The scrapping of stamp duty on commercial property transactions in disadvantaged areas of the UK is still awaiting approval of the European Commission (EC).

Even though it has been a year since it was announced.

Chancellor Gordon Brown has urged Europe to give the go-ahead to his flagship tax-relief policy to boost rundown inner cities.

The EC's decision would be "a test case for Europe's willingness to reform."

Scrapping the tax is a key part of Mr Brown's drive to boost enterprise in disadvantaged areas, which he said would form a centrepiece of his pre-Budget report.

There are three such areas in Brighton and Hove - the Marina, Moulsecoomb and Queens Park electoral wards.

The Chancellor abolished the duty on residential and business properties worth less than £150,000 in November 2001.

It was extended to all commercial property in those areas in this year's Budget.

But the EC has yet to confirm whether the moves comply with its rules.