Lisbon council approves enlarged urban rehabilitation zone despite opposition criticism

Lisbon city council has approved a new boundary for its Urban Rehabilitation Area, extending it to cover 6,450 hectares so that more buildings can claim tax breaks. These include a 6% VAT rate on works and exemptions from property and transfer taxes. The PSD/CDS-PP/IL leadership voted in favour; Livre and the Left Bloc voted against, and the Socialists, Communists and Chega abstained. Opponents say there is no clear strategy and that recent developments, a hospital and a luxury estate are being included. The urbanism councillor says the aim is rehabilitation, not tax relief. The proposal still needs the Municipal Assembly's approval, and the new boundary must be published by December.