The idea
Remove business rates from empty and/or unused premises
Why is it important?
That business rates should be charged on empty premises or those currently not in use is unsupportable. It also adds rather largely to the cost of planning for the future. One can imagine a business person obtaining premises too large for current operations but with the extra space being available for the future should the business prosper. That this business person should be penalised for their confidence in the future is not only unfair but is a disincentive.
This would help thousands of small businesses stay in profit and thus continue to provide employment to even more thousands of people.