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)