Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has announced his intention to change the law so that empty shop fronts can be used for non-commercial purposes without incurring full rates.

The aim is to prevent businesses being penalised for making alternative use of empty premises, something which can prevent empty shops contributing to a run-down feel in town centres. The issue will be consulted upon at the same time as the recently announced proposals for extending the small business rate scheme, by charging a levy on the largest shops.

The Minister said: "During this economic downturn our town centres are suffering from shop closures. I want to encourage the use of empty shop fronts for community, artistic and other non commercial purposes.

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"At the moment almost any use of an empty shop will trigger full commercial rates and I think we need to change this position while so many shops are lying empty. Empty shops are not good for business, they can soon lead to decline and it is important that the traders who are managing to stay in business through these difficult times are allowed to work with landlords and owners to improve the appearance of shopping areas without being landed with extra rates.

"I have listened to what retail businesses are telling me and the problems they are facing with the continuing downturn. While we still have to raise the same money through business rates to pay for essential services, I want to make sure we do this in a fairer way. This is all part of a rebalancing strategy for business rates.”

It is expected that the issue will go out to consultation early in the summer and the views of national and local traders, shoppers and local business people will be canvassed before any decisions are made.

(GK/KMcA)