11 May 2007, 19:18 PM

  • The Government has published new measures to get more empty stores back into commercial use.

The Government said the current system of providing tax relief on buildings that sit empty “can no longer be justified” given the UK’s high rent levels.

At present, most empty commercial property receive 100% relief from taxation for the first three months, and 50% thereafter; and empty warehouses and factories receive a permanent exemption from rates. But, from April 2008, empty commercial property will be liable for the full business rate after an initial rate-free period of three months, or six months for factories and warehouses.

Local Government minister, Phil Woolas, said, “The reforms will encourage owners of empty properties to bring them back into use, helping to create thriving and vibrant town centres. No-one wants to live or work next to an empty property, and it is frankly daft for the state to subsidise it when commercial rents are so high.”