Powers to deal with land etc.
Section 8 - Powers to deal with land etc.
25.The HCA will be able to acquire, hold, improve, manage, reclaim, repair or dispose of housing or other land or property, or facilitate these activities. It will also be able to carry out building and other operations, including the demolition or conversion of buildings, or facilitate such operations. These powers are modelled on those of the Urban Regeneration Agency.
Section 9 - Acquisition of land
26.The HCA may need to acquire land in order to achieve its objects. The HCA will therefore be able to purchase land by agreement or may, where authorised to do so by the Secretary of State, acquire land and new rights over land compulsorily. This section is modelled on the powers of the Urban Regeneration Agency under section 162 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
27.This section also introduces Schedule 2.
Section 10 - Restrictions on disposal of land
28.The HCA is not permitted to dispose of land for less than the best consideration it can reasonably obtain, unless the Secretary of State consents (section 48 provides that the Secretary of State may give consent, where required under Part 1, generally or specifically). The restriction to dispose of land for less than best consideration does not apply where the HCA proposes to dispose of land by granting or assigning a short tenancy, that is to say of a term of seven years or less.
29.Unless the Secretary of State consents, the HCA is not permitted to dispose of land that it has acquired by way of compulsory purchase. Such a disposal would also be subject to the restrictions on disposal at less than best consideration. Aside from this, the HCA may dispose of land held by it in any way it considers appropriate.
