Why aren’t landlords “in this together” as well?

The government’s response to its defeat in the Lords last night over benefit caps has been notable for its lack of substance. Iain Duncan Smith has taken two lines: that the policy is enormously popular, and that Bishops and left-leaning peers ought to be as concerned by the people paying for the benefits as they… Continue reading Why aren’t landlords “in this together” as well?

Why we need Land Value Taxation (part 893)

Another reason for LVT can be found in the Guardian today: Property tax leaves cities ‘looking like broken teeth’ · Government adviser attacks Darling policy · Empty buildings torn down to avoid payment I won’t bore you endlessly with the details, suffice to say that LVT is charged on the land itself, irrespective of what… Continue reading Why we need Land Value Taxation (part 893)

Clegg and localism: early thoughts

I’ve just trawled through Nick Clegg’s speech on localism to the LGA today. A few thoughts: 1. He lets the Tories off too easily (unintentionally I’m sure). He is of course perfectly right to give them a hard time for refusing to even contemplate devolving spending, but the truth is it’s far, far worse than… Continue reading Clegg and localism: early thoughts