It’s tempting to get excited about all the construction in town using developer fees.  It’s free money, right?

Wrong!

It’s a tax on new residents, or existing residents who choose to buy a new home in Milton again.  These residents pay for tax by paying a much higher price on a house than they otherwise would have to.  Developer fees levied on commercial construction also discourages businesses from moving into Milton, which is bad for all residents.

Notice I am not passing any judgement on whether Milton / Halton charge too much or too little.  I am merely pointing out that the expansion of roads, Milton Sports Club, Library, Townhall etc. are done using a tax levied on people buying a new home in the town.  It’s certainly not free money, and shouldn’t be spent as such.