Government reviews empty property legislation

The government has announced the publication of a consultation examining the implementation of business rates on empty properties, it has been announced.

The paper will seek opinions from a variety of industry professionals and aims to suggest ways of dealing with rate avoidance, as well as investigating whether or not the policy of giving tax concessions to some empty listed buildings should be continued.

Efforts have already been made to update the current regulations, leading to increased provision of housing, government minister John Healey revealed.

"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," commented the minister for local government.

"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," he added.


© Adfero Ltd