Reasons for the Discontinuation of Betterment-Levy Charging in Poland (A Case Study of Gorlicki County)

Józef Hernik,Robert Dixon-Gough,Piotr Kudławiec,Karol Król,Krzysztof Hernik

doi:10.3390/land10121295

Józef Hernik, Robert Dixon-Gough + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121295

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Abstract

Local government units carry costs related to the shaping and spatial development of communes, and are consequently interested in sharing the benefits that land property owners gain on this account. This is possible through, inter alia, the betterment levy. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for the discontinuation of betterment levy charging in Poland, illustrated with the example of Gorlicki County. A further aim was to classify the reasons for the discontinuation of betterment levy charging in Poland, and to suggest directions for changes in the way in which this levy is charged. A questionnaire survey was conducted of the communes of Gorlicki County (Małopolskie Voivodeship), and was completed by those responsible for charging betterment levies in the communes. According to the survey results, no decision on charging of the betterment levy was issued in Gorlicki County between 2012 and 2019. The reasons for the discontinuation of charging of this levy, as indicated by the respondents, included the lack of analyses (estimation) of the increase in the property value following the execution of specific investment activities, high administrative costs related to the charging of this levy, and the stimulation of socio-economic development. However, the statistical analysis showed that the discontinuation of charging of the betterment levy in Gorlicki County had failed to contribute to socio-economic growth.

Highlights

The role of the state and the individual are inexorably intertwined with respect to spatial planning
The money provided through the state provides the infrastructure required for spatial development, and by taking advantage of the situation, land owners, commercial organisations, and private property owners can improve the value of their holdings
Three respondents indicated the lack of analyses of the increase in the property value following the execution of specific investment activities using public funds as the reason for the discontinuation of charging of the betterment levy (Figure 3)

Summary

Introduction

The role of the state and the individual are inexorably intertwined with respect to spatial planning. The money provided through the state provides the infrastructure required for spatial development, and by taking advantage of the situation, land owners, commercial organisations, and private property owners can improve the value of their holdings. Other directions for the provision of betterment taxes in the UK are discussed by Huston and Lahbash [2], who reviewed the concept of land value capture and its relative merits as a pragmatic source of funding for urban renewal to bridge the infrastructure funding gap. This theme was addressed by Dunning et al [3].

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