A government drive to revitalise villages, towns and cities by making use of empty shops, offices and factories has taken a step forward.
A consultation launched by local government minister John Healey, will seek the views of property owners, developers, surveyors and councils on potential reform of the empty property rates regime.
John Healey said: ‘The modernisation of empty property relief is a major element of a broad package of measures, which promote the efficient use of land and property, announced in the 2007 Budget.'