Business rates relief for unoccupied shop

dunc_mac

Last year I bought a property with a shop on the ground floor and a flat above. I didn’t let out or open the shop because they flat and communal areas required extensive refurbishing. The shop has a rateable value of £6500 and so if it was occupied I would get small business rates relief, but because it has been empty I have been paying full rates. In normal circumstances I would be putting the shop up for let now the above mentioned works are done, but obviously this isn’t possible.
It’s a grey area I realise, but I was wondering if anyone knows if I will be eligible for business rates exemption please?
Thanks,
Duncan 

Jeremy535897

I don't think so.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/exempted-buildings-and-empty-buildings-relief

dunc_mac

Thank you for the link Jeremy. I have seen this already, but doesn’t specifically refer to the current situation. Duncan 

Jeremy535897

You could ask your council, if you can get through, but I wouldn't hold out any hope.

daveyjp

Go to your local Council website and make an application for the relief.

dunc_mac

I think that might be the way forward Davey- thanks.