Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report recommending amendments to the Empty Property Relief Policy to enhance the impact of the Policy and to provide more targeted business support.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     approved the following Policy amendments –

       i.          introduction of a discretionary 100% EPR extension of up to 12 months. Officers will have the discretion to apply an additional one-year (or lesser period) of 100% relief for property owners with genuine, evidenced renovation projects. Eligibility will be based on clear criteria and subject to regular review;

      ii.          restriction of EPR eligibility for large multinational businesses. A threshold will be introduced where businesses with empty properties exceeding a cumulative rateable value of £1,000,000 are ineligible for EPR; and

2.     agreed that both Policy amendments be implemented with immediate effect.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance dated 27 March 2025, submitted)