LAND REFORM: SUPPORT SURGE FOR GREEN PLAN TO TAX VACANT LAND
A Scottish Green party petition to put Scotland's derelict and vacant land back in use has gathered over 1,300 signatures in just one week.The petition was launched to demonstrate public support for a Green amendment to the Land Reform Bill, due to be considered by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee tomorrow.
The amendment calls for Scotland's 11,000 hectares of vacant and derelict land into the valuation system so it can be taxed, with the resulting revenue ring fenced for housebuilding. Analysis by the Scottish Greens suggests that the move could yield around £300million a year.
Prominent land reform campaigner and Scottish Green Party spokesperson on Communities, Andy Wightman, called on MSPs to ensure the Land Reform Bill is “meaningful for Scotland’s communities” by supporting the Green amendment.
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Andy Wightman, SGP spokesperson on Communities and MSP candidate for Lothian, said:
"When there is a lack of affordable housing, a shortage of space in urban areas and mounting financial pressure on public services, it's bizarre that wealthy developers and land owners can leave assets sitting unused for decades without having to pay a penny of tax. By valuing and taxing vacant and derelict land, we could encourage it to be put back in use and raise revenue for housebuilding projects.
"Over half of Scotland's most deprived communities are within 500 metres of vacant and derelict land - so there is huge potential to build in areas where development and regeneration are needed most. Making use of derelict and vacant land would also ease the pressure to build on green space valued by communities.
"The strong public support for the Green proposal shows there is real demand for bold land reform. I urge MSPs to make this bill meaningful for Scotland' communities, support the Green amendment and end the scourge of vacant and derelict land."