ABSTRACT
English law is a common law system, contrasting not only with Scottish law but also with the legal systems of most other European countries. Compensation is normally payable on market value basis. The Planning and Compensation Act 1991 affected this position by introducing for the first time the principle that a premium above market value could be paid in certain circumstances. Since coming into power in 1979 the Conservative government has initiated a variety of centrally funded programmes aimed at the renewal of the cities in England and Wales, the majority of which are property based. The current programmes are: Urban Programme, City Grant, Derelict Land Grant, Urban Development Corporations, Enterprise Zones, Garden Festivals, regional grants, regional enterprise grants, regional development agencies, Industrial Improvement Areas, English Estates. The primary aim of the Urban Regeneration Agency will be to "enable vacant and derelict land in urban areas to be brought into use".
