The use of compulsory leasing powers is set to be piloted by four councils as the government explores ways of bringing empty properties back into use more quickly.
Hammersmith & Fulham, Southampton, Sheffield and Salford councils have discussed with officials from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister the idea of setting up compulsory leasing pilot areas.

Under the proposals, the councils would be able to take over the lease of a property deemed to be empty, make it habitable and then recoup their spending by renting it to a new tenant. The property would only return to its owner after the money spent on renovation had been recovered through rent payments.

The proposal is understood to have the backing of housing minister Lord Rooker, who has indicated that a consultation paper on the subject could come next year, and the ODPM, which sees compulsory leasing as faster and less severe than compulsory purchase orders.

But an ODPM spokeswoman said compulsory leasing would only be made available to councils as a last resort, in addition to existing remedies such as voluntary leasing.

The plans are being considered despite measures in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, published this month, that aim to make compulsory orders faster and fairer.