Rating (Empty Properties) Bill

That is merely a variation of the argument that the Minister powerfully deployed against amendments Nos. 2, 3 and 4, which is that planning would be used as an anti-avoidance measure. We contend that no one would willingly go through the planning system unless they had to, given the system’s scale, complexity and cost, notwithstanding the changes that the Government will try to make—in good faith, I am sure—to planning legislation. Given that the amendments will provide some protection to those who honestly make changes to empty property to the benefit of the wider economy, we stand by them. Question put, That the amendment be made:— The Committee divided: Ayes 134, Noes 236.