To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will take steps to make the public aware of the right to make Public Requests Ordering Disposal under Section 98 of the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980. (103849)

Public Requests Ordering Disposal (PROD) were introduced in the early 1980’s as a device to encourage derelict land and buildings to be sold for development although their use has been limited due to the nature of the process involved. The Government have already given local authorities greater responsibility for encouraging re-use of derelict land and buildings through the planning system and through their empty homes powers.

The Quirk Review is considering the scope for facilitating community management and ownership of assets and we will await its recommendations regarding whether there is a need to take steps to promote public awareness of their right to make PRODs as a part of this review.