Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what guidance is available to local authorities on the utilisation of land sold as storage land.

Under section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 local authorities have the power to dispose of surplus land 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 lower than market price and guidance on this is set out in Disposal of land for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained: circular 06/2003.

The Secretary of State has not had, and does not plan to have, discussions with the Council on this matter.

The department does not produce guidance on the utilisation of land sold as storage land.