The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on water charges for empty business properties.
Currently, owners of empty properties pay no water, sewerage or drainage charges, which means the cost of service is met by other customers.
The government is calling on businesses and property owners to put forward their views on plans to introduce those charges for empty premises.
The money raised will be used to limit future water charges for business customers across Scotland, making sure there is “better value and a fairer system”.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government appreciates that businesses – just like families – face a squeeze on their budgets and we therefore want to make sure that the costs of doing business are kept as low as possible.
“It is also important, to make the charging system fair for everyone, that all business properties should pay for the water, sewerage and drainage services they receive.”
The consultation will run until 10th August.
