Green Councillors call for reform of business rates

At the Full Council Meeting on 8th September 2011, the Green Councillors Group proposed amendments to an Emergency Motion on Business Rates.

Cllr Martha Wardrop (Hillhead)

Cllr Martha Wardrop (Hillhead) Cllr Martha Wardrop stated that "Glasgow City Council has to recognise that the economic situation requires counter-cyclical measures which transfer business rates from property to land as this shift would encourage firms to invest in local regeneration and address the environmental challenges Glasgow faces. A system of land value taxation would benefit those on low incomes and aspiring first time house buyers by helping stabilise property prices, support small businesses and enhance links between local government and local taxation. The system would reduce speculation in land where owners hold land without developing it while waiting for planning permission or an upturn in property prices."

Cllr Wardrop added, "Greens calls on the Scottish Government to reform Empty Property Relief Scheme to reduce exemptions to the uniform business rate by adopting 50% mandatory rates relief to properties which are empty for the first 3 months and then, levying the full value of business rates. Categories currently listed for exemptions such as listed buildings and properties with rateable values of less than £1,700 would still retain no rates to pay after the first 3 months. This reform will provide a direct incentive to bring empty buildings back into economic use.  We welcome The Land Registration Bill proposed by Scottish Government and acknowledges that this could provide the essential groundwork for a future Land Value Tax. "