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Spain Must Revise Property Laws
Brussels, 11 February 2009
Timothy Kirkhope, Conservative Spokesman on Transport & Tourism, has welcomed the adoption of a report by Margrete Auken, a Danish Green MEP, which is highly critical of the Spanish authorities and their handling of the 'Valencian land-grabs'.
Thousands of properties in Spain have been demolished without compensation for their owners - many of whom are British expatriates. In some cases, the authorities have even charged the property owners for the installation of local infrastructure, even after they have lost their property.
The European Parliament, led by British Tory MEPs on the Petitions Committee, has been attempting to highlight their plight for several years, with MEPs continually demanding an end to the scandal.
Timothy said:
"Calls have been steadily growing over the years for Spain to eliminate the corruption that is blighting its tourist industry. Land-grab is one of the most common complaints from my constituents.
"The behaviour of some developers, builders and local authorities resulting in people losing their homes must be looked at. The emotional and financial trauma suffered by so many legitimate home owners has to be rectified.
"Now that the European Parliament has adopted this Report on Spanish Land Law and its implementation, it is imperative that Spain act to change its laws as soon as possible."
ENDS
