RICS reviews property taxes

RICS, the leading property professionals' organisation, in July 2010 commissioned an independent review of how taxation impacts on the land and property sectors in the UK, throughout the 'property lifecycle' (i.e. from vacant site through useful occupancy to demolition). Volterra, a research consultancy headed up by Bridget Rosewell, will be working with RICS members to ensure the final research report - due to be published later this year - is as robust and critically evaluated by property professionals as possible. PLRG Hon Sec Dr Tony Vickers is one of those invited to take part in this work.

In late November or early December, RICS will hold an invitation-only event in London to launch the Volterra report. Dr Vickers has offered to publicise this among PLRG members, in case any wish to be invited - whether they are currently RICS members or not.

Anyone reading this, who believes they can contribute to a debate on the reform of taxes that affect the UK built environment, should email policy@rics.org with the subject: "PLRG & RICS Volterra event". A brief CV and full contact details will be needed in the body of the email. No guarantee of an invitation can be given, as space will be limited.

If you are lucky enough to be able to attend this event, Tony Vickers would like to know beforehand. It may be possible to hold a PLRG 'pre-meet' on the subject earlier in November, as the planned topic speaker for that month has had to cancel.