Decision details

1. Policy decision on the principle of using CPO powers to acquire derelict residential property under the Housing Acts powers.

3. If it is decided to use these powers, how to fund future CPOs.

  Authorised the Director of Operational Services to appoint Environmental Health Officers and Environmental Health Enforcement Officers to exercise the powers of entry set out in Section 54 of the Housing Act 1985 and Section 15 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 for the purpose of survey or examination of property to determine if Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers should be exercised or progressed, requested further reports to Cabinet addressing those properties considered suitable for CPO, the case for CPO, the statement of reasons and a draft CPO.  Authorised the Head of Environment and Community Health Services to submit orders approved by the Cabinet to the Secretary of State for confirmation and to complete the CPO procedure and the Head of Housing Services to seek a developer prepared to take over any property acquired by CPO from the Council at the established market value and that any transfer of ownership be on these terms; and agreed that the cost of a CPO procedure, estimated at £21.6k per property, be funded from the Repairs Assistance budget subject to a maximum of two acquirements per annum.

In order to acquire empty property, as a last resort, when all other measures have failed.