Empty business properties now facing water charges

Water, drainage and sewerage charges will be introduced for owners of empty business properties under Scottish Government plans now out for consultation.

Ministers propose to remove the current exemption in order to limit future increases for water charges to other business customers.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government appreciates that businesses – just like families – face a squeeze on their budgets and we therefore want to make sure that the costs of doing business are kept as low as possible.

“It is also important, to make the charging system fair for everyone, that all business properties should pay for the water, sewerage and drainage services they receive.

“All the additional money raised by removing the exemption on unoccupied business properties will be used to keep charges down for all business customers."

Ministers are keen to receive feedback from all those affected.

Click here to view the consultation. The consultation is open until 10 August 2015.