OWNERS of empty business premises in the Taunton and Wellington area will be taxed as if they were occupied from next April.
A spokeswoman for Taunton Deane Council said the Government had brought in new rules to encourage empty commercial property back into use.
She said that from April 1 next year, most property that has been empty for more than three months - or six months for industrial property - will no longer receive business rate relief and will have to pay 100 per cent rates as if it was occupied.
She added: "Owners of unoccupied commercial premises that are in poor condition and cannot be economically repaired are advised to contact the Valuation Office Agency, which will decide whether the property should be removed from the rating list and so not subject to the changes in rates liability arising from the reforms to empty property relief."
*Further information can be found by clicking on the link to council's website below and going to the business rates pages.
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