§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend regulations concerning local authority powers for compulsory purchase of buildings to facilitate regeneration. [135566]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe final report of the expert Advisory Group set up to undertake a fundamental review of the laws and procedures relating to compulsory purchase and compensation were published on 27 July 2000. Copies of the report were placed in the Library. The Group concluded that new legislation was needed to clarify and modernise CPO powers, procedures and compensation provisions, while retaining the present approach of ensuring that individual rights are protected. Comments on the Advisory Group's conclusions were invited by 13 October. We will now consider the proposals put forward by the Group, the comments made on them and all other suggestions made in the course of the review. I hope that we will be in a position to make an announcement on proposals for reform early in the new year. This will include consideration of local authority powers in relation to regeneration.