Compulsory purchase orders
What does it mean?
Liverpool City Council has the power to acquire property for certain purposes, even if the owner does not want to sell. The law gives us powers to do this where buildings or land that are privately owned are needed to be improved or redeveloped for the benefit of the area.
It is important for local authorities and other public bodies to use compulsory purchase powers to bring together the land needed to help deliver change.
Used properly, such powers can help with good urban regeneration, the revitalisation of communities, and the promotion of business. These all lead to improvements in the quality of life.
Those who have compulsory purchase powers - whether at local, regional or national level - are encouraged to consider using them pro-actively wherever appropriate to bring real gains to residents and the business community.
Compulsory Purchase Orders within Liverpool have to be authorised by the City Council.
How does it happen?
Compulsory Purchase is a legal process. The basic steps are as follows:
- The City Council authorise an Order.
- The Order is made and submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State.
- Notification of the Order is served on all those having an interest in the land.
Objections and Public Inquiries
After the steps listed above have been carried out, objections can be made. Anyone can object to the Order, not just those having interests in the land concerned.
If the objections are not withdrawn, a Public Local Inquiry will be held. This is open to the public and, at the Inspector's discretion, it may be possible for anyone else whose land or property is the subject of the Order to be heard.
Following the Inquiry, the Secretary of State will then issue his decision. This can either be:
- that he confirms the Order, or
- he confirms the Order with modification (that is, he may take some of the properties out of the Order), or
- he does not confirm the Order.
If the Order is agreed, the City Council will proceed to take possession of the property.
If there are no objections, an Inquiry will not be held - and the Secretary of State will make his decision as above.
Compensation for those affected
Anyone whose land is acquired by Compulsory Purchase will be compensated for the loss of their property.
The rules of compensation are complex, but as a general principle, no owner should be worse off as a result of compulsory purchase. For instance, if the property concerned is where you live, either the City Council will re-house you or you will receive enough compensation to set up a new home.
Why we need to acquire land:
Although Compulsory Purchase is a way to get land, it is usually done as part of a wider initiative. This may be a regeneration scheme or a City Centre redevelopment scheme. These are subject in their own right to consultation with local communities.
There will always be opportunities for individuals to make their views known about the proposals.
Do you want to know more?
You can find out more about Compulsory Purchase Orders on The Department for Communities and Local Government website