Laura Sharman 18 May 2020

Report suggests a new tax for people living near to public parks

Homeowners living near to public parks should pay councils a small tax to help cover the cost of their upkeep, a think tank has said.

In a new briefing paper, the Social Market Foundation (SMF) said similar taxation schemes are already up and running in US cities.

The paper also suggest NHS England should have a role in park provision as NHS bodies would be less likely to divert funding away from parks than local councils have been.

It argues that parks and green spaces should be seen as a tool of healthcare in the same way as medicines and therapies.

Linus Pardoe of the SMF said: 'If we acknowledge parks and green space as another means of delivering better health outcomes, should we not look to equip the NHS with the means to ensure the availability of parks?

'Providing – and funding – medicines, physical and talking therapies is a core function of the NHS, so why not parks? Maybe a health service that can provide new boilers can take a role in ensuring the availability of green spaces too.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner