Government reviews business rates for empty properties ? commercial mortgages

10 July 2007

The government has published a consultation reviewing business rates for empty properties as part of an effort to bring empty office, manufacturing and retail space back into use.

Landlords with commercial mortgages are among those whose opinion will be sought, with surveyors and developers also being asked to contribute their opinions.

Issues surrounding the avoidance of paying rates for empty properties as well as current exemptions from the charges including empty listed buildings will be examined by the consultation, officials have advised.

"The modernisation of empty property relief is a major element of a broad package of measures which promote the efficient use of land and property, announced in the 2007 Budget," noted communities minister John Healey.

"We''ve already acted to provide a stronger incentive for owners to bring empty shops, offices, factories and warehouses back into use - helping to revitalise town centres, reduce rents for businesses and bring forward new opportunities for commercial and housing development on brown-field sites," Mr Healey added.

The minister is also due to co-ordinate the government''s help in aiding property owners recovering from the recent flooding in the north of England.