Between the lines: A TIF in time for the construction industry

LET ME introduce you to an exciting new idea – tax increment financing. No, no, don't turn the page or fall asleep. It is thrilling stuff this, especially if you are a property developer currently fighting off the accountants from moving in to close you down. It could well be the saviour of the industry.

Big developments such as, say, the Edinburgh waterfront scheme or the former Ravenscraig steelworks site, currently face a problem. At any time, getting such brownfield sites built on involves a lot of work which tends to be undertaken by the public ...