DUP Democratic Unionist Party : McIlveen moves forward on Land acquisition and Compensation Bill

Regional Development Minister, Michelle McIlveen has sought Executive agreement on the introduction of a Land Acquisition and Compensation Bill.

The Minister is seeking accelerated passage for the Bill which would bring compensation levels for landowners in Northern Ireland affected by compulsory land purchase on a par with England and Wales.

Michelle McIlveen said: 'There is clearly an anomaly in respect of compensation payments for landowners whose land is vested, usually as a result of major road schemes. In England and Wales, landowners receive up to an additional 10 percent top up payment as compensation for the loss of their land but this does not apply here.

'With the prospect of two major road schemes starting construction this year, namely the A5 and the A6, it is only fair that the many landowners who will be impacted are compensated fairly.'

Seeking accelerated passage of the Bill will enable it to be debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly with the prospect of it being introduced before the Summer this year.

Concluding the Minister said: 'There will be financial implications for some departments as a result of this Bill, with my own Department being most affected. However, it cannot be right for people in Northern Ireland not to enjoy the same entitlements as those enjoyed by citizens in England and Wales.'

Notes to editors:
1. The top up compensation applicable in England and Wales refers to the 10% maximum compensation payable under the Planning and Compulsory Purchases Act 2004, which introduced a 7.5% Basic Loss Payment (BLP) and a 2.5% Occupiers Loss Payment (OLP). The same legislation abolished the Farm Loss Payment (FLP) in England. Farm Loss Payments remain payable in Northern Ireland but will be removed by the proposed amendment.

2. The proposed legislation would amend the 1973 Order in order to, for example, introduce a mechanism to provide for Basic Loss Payment, Occupier's Loss Payment and to abolish Farm Loss Payments.

3. The proposed amendments will not apply to any land or property compulsorily acquired before the amendments take effect.