Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, has raised critical questions in Holyrood regarding the Scottish Government’s commitment to modernising the compulsory purchase system.
During yesterday’s Portfolio Questions session, Ms Burgess highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive powers to address the blight of abandoned buildings and derelict land, which are crucial for building community wealth.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been promising to introduce Compulsory Sales Orders (CSOs) since 2015.
Despite bringing forward legislation during the previous session of Parliament, these commitments have been significantly watered down by the Scottish Government over the years.
Commenting after the exchange, Ms Burgess said:
“Communities and local authorities require a range of powers, including Compulsory Sales Orders and Compulsory Rental Orders, to effectively tackle vacant and derelict properties.
“It is essential that these powers allow for the acquisition of properties at fair prices, disregarding speculative ‘hope value’.
“As has been done in England, to ensure that public sector and community efforts are not financially burdened.”
In Chamber, the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee, acknowledged the complexity and outdated nature of the current compulsory purchase legislation.
He confirmed that an advisory group has been established to review and improve the legislation and indicated that the reform could contribute to outcomes associated with Compulsory Sales Orders, such as bringing more vacant properties back into use.
However, he stopped short of committing to their inclusion in the upcoming consultation.
Ms Burgess said:
“Compulsory Sales Orders and Rental Orders are critical tools for transforming abandoned buildings and derelict land into assets that build community wealth.
“With local government finances under severe strain, it is imperative that the Scottish Government provides the necessary powers and fair pricing mechanisms to enable effective action.
“I will continue to advocate for robust measures to empower communities and local authorities in tackling the persistent issue of vacant and derelict properties.
“The upcoming consultation on the modernisation of the compulsory purchase system presents a crucial opportunity for the Scottish Government to fulfil its long-standing promises and support sustainable development across Scotland.”
