Member of Parliament Tony Franjieh unilaterally put forward a proposal to impose an improvement tax on lands where the investment factor is raised, to be paid to an independent fund set up by the Council of Ministers. An improvement tax is an element of any real estate policy which, in principle, should go towards projects of public benefit. The paradox of this proposal, however, is that it intends to allocate the proceeds of this tax for the benefit of private interests. The danger of establishing an independent fund is evident, particularly with Lebanon’s bitter experiences with “funds” that formed fertile grounds for exploitation and profiteering. Also, the concept of compensation to property owners in the event that regulations are carried out in the public interest is tantamount to a violation of the principle of urban planning.