Another MP criticises empty property tax

Date: 8th August 2008

Another MP has stressed that the current tax rules covering empty property business rates hinder the growth of small firms in the country.

Earlier this week, it was reported that a total of 35 MPs were demanding the Treasury looked at the rules covering the rates that small businesses had to pay on empty property.

Now, another MP, Phil Wilson, has added his voice to the calls.

Speaking to his local Newington News, Mr Wilson explained many businesses struggled to pay the tax on empty buildings and said this was having a detrimental effect on growth.

"It seems wrong that companies providing small office and workshop units for rent to start up companies are faced with taxation that makes them think twice on building speculative business centres," he told the paper.

"I know the empty commercial property aspect of the business rate system needed to be reformed to ensure that empty properties were quickly occupied once they had been vacated, but I am concerned that tax on new properties will restrict the building of new business centres in the future."

Halifax MP Linda Riordan said earlier in the week that empty property rate relief was an effective tool to "stimulate investment and growth".