Retailers win huge rates cut as firms quit Clarence Dock

Business rates are a burden for property owners, especially the empty building tax. These are some of the ways in which they are trying to minimise the cost:

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Feb 2011, 13:33 BST

Get in a charity – charities pay no or reduced business rates.

Demolish the building – the most drastic way of avoiding business rates.

Constructive vandalism – buildings that are no longer capable of being occupied do not pay business rates.

Intermittent occupation – a building that has been occupied for six weeks qualifies for another three or six months relief from property rates when empty.

In addition, there are a number of retailing locations which have received a reduction in business rates due to the level of vacancy.

New shopping centres can be granted a pioneering allowance to reflect the level of occupancy when first opened.

Wherever over-supply is demonstrable. it may be possible to secure a reduction in the level of rateable value.

Retailers