MP CALLS FOR ACTION ON EMPTY PROPERTY RATE RELIEF

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 9th Oct 2008

Local MP, Sandra Gidley is calling on the government to reintroduce empty property rate relief immediately in response to the global economic downturn and worsening conditions in the property market.

Commenting today, Sandra said:

"I know the tax on empty commercial properties is hurting many in Hampshire - businessmen, pensioners and developers wanting to invest in properties in Romsey and north Southampton.

"In these difficult times we should not make things worse for employers.

"The entire business community has shown their opposition to this tax, with fairly reasoned arguments, backed up by hundreds of cases studies, showing the ill effects of this tax leading to early demolition of buildings, shelved regeneration projects, the loss of inward and overseas investments in the UK economy and the loss of jobs and pensions.

"All 19 urban regeneration companies have spoken out against the tax.

"Government must take urgent steps to ensure that they do not push local businesses struggling to survive over the edge as the banking crisis infects the business sector."

ENDS