CPO Talking Heads: March 2026

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CPO Talking Heads: March 2026:
The Planning and Infrastructure Act: Post-Royal Assent Implementation









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When: Monday 2 March 2026
Location: Virtual Monthly Discussion
Timings: Registration: 12.55, Start: 13.00; Close: 14.00
CPD Hours: 1 Hours
Price: Free for CPA Members (£55 + VAT for Non Members)
Following the Royal Assent of the Planning and Infrastructure legislation, this session of CPO Talking Heads will provide perspective on the commencement of reforms. With six of the ten compulsory purchase (CPO) sections automatically in force from January 2026, and the remaining four due to commence in February 2026 via secondary legislation, this presentation offers timely insight into how the new regime will operate in practice. The briefing will explore the nuances of the reforms and what they seek to achieve. If you advise, implement or operate in the compulsory purchase and compensation space, this event is essential for staying ahead of the curve.

The session will include:

Commencement:
  • Six CPO sections automatically commenced two months after Royal Assent.
  • Four further reforms requiring secondary legislation, effective February 2026.
  • Conditional confirmation reforms under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 also coming into force.
Practical Implication:
  • Delegation of decision-making on CPOs, hope value directions, and compensation claims.
  • Earlier possession powers for acquiring authorities under general vesting declarations.
  • Adjustments to landlord/occupier loss payments and exclusions for home loss.
Operational Changes:
  • Electronic service of notices and streamlined publicity requirements.
  • Changes to temporary possession provisions across consenting regimes.
  • Extension of hope value removal to affordable/social housing acquisitions.
Policy Direction:
  • Government’s response to consultation feedback and its limited impact.
  • What the reforms signal about the future of compulsory purchase practice.
  • Interaction with ongoing Law Commission reforms.
Speakers:
Andrew Ward, Lead on Compulsory Purchase Policy and Reform, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
John Sayer, Head of Regeneration, Ardent; Past Chair of The CPA

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