EMPTY BUSINESS PROPERTY RATES

Early day motion 534, tabled 21 January 2009 by Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes the Government's empty property rate relief is causing some perfectly good properties to be destroyed or let at a peppercorn rent to reduce the rate burden for the owner; further notes that empty property rate relief is a tool which can be used to reduce attrition in the property market during times of economic difficulty and prepare the market for economic upturn; welcomes the introduction of rate relief for properties with a rateable value of up to £15,000 but is concerned that £15,000 is insufficient; and urges the Government to increase the threshold at which an empty property becomes liable for business rates.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 3, Labour 3, Independent 1.