Empty Property Relief Being Phased Out For Non-Domestic Rates Agreed Highland Council

8th December 2023

Photograph of Empty Property Relief Being Phased Out For Non-Domestic Rates Agreed Highland Council

Members of the Highland Council's Corporate Resources Committee, who met yesterday, Thursday, 7 December 2023, agreed a Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief Scheme, which will initially commence from 1 April 2024.

Within 3 years the reductions will be gone.

The Scheme has been devised in order to encourage ratepayers to bring non-domestic properties, which are otherwise empty or unoccupied, back into economic use, either through self-occupation or by letting the property for use on the open market.

A number of specific classes of non-domestic properties will not be affected by the Scheme, including those where occupation is prohibited by law.

The Empty Property Relief Scheme will be phased in over 3 years, commencing 1 April 2024, and will reduce the relief available for unoccupied/empty Non-Domestic Rates properties.

The phasing approach will enable owners of non-domestic properties to bring these properties back into use in a planned way and enables those acquiring empty properties from 1 April 2024 to incorporate the costs of their non-domestic rates liabilities into their business plans and decisions.

Councillor Calum Munro, Vice Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, commented: "Yesterday's decision is an important step in managing the ever-increasing number of empty commercial properties throughout the region - this Scheme is for the benefit of local economies and also to assist in generating employment opportunities for areas in Highland.

He continued: "The Scheme has been designed in such a way that it will be introduced on a phased basis over a 3 year period from April 2024. We hope that this approach will enable unoccupied commercial property owners the opportunity to put in place plans to bring properties back into economic use in the medium-term."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

8/11/2026 : Local Authority

Are Chromebooks Taking Over Our Classrooms? Highland Schools Face Questions About Digital Learning

The use of Chromebooks, laptops and other digital devices in schools was once widely regarded as an important step towards modernising education.  Giving every pupil access to technology promised to improve learning, widen access to information and prepare young people for a world increasingly dependent on digital skills.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Secret HQ Move: Is Highland Council Chasing Savings or Just Shuffling the Deck?

A storm is brewing behind closed doors at Glenurquhart Road.  Recent private discussions have revealed plans for Highland Council to potentially abandon its historic headquarters and relocate to Great Glen House, the current £13 million base of NatureScot.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

Committee to consider 1 April 2027 start date for Short-Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to agree that Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) for Inverness City and Highland Rural come into effect from 1 April 2027.   The recommendation to the Committee follows the decision by Scottish Government Ministers on 26 October 2026 to approve designation of the STLCAs, which are an important tool to manage future loss of housing stock, support sustainable communities and balance housing needs with the visitor economy.  Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “Following Scottish Government approval, the Council can now move forward with implementing these STLCAs, which will help us strike a better balance between supporting tourism growth and protecting much-needed housing for local people.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Key decisions made to improve Highland Bereavement Services

Members of the Communities and Place Committee have made key decisions that will improve affordability and choice within Highland bereavement services at Inverness Crematorium; and introduce stronger governance and transparency for charitable funding applications through the crematorium metal recycling scheme.   Members also approved the adoption of a standardised burial management plan across Highland which will ensure compliance with new national burial management legislation.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Council-owned D&E Coaches delivers £700k profit while supporting Highland transport

D&E Coaches has recorded a £700,000 profit after tax in its first full year under Highland Council ownership.   The Council purchased the coach and bus operator in March 2025 to support the ongoing provision of sustainable and reliable transport services across the Highlands.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Abandoned Vehicles Policy approved by Highland Councillors

Members of The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee have approved a new Policy on Abandoned Vehicles that will provide a framework for investigating, assessing and enforcement against abandoned vehicles across the region.   Chair of Communities and Place, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “I welcome this new policy which will help to make a difference in communities where the nuisance of abandoned vehicles arises.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Funding success builds on Highland Council’s commitment to warmer, energy efficient homes

Climate Change Committee Members have welcomed news that The Highland Council has successfully secured external funding in the region of £5.4 million for 2026/27.  This grant funding will support retrofit and decarbonisation programmes for eligible owner occupier, private rented and Council owned houses across the Highlands.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Council to commission independent review of licensing

Members of The Highland Council have today approved the commissioning of an independent external review of the Council’s licensing arrangements following a Council motion approved on 17 September 2026.   The review will consider governance, decision-making processes and opportunities for improvement.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

Additional school in-service days agreed - Helping teachers prepare for major curriculum changes

Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade.   The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

The Payday Heist: Why Your Payroll System Might Be a Fraudster’s Easiest Target

Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty.  When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.