Rates rise for empty NI businesses announced to tackle vacant units

The move is expected to further support small businesses while revitalising town centres

Empty businesses in Northern Ireland will face a rates rise in a bid to tackle vacant units, it has been announced.

Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced plans to accelerate the strategic review of rates and progress changes in the business rates system. The Minister said his ambition is to further support small businesses and revitalise town centres.

Around 23% of non-domestic units, nearly 5,000 in total, in Northern Ireland are unoccupied according to figures from the Department for Communities. This number has been slowly rising since 2023, and units include shops, pubs, offices, and more.

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OPINION

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Currently, where a commercial property is vacant, the property is billed at 50% of the normal occupied rate. A newly announced move will see this rise to owners paying 75% then 100% of their rates.

This is to focus on bringing buildings back into use rather than lying derelict, with the move expected to unlock £20 million of revenue.

The Minister said: “What was clear from the Review was the need to challenge the blight of vacant properties in our villages, towns and city centres.

“It is my view work now needs to begin to elevate Non-Domestic Vacant Rating liability from 50% to 75% and then to 100%. I have therefore instructed my officials to take forward the policy work required to implement these changes which have the potential to unlock a further £20m of revenue between central and local government.”

Minister John O’Dowd said the changes will not only help revitalise town centres, but further support small businesses.

Speaking in the Assembly Chamber, Minister O’Dowd said: “Less than a year ago, my Department committed to reviewing all rates support to deliver positive and progressive change to the rating system. Today, I can announce that every single rates support will have been reviewed by the end of the 2027/28 rating year.

“Following the Review process over the summer, it is now my ambition to progress enhanced support for small businesses, tackle the high level of vacancies in our towns and city centres, support businesses starting out and help accelerate business growth.”

When a business decides to expand, their rates liability usually increases immediately once work is completed. However, the Minister said it is acknowledged the increased rates liability can be off-putting for some businesses wanting to expand.

To target that and help accelerate business growth, Minister O’Dowd said there are plans to stagger the additional rate liability to encourage business expansion.

A consultation on the proposals is expected to begin in December, ahead of rates bills being issued in April 2026.

Updating the Assembly on his desire to enhance Small Business Rate Relief support, Minister O’Dowd added: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I want to see extra help going to those businesses that provide vital employment supporting workers, families, and communities.

“The Small Business Rate Relief currently provides vital support for operating costs for around 30,000 small businesses. The support delivered under that scheme has, however, remained unchanged since 2012.

“I want to create a fair environment for all businesses and plan to consult before the New Year, giving businesses the chance to share final views before changes are put to Ministerial colleagues on enhancements to the support.”

In conclusion, the Minister added: “By taking the steps announced today, we continue to deliver a fairer, more progressive rating system—one that drives growth, supports new enterprises, and strengthens communities.

“We all know our finances are under significant pressure, which is why I aim to deliver savings in parts of the rating system and redirect resources to provide additional support to those businesses that need it most.

“Delivering positive change will require buy-in, partnership working and the backing of Ministerial colleagues and the Assembly.”

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