Business rates for unoccupied properties

If your property is empty and unused you will be entitled to a reduction. This will be

• 100 percent reduction for the first three months, or
• 100 percent reduction for the first six months for industrial buildings

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

• has a rateable value of less than £18,000 (2010-11 only)
• is a listed building, or
• has a rateable value less than £2,600 (from 1 April 2011)

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.