A business property is empty for rating purposes when all removable goods and chattels have been removed. Fixtures and fittings for example shop counters or built in display units do not need to be removed.
Empty Properties Rate Liability
The Government reformed empty property relief in 2008 in order to provide a strong incentive to bring empty property back into use. This will help to increase the supply of premises to let, and so reduce business rents and improve the competitiveness of the UK, as well as bringing forward brown field sites for re-development and so reduce the need for new development on environmentally valuable green field land.
So what does this mean for my rates liability?
Once a property becomes empty, the first three months are exempt from rating (six months in the case of an empty industrial property). Thereafter, the full 100% rates are payable.
There are certain types of empty property where no rates are payable even after the three month period expires - examples include properties with a rateable value under £2,600 (this was under £18,000 for the rating year 2010/2011, under £15,000 in 2009/2010 and under £2,200 in 2008/2009), listed buildings, ancient monuments, those formerly occupied by companies in administration or a bankrupt person (where that person, company or administrator remains liable), properties owned by charities or community amateur sports clubs, those where occupation is prohibited by law and those where the owner is the personal representative of a deceased person.
Can I appeal against the change in my rates liability?
The changes in rates liability arising from the reforms to empty property relief are not in themselves grounds for appeal. However, if you disagree with the rateable value that appears in the current rating list entry for your property, under the existing arrangements you may challenge it by making a 'proposal' against it to Valuation Office Agency.
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Address: Valuation Office, Rufus House, Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TJ
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Telephone: 03000-505800
Empty property relief will usually be calculated automatically from information supplied at the time of sale or purchase. If you receive a bill for an empty property which does not show the correct reduction please let us know.
For further information:
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Contact: Local Taxation Team, Revenues and Benefits Service,
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Address: Eden District Council, Town Hall, Penrith CA11 7QF
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Telephone: 01768 212220 / 212232
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Email: brates@eden.gov.uk
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Fax: 01768 890470
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Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8.45am - 5.15pm
(please note that we open at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month to allow for staff training)
Friday 8.45am 4.45pm
