WIREDGOV

Government consults on charging empty business properties.

Property owners and businesses are being asked their views on plans to introduce water, drainage and sewerage charges for owners of empty business properties.

At the moment, owners of these empty properties pay no water, sewerage or drainage charges and the cost of service provision is met by other customers. 

The new money raised will be used to limit future increases for water charges to business customers across Scotland, ensuring better value and a fairer system.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: 

“The Scottish Government appreciates that businesses - just like families - face a squeeze on their budgets and we therefore want to make sure that the costs of doing business are kept as low as possible.

“It is also important, to make the charging system fair for everyone, that all business properties should pay for the water, sewerage and drainage services they receive. 

“All the additional money raised by removing the exemption on unoccupied business properties will be used to keep charges down for all business customers.

“We are keen to invite all those affected, especially property owners and business customers who are currently covering the cost of exemptions, to give us your feedback.” 

The consultation is open from 18th May to 10th August.

Notes To Editors

The full consultation can be accessed at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/05/6843

The Scottish Government recognises that the current water and sewerage charging arrangements for vacant business premises are inconsistent with its charging principles of cost reflective charging and cost recovery.