Business Rates - Empty Properties
The Government has made changes to the rates payable in respect of empty properties. From 1 April 2008 rates are not payable for the first three months a property is empty. This is extended to six months for industrial properties such as factories, warehouses or workshops. After the initial period rates are payable in full unless the property is exempt from unoccupied property rate. The properties exempt from unoccupied property rate are:
Occupation prohibited by law
An unoccupied property is exempt where its owner is prohibited by law from occupying it or allowing it to be occupied. This situation may arise where the Borough Council has taken legal action to prevent occupation on the grounds of a risk to health and/or safety
Listed Buildings
A building which is the subject of a building preservation notice, or which is included in a list of buildings of specific architectural or historic interest, is exempt
- Ancient monuments
- Exemption extends to property which are included in a schedule of monuments.
- Minimum rateable value
- Property with a rateable value of less than £2,200 are exempt.
- Personal representatives of deceased persons
- A property is exempt where the owner is entitled to possession only in his capacity as the personal representative of a deceased person.
- Insolvency & debt administration
Exemption from liability on unoccupied property also applies in the following situations (where governed by the appropriate legislation):
- Where there exists in respect of the owner's estate a bankruptcy order
- Where the owner is entitled to possession of the property in his capacity as trustee under a deed of arrangement
- Where the owner is a company which is subject to a winding up order or which is being wound up voluntarily
- Where the owner is entitled to possession of the property in the capacity of a liquidator
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