Amendments to Non-Domestic Rates Relief for empty properties were agreed at the Council meeting today, Thursday 25 January
The changes aim to encourage empty business properties to be brought back in to use as quickly as possible.
Following the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, we have the authority to revise the current policy and alter the levels of any relief currently offered.
At present, 627 properties throughout the Scottish Borders receive some form of empty property relief, with 436 of them receiving 100% relief under the existing policy.
Review
Following the review, it was concluded that there is little or no motivation to restore premises for use where they are in receipt of full relief.
Across the Scottish Borders, 81% of empty non-domestic properties have been so for more than one year, with 30% empty for more than five years and 41% of those properties empty for more than 10 years.
Amendments
The amended policy will allow relief at 50% for the first three months of the property being empty, followed by 10% for a further nine months for properties currently in receipt of 100% relief. Properties which are already in receipt of 50% or 10% relief will continue to receive the balance of that award followed by 10% up to 31 March 2025.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Community and Business Development
“The current number of empty non-domestic properties is detrimental to town centres and communities throughout the Borders. It is vital that we do all we can to ensure the situation is improved, and this change in policy will encourage landlords to bring them back into use quicker.
“With the current economic challenges facing businesses, increased mortgages, running costs and other factors, the proposed rates relief will balance supporting business owners whilst also encouraging them to bring the properties back into use, supporting town centre regeneration and our local economy.”
The new policy will take effect from 1 April 2024.