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• Reference: 2013/0012-1
• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 05 June 2013

Given the windfall gains that land and property owners benefit from when transport infrastructure is built, could a tax on those gains help pay for the infrastructure?

• Reference: 2013/0013-1
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 05 June 2013

Darren Johnson (Chair): We then move to item 4, which is the question and answer session on the London Finance Commission (LFC) and we welcome Professor Tony Travers, the Chair of that Commission, to answer questions. Each group has a lead-off question, but we will begin with a brief opening statement from Professor Travers.

• Reference: 2012/0218-1
• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 24 October 2012

Should we shift the balance of taxation in London from income to wealth, for example with a land value tax?

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

I would like to say right up front I am not trying to score any points here, I would just like some progress. I am well aware that my name is on this list of people who have flown on behalf of the Mayor. What weight is given in the planning for whether or not to take trains rather than planes? It is clear that, for example, two people at least have gone to MIPIM [international property event] in Cannes this week, and the LDA automatically booked a flight because apparently you have to book a long way ahead. So...

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

I have one more question if you do not mind. I suppose what I would like to see is some really positive and clear climate change advantage from each trip; if you are going to fly, then get some real advantage from it. That is the sort of offsetting that I could accept. Are you concerned at the fact that flights by GLA people have increased more than threefold since 2001, because this does not fit with the Climate Change Action Plan? Are you going to reconsider this policy?

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

I do understand the rationale for what you are doing. However, if you have this cheaper oil it takes the pressure off in a way from looking for other alternatives, whether it is LPG or bio fuels, and this could actually slow down real progress on climate change adaptation.

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

Are you aware that the Green view of carbon offsetting is that it is actually just like a system of medieval indulgences? You pay the money and you actually still commit the sin.

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

My mistake. Let's talk about Brazil anyway. Brazil has actually got massive amounts of bio fuel from sugar cane. Why hasn't have some sort of arrangement with them, rather than polluting oil?

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

We have been quite critical about your Venezuelan oil deal, and I know the Mayor went to Brazil.

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

Thank you. The Chair very kindly stopped me leaping in to interrupt you there. It was a fascinating history of the development of the group of major cities. What I really want is when you go to these places, when you go to Los Angeles or John [Ross] goes to Delhi, is there a climate change outcome from those trips? Do you pick up on ideas? For example, in Los Angeles the State of California is actually suing the six largest automobile manufacturers because they have to clear up their mess basically. Is that something London is going to do?