Madam, – The country is awash with poor quality and dilapidated housing (Editorial, october 27th), and indeed poor quality commercial space too. The paradox is that we are drowning in brand new and empty housing and commercial space. We also are in need of kick- starting the construction industry and the housing market to avoid Nama-geddon.
We have a car scrappage scheme which aims take dilapidated cars off the road and help that industry. Why not a house scrappage scheme? The Government could offer reduced stamp duty on new purchases when a dilapidated or abandoned building is demolished or extensively refurbished. Such a scheme would cost the taxpayer little, create construction jobs and clean up our cities and housing stock. – Yours, etc,