West Midlands Authority Considers Compulsory Purchase to Tackle Housing Crisis
Calls have emerged for the West Midlands Combined Authority to utilise compulsory purchase powers, targeting landowners accused of holding sites hostage to facilitate much-needed housing development across the region.
The authority's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recently deliberated on obstacles hindering housing projects, with Committee Chair Councillor Andrew Burrow questioning the potential application of compulsory purchase orders to acquire brownfield land for redevelopment purposes.
Alarming Housing Statistics Highlight Urgent Need
Latest data reveals a staggering 65,335 households are currently on social housing waiting lists throughout the West Midlands. Additionally, 7,450 households, which include 14,976 children, are residing in temporary accommodation, underscoring the severity of the housing shortage.
Councillor Burrow explicitly asked, "Has any thought been given to the Combined Authority getting compulsory purchase powers to try and overcome issues, particularly where we've got sites held to hostage by particular land owners."
Authority's Powers and Ongoing Discussions
Officers confirmed that discussions are actively being held with Homes England regarding how such compulsory purchase powers might be effectively deployed to advance housing schemes. Rob Lamond, Head of Strategy and Analysis, noted that while the authority possesses CPO powers, it has "never used them for housing purposes" historically.
The authority has previously employed compulsory purchase orders for transport-related projects, but local authorities typically take the lead on housing CPOs. In contrast, Homes England wields more extensive powers, enabling them to initiate orders without fully agreed schemes in place.
Progress and Future Implications
Thousands of homes have been unlocked through WMCA-funded initiatives in recent years, yet the persistent housing crisis demands further action. The exploration of compulsory purchase orders represents a potential strategic shift to accelerate brownfield site regeneration and alleviate the pressing housing deficit in the West Midlands.
