The problem with the present system of land ownership is that land, currently, is owned until the end of time, forever. This is a problem because it doesn't allow for the fluidity that is required to allow change and is natural. Instead we should only be permitted to own land for limited periods. But what happens when the lease is up and we are required to purchase (lease) the land from the State once more, where does the money come from? It is issued by the Government. It is also received by the Government when renting out the land...
The scheme could be introduced by, first of all issuing fiat currency into the economy which could be means-tested in the initial stages. This would then be used by the population to rent properties from the State. This would be a 'wash' for those who currently have accommodation provided by the State at no charge.
Then, permanent ownership of properties is slowly revoked, most ownership would switch to something like a 50-year lease, or shorter. As the time approaches for repurchase the occupant will be given the option to extend for the next 10 years, perhaps at a charge. It is then that wider sections of the population begin to receive their Land Vouchers.
A Land Value Tax would create demand (need) for the State-issued Land Vouchers among the land-owning sector of the population.
Land Value Rent would mean that those currently owning property would owe, but, like everyone, would receive Land Vouchers. Suddenly the ownership of the land (the, into perpetuity ownership) begins to mean much less... but how would the (value of) the Land Value Rent be determined between differing properties? It would be a market between the Government and the population... the Government would sell to the highest bidder (with perhaps a concession to the incumbent tenant) the Government takes the highest price, even though it doesn't care about the money; there can be no fraud.
To make the transition would require, first the introduction of the Land Value Rent and secondly a secure means to issue the Vouchers to the population. Any citizen would be eligible for the vouchers.
What about lost savings? People regard their house as their own property and not something the State has the right to remove... the answer to this is for the scheme to be introduced gently, at a slow pace.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
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