Part 9: Compulsory Purchase Procedure Section 181: Online publicity Effect
This section makes certain documents and notices available online while ensuring that those who do not have internet access are able to find the information they need in local newspapers or in physical locations.
	Subsection (1) explains this section amends the 1981 Act.
	Subsection (2) inserts a new definition of ‘appropriate website’ into the 1981 Act. This is a website that the public can reasonably be expected to find and access.
	Subsection (3) amends section 11 of the 1981 Act which sets out the requirements to publish notice of a CPO in local newspaper(s) prior to submitting a CPO for confirmation. It:
introduces a new additional requirement for acquiring authorities to publish the notice on an appropriate website for 21 days
introduces a new additional requirement for the notice to specify a website where the CPO and associated map can be viewed
requires that the notice should specify the final date for making objections
gives confirming authorities a new power to direct that the existing requirement for a notice to name a place where a CPO and map can be viewed does not apply. This power can only be exercised where the confirming authority is satisfied that there are special circumstances which mean it is impractical for the acquiring authority to make the documents available in a physical location.
	Subsection (4) amends section 12 of the 1981 Act which sets out the requirements to notify certain persons prior to submitting a CPO for confirmation. It introduces a new requirement for the notice to include details of a website where a CPO and associated map can be viewed. It also requires that the notice should specify the final date for making objections.
	Subsection (5) inserts a new section 12A into the 1981 Act. This new section explains what the final day for making objections to a CPO is. The time period for making objections has not changed. This section is only needed to clarify the position following the introduction of the additional requirements to publish notices under sections 11 and 12 of the 1981 Act on an appropriate website.
	Subsection (6) amends section 15 of the 1981 Act which sets out requirements to publish notices after a CPO has been confirmed. It:
introduces a new additional requirement for acquiring authorities to publish the notice on an appropriate website for 6 weeks;
introduces a new additional requirement for the notice to specify a website where a CPO and associated map can be viewed; and
gives confirming authorities a new power to direct that the existing requirement for a notice to name a place where a CPO and map can be viewed does not apply. This power can only be exercised where the confirming authority is satisfied that there are special circumstances which mean it is impractical for the acquiring authority to make copies available in a physical location.
	Subsection (7) amends section 22 of the 1981 Act which sets out the publicity requirements where a confirming authority issues a certificate in relation to the acquisition of special kinds of land under Part 3 of the 1981 Act. It introduces a new additional requirement for acquiring authorities to publish notice that a certificate has been issued on an appropriate website for 6 weeks.
	Subsection (8) amends paragraph 9 of Schedule 3 which sets out the publicity requirements where a confirming authority issues a certificate in relation to the acquisition of new rights over special kinds of land. It introduces a new additional requirement for acquiring authorities to publish the notice of the certificate on an appropriate website for 6 weeks.
Example (1):
An acquiring authority makes a CPO and is required to publicise the CPO in accordance with section 11 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981. They will now be required to place the notice under section 11(1) online together with a copy of the CPO and the map. This could be on the acquiring authority’s website.