Empty rates

If your property is left empty you may get the following reduction in your rates:

• Standard commercial properties: 50% reduction in rates for the first three months. If the property is still empty after three months you will receive a 10% reduction in rates.
• Industrial properties: no rates will be payable for the first six months. If the property is still empty after six months you will receive a 10% reduction in rates.

From 1 April 2020 an empty property that subsequently becomes occupied will not be eligible for further empty property reduction unless the period of occupation is for at least 6 months

The person or company entitled to use the property will have to pay the bill. We do not charge empty property rates on certain properties, for example:

• Listed buildings
• Properties with a rateable value of less than £1,700

Before we can award any reduction, we may arrange to visit the property.

You can apply for empty rates relief here.