Plans to unlock development with ‘simple and modern’ compulsory purchase orders

After a call for views on compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), which found widespread support for change, the Scottish Government plans to bring forward legislation to ensure they can be used to their full potential.

Plans include:

• introducing a single Compulsory Purchase Act to make the approval process faster and more certain
• providing more flexible powers, rather than authorities having to acquire land permanently in all cases
• digitising the process by allowing CPO notices and documents to be served electronically, with consistent data standards
• reviewing compensation rules to ensure they are fair to owners and acquiring authorities

Public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The legal framework governing compulsory purchase in Scotland is old, complex and fragmented, with core parts of the legislation dating back almost two centuries.

“In modernising the system, we want to encourage authorities to make positive and proactive use of their powers. This can help deliver projects ranging from bringing empty homes back into use to major infrastructure development.

“At the same time, we are clear that a reformed system needs to ensure that those affected are given opportunities to challenge, are treated with respect and are compensated fairly.

“These proposed changes will make Scotland’s CPO system simpler, more streamlined and fairer for all.”