Chapter 2: Other Provision Police and crime commissioners and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime Section 75: Disposal of Land Background
Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 gives principal councils (local authorities and some other locally led public bodies) the power to dispose of land held by them in any manner they wish. The only requirement is for them to obtain Secretary of State consent should they wish to dispose of the land (otherwise than by a short tenancy) at less than best consideration (i.e. sold at lower than market price).
	There is currently a general consent (made through a Secretary of State Direction) which allows local authorities to dispose of surplus land at an undervalue of up to £2 million where it will contribute to the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being of an area without having to submit a specific application for Secretary of State approval.
	Prior to 2011 police authorities were covered by section 123 (and the associated general consent) but that is no longer the case following the creation of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. While PCCs now have broad powers to dispose of land as they see fit, there is no specific provision relating to disposal at less than best consideration.
	This section amends section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 to bring PCCs, including Mayors who exercise PCC functions, and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) within scope of section 123.