An overhaul of the rules that govern how councils and infrastructure companies like HS2 Ltd can compulsorily purchase land is a vital piece in the puzzle for delivering economic growth. That’s the message the CLA has delivered to the Chancellor as he prepares his final Budget for this Parliament.

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and other rural businesses, has written to George Osborne as part of its long-running campaign for reforming the law on compulsory purchase. The letter comes in response to a speech made by the Chancellor in January stating his intention to consult on reforms to the make the compulsory purchase system clearer, fairer and faster.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The Government has identified that we need to build more roads, railways, power stations and much more. These projects are a vital part of our economic future, but each one has implications for the lives and livelihoods of thousands of home and business owners.  Reforms delivered in the right way can prevent conflict, reduce delays and remove uncertainty. 

“We want to see a system that ensures businesses, home and landowners are paid a fair value, on time and are helped to buy new land or property without delays or unfair taxes.”

Read a copy of the CLA’s letter to the Chancellor in full here

Chancellor George Osborne delivered a speech to the Royal Economic Society on 14 January in which he that he would make changes to the compulsory purchase system to speed up big infrastructure projects. Read extracts from the Chancellor’s lecture on economic policy here

Read the CLA’s policy on reforming the compulsory purchase system Fair Play here