SECTION 44A / SECTION 45 APPLICATIONS

If part of the property is unoccupied for a short period then the ratepayer can apply to the Council for relief under Section 44A. Similarly, if the entire property is empty and unused, relief can be applied for under Section 45.

Under the new system, which came into effect from 1st April 2008, offices and retails premises will only be eligible for relief from rates for 3 months after the property is vacated, while industrial sites and warehouses are allowed six months grace.

It is worth noting that the initial period commences on the date the property became empty and not the date the law changed. For example, if your property became empty on 1st January 2008 and is a non-industrial property, you will then be liable to pay the full charge from 1st April 2008.