Rating (Empty Properties) Bill — exemptions — 14 Jun 2007 at 15:00

Amendment tabled by the Conservative front bench that introduces a series of exemptions for empty properties:

(a) the whole hereditament has, subject to subsection (1B), been unoccupied for a continuous period not exceeding three months;

(b) its owner is prohibited by law from occupying it or allowing it to be occupied;

(c) it is kept vacant by reason of action taken by or on behalf of the Crown or any local or public authority with a view to prohibiting the occupation of the hereditament or to acquiring it;

(d) it is the subject of a building preservation notice as defined by section 3 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or is included in a list compiled under section 1 of that Act;

(e) it is included in the Schedule of monuments compiled under section 1 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (c. 46);

(f) it is a qualifying industrial hereditament;

(g) its rateable value is less than £2,200;

(h) the owner is entitled to possession only in his capacity as the personal representative of a deceased person;

(i) there subsists in respect of the owner’s estate a bankruptcy order within the meaning of Parts VIII to XI of the Insolvency Act.

Question put, That the amendment be made:-

The Committee divided: Ayes 143, Noes 236.

Debate in Parliament | Source |