Empty Rates

Empty Rates are now going to be payable on properties with a rateable value of less than £18,000. In this sector, which is the province of the Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) and start-ups, are we going to see landlords nurturing small vacant properties and being penalised for keeping property empty and waiting? Or are we more likely see the rendering of small commercial properties incapable of beneficial occupation to avoid the payment of empty rates? Perhaps we will even see a trend away from the provision of this type of space in favour of a change of use. Beware the SMEs and start ups who may find that, as a result of short-sighted budgetary measures, the supply of suitable space to run a business at affordable prices becomes strangled.