The legal team at Great Yarmouth Borough Council has expanded to launch a bespoke consultancy service for other local authorities on how to make better use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to alleviate housing problems.


Despite a government push to use CPOs to bring empty homes back into use, the council's solicitor, Chris Skinner, said authorities often lack confidence and expertise.



'Many councils have lost the skills needed to undertake them, they are a bit unsure of the law and don't want to delve into areas that are grey and murky... but they really are an ideal solution for empty homes in particular,' Mr Skinner said.



The council's enhanced consultancy service, aided by a new CPO legal officer, will offer advice on the entire process - from compiling reports seeking to make an order through to advertising them and dealing with objections. It costs £1,500 for straightforward orders and a further £70 per hour for contested ones.



Anita Rice