The Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007 (c. 9) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Background Before the act, empty industrial and warehouse premises paid no business rates, and all other empty commercial premises (including offices and retail) paid business rates with a 50% discount after receiving an initial 100% exemption for the first three months.
Provisions It implements recommendations of the Barker Review of Land Use Planning and the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government, and proposals in the report Budget 2007: Building Britain's long-term future: Prosperity and fairness for families.Explanatory notes, paragraphs 3 and 6
The act includes exemptions for charities and community amateur sports clubs.
Section 1 - Unoccupied hereditaments: chargeable amount Section 1(1) substitutes new sections 45(4) to 45(4B) for the existing section 45(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. Section 1(2) inserts section 45A of that Act. Section 1(3) inserts section 143(3B) of that Act.
Reception The Confederation of British Industry Wales criticised the Welsh Government's decision to pass a legislative consent motion in favour of the legislation.
Notes
References Halsbury's Statutes Current Law Statutes Annotated 2007
External links
Explanatory notes to the Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007.