CPO Talking Heads: March 2026

The Planning and Infrastructure Act: Post-Royal Assent Implementation

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 CPA have partnered with CPT Events to bring you CPO Talking Heads.

Start Date	Venue	Price
2 March 2026	Virtual Monthly Discussion	£55	BOOK

Note: All prices are to be paid in GBP and are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate

Event duration: 1 Hour Topical Panel Discussion.
Registration from: 12.55. Event starts at: 13.00. Event finishes at: 14.00.

Booking Note for CPA Members: The CPA discount code needs to be added during the booking process, followed by selecting 'invoice' to complete your booking.

March's Talking Heads

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

Programme

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.