Vince Cable

Vincent Cable, MP, has written to the chief executive of Royal Parks challenging the fact that traders in Hampton Hill, whose premises are within six feet of the walls of Bushy Park, are being charged a special tax - an Encroachment Rate - which dates from Tudor times.

It was originally intended to compensate Henry VIII for the loss of deer that jumped the walls and were caught and eaten by the local inhabitants. The modern form of the rate is proving extremely expensive - one trader has seen an increase from £300 to £1400 in recent years.

Vincent Cable said:

"I have challenged the Head of the Royal Parks to explain and justify this tax. It seems outrageous that an ancient tax introduced in quite different circumstances to today should continue to be levied and with massive increases which threaten the viability of local businesses".