Prescott is looking at imposing a land development tax. No, this isn’t unfortunately, the single land tax of Henry George, more’s the pity.

On the face of it I don’t see why it shouldn’t be a good idea. There is a huge difference in the value of agricultural land (4k and acre?) and land with planning permission (500k an acre?). The only thing that gives that difference is the action of the local council in granting the planning permission. As it is, solely, a gain given by the allocation of a government licence I don’t see why it shouldn’t be taxed.

On the larger picture that very price difference shows that there is something grievously wrong with our planning system but that’s another matter.

As the Telegraph notes it may not be all this simple.

There have been four attempts since the war to introduce such a tax,
three by Labour governments, and all failed or were not given time to
work.

Even if it is a good idea in theory don’t doubt the ability of Government to cock it up.