Empty business properties with a rateable value of less than £18,000 do not currently attract a charge through the empty business property rates.
However, that £18,000 threshold is temporary - and it’s due to reduce to £2,600 from April 2011.
We’ve always argued that the current arrangements should be made permanent and we’ve raised concerns about the change with the government. We are now looking to gather evidence about the potential impact on our members and would welcome information from those of you who will be directly affected.
We are keen to highlight the extent to which the reduction in the threshold will affect your businesses. The NFU would be interested to hear your thoughts on the following:
- Do you currently have an empty business property which is available for letting?
- Are you experiencing difficulty in letting the property, and if so why?
- How long has the property been empty?
- How long do you anticipate it will take to find a suitable tenant?
- Have you considered reducing the asking rent for the property?
- Would a charge to rates on empty buildings have a severe impact on your business?
- Would the risk of being liable to empty business property rates deter you from converting property for letting in the future?
Please respond by email to Michael.Parker@nfu.org.uk or by telephone on 02476 858722.
- AC. BAKER - 17/02/2011
1) Yes
2) Yes. Lack of businesses looking for space.
3) Three years in April
4. dont know, no interest recently.
5. have done
6.yes
7. yes