Empty property rate relief battle

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The relief was scrapped in April, prompting companies to demolish empty buildings to avoid paying the rates, according to industry body the British Property Foundation (BPF).

"It's like making the unemployed pay income tax," said BPF chief executive Liz Peace. "Taxing hardship and business failure is a ludicrous way to help people through the hard times. Brown must act now to undo this mess."

The BPF empty industrial premises to get full relief from the tax, and shops and offices to get full relief for the first three months, followed by 50%.

Its campaign has gained support from 70 MPs, who have signed a Commons motion against the charges, and local councils.