavement repairs around Denmark Hill station. Local advocates note that the timing aligns with the expiry of the current five-year transport grant from Transport for London.

Residents living near Camberwell Green would see targeted spending on bus lane resurfacing and cycle racks if the measure passes, while households on the Benhill Estate could gain access to the additional housing units projected for completion by 2029. Property owners in the SE5 postcode area outside the designated zones would not receive direct allocations from the levy, as the legislation restricts use to the two named project lists. Small retail operators on Camberwell Church Street could encounter higher rents if developers pass on the levy costs through increased commercial lease rates.

The council's financial model projects that 60 per cent of levy income will fund the road works and 40 per cent the housing component, based on figures in the May budget papers. This split means the measure would add roughly 1,200 metres of repaired carriageway on Camberwell Road in the first year of collection and support construction of the 85 units at Benhill Estate.

Next steps for voters

Ballot packs will be mailed to all registered Camberwell electors by 20 August, with voting open until 10pm on 12 September at polling stations including the Camberwell Library and St Giles Church hall. The council has stated that results will determine whether the listed projects receive funding in the 2027-28 capital programme or remain on the deferred list.