…the blog and website of Andy Wightman
I will be in Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday 18 January) giving evidence to the Justice Committee on the Long Leases (Scotland) Bill. I will be seeking to exempt common good land from the provisions of the bill which allows for all
Continue readingI have today submitted written evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee on the Long Leases (Scotland) Bill. It focusses on the impact the Bill will have on common good land. Those following this matter may also be interested in
Continue readingYesterday, the Scottish Government published its draft Long Leases Bill which is designed to convert any lease of over 175 years (with at least 100 years left to run) to full ownership. This follows a consultation earlier this year
Continue readingAt the risk of becoming an anorak, I though I would share some correspondence I have been having with the British Property Federation via Twitter on the topic of Tax Increment Financing (see previous posts today). This correspondence has taken
Continue readingWhen John Swinney approved the tax increment finance scheme for Leith docks last week (see previous post), I wonder if he was aware that among the business rate payers who would be picking up the tab for paying back the
Continue readingInteresting interview on Newsnight Scotland tonight with CEO of Scottish Futures Trust on tax increment financing. This is a funding mechanism for infrastructure projects whereby a public authority borrows money to pay for infrastructure (bridges, roads etc.) in anticipation of
Continue readingLatest news on access situation in Inverleith Park The Park Rules for Glasgow and Dundee make it explicit that any event charging money needs a Section 11 order. The Edinburgh Access Forum noted in 2006 that the existing park rules
Continue readingFurther news about the access situation at the Taste of Edinburgh event in Inverleith Park at Guardian blog posted at 1552 hours today. Since then I have had a further response from the Council claiming that access rights are exempted
Continue readingEdinburgh Council has now replied to me declining to uphold my access rights. They don’t deny I have them though. I’ve written back asking them to take action under Section 14 of the legislation (the bit about removing obstructions) Meanwhile,
Continue readingI have written a piece in the Guardian Edinburgh blog today about the Taste of Edinburgh food festival taking over Inverleith Park. A huge fence has been erected around the park denying the public access. On Friday, I wrote to
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