Stafford MP proposes law change to tackle neglected buildings in town centres

Stafford MP Leigh Ingham has announced a proposal to change the law surrounding neglected buildings, arguing that councils face unnecessary financial barriers when trying to improve town centres and neighbourhoods.

The Labour MP has launched a campaign called No Reward For Neglect and says she has proposed a Bill in Parliament aimed at changing the costs councils can face when using compulsory purchase powers against owners of buildings that have fallen into disrepair.

Ingham is encouraging residents to support the campaign through a petition on her website. The link for the petition is: https://www.leighingham.co.uk/take-action/no-reward-for-neglect

What would the proposed law change?

The campaign focuses on the costs associated with compulsory purchase orders, commonly known as CPOs.

A compulsory purchase order allows a public authority, including a council, to acquire land or property without the owner’s agreement where the legal requirements are met. The powers can be used to support redevelopment and regeneration projects.

Under existing legislation, acquiring authorities are generally responsible for certain reasonable legal costs associated with the purchase, including the costs of transferring ownership. Other compensation and professional fees may also be payable depending on the circumstances.

Ingham argues that the current arrangements can create financial difficulties for councils seeking to acquire properties that have been allowed to deteriorate.

She believes the rules should be changed so councils are not required to cover certain costs incurred by owners whose properties have been left neglected.

The precise legal changes proposed, including which costs would be affected and how neglect would be established, have not been detailed in the campaign statement.

Concerns about empty buildings in Stafford

The proposal follows previous concerns raised by Ingham about vacant and deteriorating buildings in Stafford.

During a House of Commons sitting on 12 January 2026, she asked the Government what support could be offered to councils attempting to tackle long-term vacant properties and bring sites back into use.

She told Parliament that several prominent buildings in Stafford had remained vacant for extended periods and said Stafford Borough Council was attempting to address the situation.

Responding at the time, Housing and Planning Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh referred to measures including high street rental auctions, compulsory purchase powers and the community right to buy.

Petition launched for Stafford residents

Ingham has now launched an online petition as part of her No Reward For Neglect campaign.

The petition argues that councils should face fewer financial obstacles when taking action against properties that have been allowed to deteriorate.

Ingham says the proposed legislation is intended to help local authorities take action to improve high streets and neighbourhoods.

The campaign does not identify specific Stafford buildings or property owners in its published statement.

Residents can read the campaign and access the petition through Leigh Ingham’s website.

https://www.leighingham.co.uk/take-action/no-reward-for-neglect