Business property owners in Argyll and Bute may be eligible for up to 12 months of Empty Property Relief (EPR) if they can provide genuine evidence that their property is vacant due to ongoing renovations.
Under ¹ú²úÊÓƵ’s current policy, empty properties receive 50% relief for three months, 10% for nine months, and 0% thereafter.
At today’s meeting of the council’s Policy and Resources Committee, however, councillors agreed to introduce a discretionary 100% EPR extension of up to 12 months to provide flexibility for property owners actively working to bring properties back into use.
Owners can apply for up to 12 months of 100% relief at any time after the property becomes vacant, provided:
- Planning and building consents are secured;
- A detailed renovation schedule is submitted;
- Photographic evidence confirms works have commenced;
- The council’s Empty Business Property Officer is granted access for inspections.
The scheme has a £1,000,000 cumulative rateable value threshold for EPR eligibility to ensure funds are not taken away from smaller local businesses.
Ross Moreland, Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial ¹ú²úÊÓƵ, said: “The new Empty Property Relief (EPR) criteria offer a vital lifeline for business owners committed to enhancing their community. Not only does this initiative support local businesses, it fosters economic growth and helps breathe new life into our town centres, transforming empty properties into thriving assets."
