This consultation has now closed.

The government launched a consultation on 19 December 2024 seeking views on a range of proposals aimed at implementing technical reforms to the compulsory purchase process to make it cheaper, quicker and fairer.

The government made the case that it is right to remove hope value from the assessment of compensation when schemes deliver benefits for communities which are in the public interest.

The NFU has submitted a response to the consultation incorporating members’ views and highlighting concerns around the proposal to allow for the removal of hope value in CPOs made on behalf of parish/town councils and also responding to proposed changes to the Compulsory Purchase Process.

NFU members can log in and read the response in full: NFU response to compulsory purchase and compensation consultation.

The NFU's feedback form has now closed. We will publish our response shortly.

The government is concerned there is a significant amount of suitable land available for housing which is currently lying vacant or is under-utilised and not coming forward for development or, where it is coming forward for development, the provision of affordable housing offered on those sites is below the minimum ask of the local authority.

It is stating the reforms will ensure the process for compulsorily acquiring land with a direction to remove the payment of hope value for schemes in the public interest is more efficient.

Also, that the balance of the assessment of compensation awarded to landowners is fair and quicker decisions on CPOs (compulsory purchase orders) can be made allowing schemes in the public interest to progress.

The government supports the approach of removing hope value compensation by the issuing of directions where CPO powers are being used to facilitate schemes which deliver vital public benefits such as affordable and social housing, schools and health facilities providing there is justification in the public interest.