Burnham to give powers to CPO slum landlords

Prospective Labour Party leader Andy Burnham is calling for local councils to be given the power to Compulsory Purchase slum landlords in an effort to regenerate towns or cities.

This is nothing new.  Councils already have substantial powers to CPO properties where it is in the public interest.  They also have significant powers under the Empty Homes Premium to charge penal rates of Council Tax.  Despite this a recent report by the BBC reports that many councils are not using this power, this includes many Labour Councils.

It appears yet again for a politician calling for more powers to act when the reality is that they are already there but remain unused.

Landlord insurance - professional rates - online