The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the government to address the growing number of vacant properties on high streets and in local communities.
During the Spring Budget 2023, the government launched a consultation to explore the scale of avoidance, evasion and poor rating agent behaviour in the business rates system and potential methods to tackle it.
ACS’ submission has outlined support for the proposed restructuring of Empty Property Relief as a measure to incentivise landlords to fill vacant properties on high streets.
The proposal highlights the detrimental impact that empty properties have on communities and existing businesses with the reduce in footfall and the commercial vitality of these areas.
To ensure that properties are occupied more promptly, the ACS has also persisted the government to speed up the Check, Challenge, Appeals process.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the measures that the Government has proposed to reduce the number of vacant properties on our high streets but there’s a need for deeper examination to understand the core reasons as to why these properties are vacant in the first place.
“Businesses, including local shops, face soaring operating costs continue to rise at an eye-watering rate and as a result, for many it has become almost impossible for them to continue trading and has deterred businesses from occupying new spaces.”
As part of the call for action, the ACS additionally urged the government to identify and gather evidence on rogue agents who are exploiting ratepayers and the overall systems, with an aim to see how any found problems would be addressed.
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