As of 1st April 2010, most property that has been empty for more than three months, or for more than six months in the case of industrial property, will not receive any reduction to their Business Rates bill.
So what will this mean for your rates liability?
After the initial three or six month rate-free period expires, empty properties will be liable for 100% of the occupied rates unless:
- The property is held by a charity and appears likely to be next used for charitable purposes.
- The property is held by a community amateur sports club and appears likely to be next used for the purposes of the club.
In addition, some properties will be exempt from paying rates while empty.
The most common examples are:
- Listed Buildings.
- Properties with a rateable value of less than £2,600.
Some properties may become exempt under specific circumstances. For example if occupation becomes prohibited by law, or the owner is a company in administration.
If you require further information, please contact the Business Rates team on 01225 47 77 77 during office hours, or email businessrates@bathnes.gov.uk.
Can you get your property taken out of the rating list altogether?
If your property is not capable of beneficial occupation, if it is in poor condition and cannot be economically repaired, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) may judge that it should be taken out of the rating list altogether.
Can you appeal against the change in your rates liability?
The changes in rates liability arising from the reforms to empty property relief are not in themselves grounds for appeal. The rateable value represents the rental value at 1st April 2008 and is the basis for business rates bills supplied by the Council. Ratepayers can check the details used to work out the rateable value on the Business Link website.
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 contacting your local Valuation Office. Your rights of appeal are not affected by the changes to empty property relief.
If you require further information regarding valuation, the Bristol Valuation Office can be contacted on 03000 501 501. Alternatively, more information is available from Business Link.