The Professional Land Reform Group (PLRG) was formed in 2004 by UK-based professionals with a mission as follows:-
"To debate and develop ideas and policies on land use and tax reform, among professionals of all kinds, in order to promote the fair and efficient use of all natural resources on a sustainable basis."
It has been chaired by Dave Wetzel, a London-based transport consultant, since its inception.
In November 2008, a new 'umbrella' group for UK-based organisations with similar interests was formed: the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ). PLRG was a founder member of CEJ but apart from taking an active part in CEJ's wider activities - some of which were deemed a little too 'political' for certain PLRG members - PRLG has been dormant since then. It held one well-attended meeting in Parliament shortly before CEJ was formed, nothing since.
I have belonged to PLRG since it was formed. As a chartered surveyor myself, now a lecturer in Green Taxes and independent land policy researcher, its mission exactly matches my own abiding interests. Upon completing my doctoral thesis last year, I offered to serve as Hon Secretary to PLRG, after the previous incumbent indicated a wish to resign.
Dave Wetzel has asked me to convene a general meeting of PLRG during the week in which the International Union for Land Value Taxation ("The IU", as it is known) holds a conference in London next month. The programme for this conference, which is largely open to all, might interest many PLRG members. Both Dave and myself are IU members.
The meeting has been arranged for Thursday 29th April at 5.30pm at the School of Economic Science (SES), 11 Mandeville Street W1U 3EJ (off Oxford St) London. SES is also hosting The IU Conference. A room has been booked for only one hour (6-7) but The IU's booking allows us to commence earlier.
We recommend that you enrol for that day's IU programme: "Land Taxation and the future of the Islamic World", which looks promising. The day rate for non-IU members is only £35, including lunch. The PLRG meeting is free but membership of PLRG is currently £20pa (which can be paid to our Hon Treas on the night).
A draft agenda is as follows:-
1. Introduction by current Chair.
2. Resolution to re-endorse the Mission (as above).
3. Election of officers (Chair, Hon Sec, Treasurer).
4. Discussion (half-hour max.) on PLRG progamme of activities (a paper will be sent out in advance).
5. Resolution on annual subscription.
6. AOB (to include dates of subsequent meetings).
If you are unable to attend the General Meeting (for example, you may be too busy helping someone get elected to Parliament!) please reply to myself or Dave Wetzel with any relevant comments that you wish to be shared with those who are there. Items for AOB should be received no later than 6th April, as I will be out of the country from 7th to 19th April.
Please pass this invitation on to anyone whom you think might be interested in joining. This email is not just being sent to existing PLRG members. Please also pass on this link to the Number 10 web-site, where a petition to the next Prime Minister has been placed by CEJ, supported by PLRG, which we urge you to sign: "TaxLess4More"!
To give us an idea of numbers likely to attend, please reply as soon as possible. There are rooms of various sizes at SES and we want to use the appropriate one.
Dr Tony Vickers
acting Honorary Secretary
PLRG
01635 230046 / 07950 202640
