West Lothian Rates Relief Change to Save Council £1 Million Annually

West Lothian will change rules for empty buildings. These changes aim to save over £1 million each year. The council executive agreed to end some rate relief. This happens after just three or six months. A councillor said this could help communities and may even improve people’s well-being.

The council wants owners to rent out empty buildings. Empty building rates cost £2.278 million in 2023/24. Both parties welcomed the changes, believing it will encourage renting vacant spaces.

Shops and offices now get 50% off for three months, then they get 10% off until rented. The new plan still gives 50% off for three months. Factories used to get 100% off for six months, but now they’ll get 50% off for three months instead.

Historic buildings had complete relief until rented, but now, they get 100% relief for six months only. In 2024, 757 properties used empty property relief.

In 2023/24, 196 shops got relief; fifty-five percent were rented in three months. The rest got 10% off until rented, costing around £161,000. Forty-seven factories got relief, and most were rented within six months.

The changes should save £1.14 million. A councilor asked for reports on the rates and turnover rates for empty buildings. Officials agreed to provide these reports. The councilor thinks this review is good news because empty buildings hurt the local economy and impact how people see their town.