DCLG issues guidance for local authorities on disposal of land assets

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published guidance for local authorities on disposals of their land assets as well as the supporting measures on offer.

The move follows an announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in last week’s Budget that councils would be expected to work with central government to release surplus land with the capacity for at least 160,000 homes.

The guidance, which can be viewed here, covers:

• The local authority role: transparency; disposals;
• The Government’s offer: One Public Estate; Starter Homes; flexibility in the use of assets; support from the Homes & Communities Agency; garden villages, towns and cities;
• Further technical guidance: disposal of assets at less than best consideration; valuation standards; OJEU and delivering through a Partner Panel; HCA assistance.

The DCLG announced earlier this month that – from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2019 – local authorities would be able to spend receipts from asset sales (excluding Right to Buy) on the revenue costs of reform projects, subject to conditions set out in a direction from the Secretary of State dated 11 March 2016.