Important Information for Owners / Leaseholders Concerning the Rating of Empty Non-Domestic Property

9 November 2007 With effect from 1 April 2008 the Government is changing entitlement to relief from rates for empty non-domestic property. If you are responsible for rates in respect of an empty non-domestic property it is likely you will be affected by the changes. The principle changes are: empty property rate relief will be reduced from 50% to 0% exemption from rates for empty industrial property will no longer be open ended but limited to 6 months.       What will it mean for my rate liability?  Currently, most empty properties are liable to rates at 50% of the full occupied rate after an initial exemption period of 3 months, while empty industrial property is exempt altogether. The changes will mean that, as of 1 April 2008, most properties that have been empty for more than 3 months - or, in the case of industrial property, for more than 6 months - will no longer receive any relief from rates and the full amount will become payable. Some exceptions apply. More information is available on our website www.fenland.gov.uk or by telephoning our Business Rate team on 01354 622252