THE Business Centre Association (BCA) has urged MPs to retain the £15,000 Rateable Value (RV) threshold on empty property rates.

The association hosted a reception at the House of Commons in advance of the Chancellor’s pre-Budget report.

The BCA, the UK’s trade organisation representing the flexible space sector, used the opportunity to lobby more than 50 MPs.

Jennifer Brooke, executive director of the BCA, said: “The House of Commons reception enabled the BCA to inform MPs that a change to the £15,000 RV in the Chancellor’s pre-Budget report would threaten the survival of many small businesses.

“MPs now recognise the harsh impact that this tax has had on the economy in their constituencies.

“It is imperative that they support the reduction of Empty Property Rates tax to sustain job security and employment opportunities within their locality, as well as safeguarding the investment in the commercial property market.”

The BCA has lobbied against the change to the empty property rates legislation since its introduction in 2008, arguing that it is a tax on hardship and has had a negative impact on regeneration, stopping many speculative developments, including those in regeneration and rural areas.