The Government has updated its guidance on the compulsory purchase process by introducing what they argue is a ‘clearer way’ to assess compensation.
Compulsory purchase powers enable public bodies, such as local authorities, to acquire land compulsorily for projects deemed to be in the public interest.
However, the use of these powers - known as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) - can give rise to disputes around compensation.
Claimants often complain compensation is inadequate or late, and the acquiring authorities often blame low quality information provided in support of compensation claims.
In order to address this, the Government last week replaced what it described as ‘obscurely worded statute’ with ‘straightforward, modern terms’, and also introduced a new first standard claim form.
‘This Government is committed to making compulsory purchase simpler, fairer and faster,’ said housing minister Alok Sharma.
‘That is why the measures we are introducing include a clearer way to assess compensation - replacing obscurely worded legislation and over 100 years of confusing case law.
‘We are also introducing a new form to make it easier for claimants to get the compensation they are entitled to, and help acquiring authorities get the information they need to assess claims more quickly.’
