Councillors back initiative to see vacant properties in use
THE council has backed a proposal that could see owners of vacant properties paying rates.
The issue was raised by Cllr Declan Bree who queried why the council hadn’t introduced the Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme aimed at encouraging the use of vacant commercial and industrial property people who intend to set up new businesses in units that were previously occupied and have been vacant for over two years. “In my view the successful implementation of the scheme will help reduce the negative visual impact of empty commercial properties in Sligo and I believe it would also help generate and support new business outlets to attract increased footfall and benefit in the town.
“I understand that in some counties grant relief is based on certified fit out and improvement costs for a three year period. A maximum total of 75% of the annual rates liability for the first year. A maximum of 50% of the annual rates liability for the second year and a maximum of 25% of the annual rates liability for the third year.
His proposal that the Chief Executive provide a report outlining why the Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme has not been introduced in Sligo was adopted by members.
Head of Finance, Marie Whelan told the meeting that it has never been possible to collect rates from owners of vacant property in Sligo. Only eight local authorities operate a vacant property scheme. The Local Government Regulations 2014 provides discretion to councillorsto vary the level of rates refunds that apply to individual local electoral areas.
“The amendment did not make any change to the eligibility or otherwise of refunds as provided for in relevant legislation but amended the legislation for the new reserved function of a local authority,” she said. Uncollectable rates from vacant properties in 2015 was €2.614,690 and €2,311,682 in 2016.”