Business Rates - Reductions For Empty Properties
How we provide this service
The administration and collection of business rates is done by South Holland District Council on behalf of the Government and
is supported by Finance, Benefits and Revenues.
The Government has reformed empty property rate relief from 1 April 2008..
Properties that are empty and unused are free from business rates for the first three months (in some instances this may be six months). After this time the full charge becomes payable, this is called the empty property rate.
Certain properties are exempt from the empty property rate.
- those with a Rateable Value below £2200 (£2600 from 1 April 2010)
Important - this will temporarily be changed to those with a rateable value below £15,000 for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 only and below £18000 for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 only.
- where the law does not allow the property to be occupied
- where the Crown or a local or public authority is taking action that prevents occupation
- listed buildings or those subject to a preservation notice
- ancient monuments
- where the owner is a company in administration
- where the person entitled to occupation holds it only as the personal representative of a deceased person, a liquidator, a trustee under deed of arrangement or where the owner is subject to bankruptcy proceedings.
- where the owner is a charity or community amateur sports club (CASC) and when next in use it will be occupied by a charity or a CASC.
Fax: 01775 711253
Email: info@sholland.gov.uk
Address: South Holland District Council, Benefit and Revenues Team, PO Box 8, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincs. PE11 2XQ
What to do to get this service
Contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or alternatively email them at info@sholland.gov.uk
Who can apply?
Anyone who is currently a business ratepayer in our area.
How much will it cost?
All advice and guidance is free.
How long will I have to wait for a response?
The majority of enquiries receive an immediate response. A few of a more technical nature normally receive a response in 10 working days.
How long will the whole process take?
Most matters are dealt with within 10 working days of us receiving the information.
Contact Name for this service
Customer Services
Telephone number for this service
01775 761161
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
If you need more information about a rateable value - or how it is calculated you can contact the Valuation Office at Queensgate House, 12, Silver Street, LINCOLN LN2 1EW telephone 01522 340300. RV's can also be viewed on voa.gov.uk.
Further information is available to business ratepayers on businesslink.gov.uk.
What do I need to provide?
If you want to claim a property as empty you can contact us for an application form. This then needs to be completed, signed and sent to us. Alternatively you can download the application for empty property relief form (PDF).
Common Questions
Q. I have stopped trading. What happens to my business rates?
A. Providing the premises are completely empty and unused there will be no business rates to pay for the first 3 months. After that you have to pay the full charge. You will need to write in to confirm the property is empty. Alternatively contact us for an application form or download from the link shown above. The premises will be inspected.
Printed leaflets available providing more information
Additional information is shown on the reverse side of all business rate bills.
How do you rate this information / service?
Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
Business Rates - Account Enquiries
Business Rates - General Information
