Fears raised over increased empty homes rates spend

摘要

More than ￡1bn was levied in business rates on empty properties last year, tax campaigners have revealed. Research undertaken by the Taxpayers' Alliance shows ￡1.1bn was paid on local rates in empty non-domestic properties in 2011/12 - a hike of nearly one fifth (19%) since 2009/10. Exemptions which had previously protected vacant industrial premises were lifted in 2007, as were a system of reliefs and reductions which had applied to empty commercial premises. According to the campaigners, the prospect of having to pay full rates while struggling to secure new tenants has forced some landlords demolish properties.