Originally Posted by
Prophead
Dobbo, I'm not sure whether you are arguing for or against expansion at LHR but you provide another good reason for it.
Heathrow has, as you say created much growth and employment in a large area.
All those businesses you mention above pay tax. The jobs created attract income tax, the companies pay corporation tax and the services attract VAT.
So why is it so unthinkable that some of this tax goes towards expansion that would lead to more of that income in the future?
All things being equal, Heathrow likely offers more benefits, but that is not limitless. However, all things are not equal and the costs associated with the current scheme are such that LGW now offers the best financial return for the UK.
If LHR were to come up with a credible, deliverable scheme and were willing to take on 100% of the financial risks and costs, they should be allowed to get in with it ASAP.
That HHL have come up with a gold plated scheme, tried to pawn as much risk as possible onto the UK taxpayer, and are prepared to ride roughshod over their environmental and legal obligations leads me to the conclude that the current management team have no intention of ever doing so.
Untill they do present a credible scheme, the strongest financial case for expansion, and the lowest risk to the UK taxpayer, is at LGW, and they should be allowed to proceed ASAP.