Closed petition Extend length of occupancy required for business rates exemption to six months

Closed on 21 May 2023

Occupation of commercial property that ends after 6 weeks will trigger eligibility for a 3 (or 6) month rates free period. We want the Government to replicate what has happened in Wales, and increase the required period of occupation, that activates rates exemption, from 6 weeks to 6 months.

Those who take advantage of current business rates exemptions to reduce their tax obligations impose an unfair burden on the honest majority and withhold money from reaching the crucial public services that need it.

We want to stop people being able to exploit the existing business rates exemptions to gain a financial advantage.

Currently businesses can use contrived, artificial occupation arrangements that serve little or no purpose other than to reduce rates liability. This is self-serving and takes resources, financial and otherwise, out of society.