Unoccupied Properties

Until 31st March 2008, If your property is empty and unused you will be entitled to a reduction. This will be

• 100% reduction for the first three months
• 50% reduction after that time

However, your reduction will be 100% for the whole time it is empty and unused if your property

• Is an industrial building, or
• Is a listed building, or
• Has a rateable value less than £2,200.00

Changes from 1st April 2008

From 1st April 2008, the government is changingthe law regarding these reductions. Most properties will receive 100% reduction for the first three months but will then become liable for the full charge.

Empty industrial buildings will receive a 100% reduction for the first six months and then become liable for the full charge.

Empty listed buildings and those with a rateable value less than £2,200 will continue to receive a 100% reduction for the whole time the property is empty.

Claiming your reduction

To claim this reduction you should provide written confirmation that the property is empty and unused, giving the relevant date and details of who is now responsible for the property.

In the meantime

If you have applied for a reduction you should continue to pay in line with your current bill. If the reduction is then awarded, you will be issued with a further bill and new payment instructions. This will take account of any payments you have already made.

Our decision

When we have received your completed application form we will issue you with a letter of acknowledgement and arrange for one of our inspectors to visit the property and verify the information provided. We will write and inform you whether your application has been successful and, if so, how much will be awarded.

We will also visit periodically to ensure the property remains empty and unused.

You must advise us immediately of any changes and should not rely on someone else to inform us.

Contact us

By telephone

020 8209 7133 (Moday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

By fax

020 8315 1493

By post

The Business Rate Section
London Borough Of Southwark
P.O. Box 782
Bromley
BR1 3YE

Please indicate which department your query is for.

In person

Bermondsey One Stop Shop
Spa Road
Bermondsey
SE16 3QN

Peckham One Stop Shop
Ground Floor
Peckham Library
122 Peckham Hill Street
SE15 5JR

Walworth One Stop Shop
151 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1RY

All one stop shops are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. In addition, Peckham one stop shop is open on Saturday, 9am to 1pm.

By email

Soubusinessrateuk@Liberata.com