Newsroom

PGS u-turn welcomed

The British Property Federation has responded to a Government statement on its proposed planning-gain supplement (PGS), in a speech made by Gordon Brown today. In the speech, the prime minister said that a bill to introduce the levy would not be brought in if more workable alternatives could be found, although many believe the tax will now be scrapped following two years of consideration.

Faraz Baber, director for planning and regeneration said:

"The BPF is delighted that the prime minister has opened the door for real engagement on the alternatives to a deeply flawed policy proposal called the Planning Gain Supplement. The PGS tax is not supported by the property industry and has received lacklustre support amongst a wide range of stakeholders.

"It is now right that the government to look more seriously at ways to capture planning gain in a more sensible way. This will ensure local communities and the regions will prosper from economic development undertaken. The BPF will continue to work with ministers to find a more effective solution.

The industry will look at a number of alternatives, which include the Milton Keynes style roof tax, as well as section 106. A recent press release and discussion paper on the tariff system published by the BPF and TCPA can be found at:

http://www.bpf.org.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/document/23140/roof-tax-could-hold-keys-to-new-cities

For more information or interviews, contact Andrew Teacher on              020 7802 0113      end_of_the_skype_highlighting (direct),Mob:07968 12 4545 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              07968 12 4545      end_of_the_skype_highlightingor ateacher@bpf.org.uk