Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm how many land owners are yet to receive full and final payment for land acquired by Welsh Government in Section 2 of the Gilwern to Brymawr phase of the Heads of the Valleys development and further indicate when they will receive payment?
Out of a total of 59 landowners there are; 56 waiting to receive full and final payment; 3 that have received final payment of compensation; 8 that have received advance payments (landowners are entitled to request an advance payment of compensation of up to 90% of the estimated compensation once entry has been taken upon their land).
It should be noted that final compensation is not paid until the agent representing the landowner finalises, submits and agrees their final claim. The reasonable agents fees are paid as part of the compensation package and those agents should be advising their clients of the legislation and process. To assist, my officials have written to all landowners whose land has been entered advising them they are able to request an advance payment. Heads of Claim also include Disturbance and Injurious Affection as well as Land and Loss payments. It is therefore difficult for an agent to quantify these amounts until the road scheme has been completed and is opened fully to traffic. Land owners are advised that Welsh Government will rely on the Limitation Act 1980 if claims have not been agreed, or referred to the Lands Tribunal, within six years of entry being taken onto their land.
Further information on Land acquisition and compensation can be found on our website at:
http://gov.wales/topics/transport/roads/land-acquisition-compensation/?lang=en