From Works In Progress One consequence of Covid has been plunging rents in cities across the world, as tenants flock out of city centres and the long-term rental market is flooded with former Airbnb properties. This has left tenants jubilant, and landlords panicked. Unsurprising so far. Sydney, Australia, is no different. But what is remarkable is that rents and house prices in Sydney were falling...

The Private Member’s Bill promoted by Caroline Lucas calls for a feasibility study for the introduction of a Land Value Tax. This Bill is expected to have its second reading debate on 25 January 2013. I checked on We feel it important to clear up some misconceptions appearing in the press – such as ‘LVT is a stick to beat property firms …’ and it will ‘shift the burden...

This comment turned up in a discussion group last week… “Rothbard (a leading prophet of neo-Libertarianism) addressed LVT and its bad consequences very nicely “Therefore, the market will no longer be able to insure that these locations will go to the most efficient bidders. Instead, everyone will rush to grab the best locations. A wild stampede will ensue for the choice downtown...

Yesterday’s Guardian carried an article promoting LVT, written by prospective Labour leader Andy Burnham. It completely failed to anticipate the barrage of flak that was going to be thrown up. The responses should be a warning to all of us campaigning for LVT. We need to present the case better, which means that we all needs to understand it and be able to defend it against the kind of absurd...

“Without special exemptions, land value taxation policy would cause loss of habitats such as ancient woodland heath etc in private ownership but not designated as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs). It could also impair the protection of historic landscapes.”

Nobody is proposing that the planning system be abolished, and planning control is a major constraint on tall buildings. But it is the lack of a land value tax that leads to persistent attempts to put up tall buildings, often in unsuitable locations with poor access. This is because so much land is underused or unused, that an artificial shortage is created which makes it economically viable to...