News Businessman to be hit in the pocket
A Goole businessman has said changes to laws on empty properties will cost him £11,000 a year and will seriously affect the town.
Under reforms relating to empty property rate relief on industrial property, many people will have to pay rates on industrial units, even if they are empty.
Mr Ted Shaw, of Advance Roadways, said the proposed changes would have a "stifling effect" on him and other local entrepreneurs.
Mr Shaw, whose company provides industrial units, said: "Goole has been a slow-moving town, developing over the last 40 years.
"During that 40 years, the M62 estate, ourselves and Glews Hollow have been providing a facility in the hope that things will improve. We have to have that availability there.
"And things have improved."
Mr Shaw calculated that he would would have to pay £11,000 in "dead money" for empty properties.
"We're going to be penalised for providing growth facilities. I can see there's going to be a shortfall in the future.
"There's no incentive to provide. You can't just build one unit - you have to offer a choice."
Mr Shaw also feels the cost of paying for empty buildings would be incorporated into the rental charges.
"I think it will have a big impact on town," he said.
Mr Shaw raised the matter with Goole MP Ian Cawsey, who received a letter from Parmjit Dhanda, from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Ms Dhanda said the legislation was intended to provide an incentive for owners to reuse, re-let or redevelop their empty properties.
She also pointed out that the initial three-month rate-free period would remain in place.
The issue was discussed at the Goole Chamber of Commerce meeting last week, and Chamber members are to look into it.
Published on 17th January 2008 in News.
Add to: Digg | del.icio.us | Reddit
Comments
There are currently no comments
Comment
All comments are subject to moderation (during normal office hours) and may be amended.
Email addresses are required for administration purposes only.
By contributing your comments, you accept our terms and conditions.