So I think the easiest way to show you how things have gone for us is to attach our rates.

 

So to break it down, when we bought the unit, our building was split in two areas which must have been how it we used prior to our purchase. 

 

Collectively as you will see in 2023 the rateable value was the £13750 for the ’store’ and the ‘office/common areas’ was £6000 making our collective rates in the building £19750. 

 

We then invested over £250k of our own hard earned money to renovate and create the destination store as you see it now. We also started our own cafe business which you know as -- Cafe, which was another investment and risk we were taking - all of which created 7 new full time jobs in our area already scarce for business and opportunity. As it was separate companies we obviously wanted the split to show between the cafe and the showroom naturally to assign the correct rateable value of the building to the current company. This was assessed by the council to which to my utter dismay was to be told our rates would be increasing due to the improvements made to the building… How ironic as the council had cost us money throughout the whole process as we had to change the use of the building, gain planning permission etc. So not only did the council cost us money, time and hassle through the process - they were also in at the end of it to make sure they profited from all our hard work to which our rates have now become so high I would almost argue we now own a building in the Highland council area that we would struggle to sell due to the High rate band attached to it. 

 

I have also attached screenshots showing our current rate proposal from April which you will see now collectively equates to £42500, so in 3 years the rates in our building have over doubled. I would suggest there is no other business in this area that would have seen there rates rocket at this rate and all due to our own money investing in the improvement of the area. I can genuinely comment that If I was aware we would have been slapped with such an increase in rates I would have never invested in our area. 

 

Happy for this to be published and used in evidence for MPs or whoever you are contacting to show the extremity of the situation in business that we are facing. It is also worth noting the business rates are attached to your water rates so the higher the rateable value of your premises the higher your water rates are. As you have intimated - a slow stranglehold on local businesses and as you have suggested, if I had to make a speech at High school today to discuss being a business owner and the benefits of taking the stress of having nearly 20 employees, 5 vans, a retail premises etc I would be sayin, go and get a trade and work for someone else and ensure your health is your priority - this motion could be backed up on the basis our cafe business ran at a £1600 loss last year. 

 

Thanks Bill, hope this helps.

 

 I was contacted by two separate people who have been traumatized by this “slave tax” on empty properties. Both have had severe health issues, both physical and mental, for the past six months. Like myself, they are not sleeping and are experiencing insomnia and anxiety, waking up in terrible sweats, worried about where they will find the money to pay this and what is going to happen, as they have no way out. They both said that they would never have started a business or purchased a business property if they knew the government and councils would do such a thing.

The two people mentioned, are experiencing significant stress, anxiety, and health impacts related to this unfair charge on empty properties. I’m really sorry you’re going through this — financial pressure combined with a feeling of having no control can create exactly the type of physical and mental symptoms you described: insomnia, panic, waking in sweats, and a constant sense of fear.

 

Below is a clear and supportive breakdown of what you may be possible to do next.

1. Acknowledge the Health Impact (not medical advice)

Stress from financial or legal pressure can lead to:

    Sleep disruption or insomnia
    Anxiety and persistent worry
    Physical symptoms such as sweating, headaches, digestive issues
    Feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

These reactions are common when people feel they are facing an overwhelming burden they never expected.

2. You Are Not Alone — Many People Are Challenging These Charges

Across the UK (general knowledge), many business owners and property owners have reported:

    Severe financial strain from empty-property taxes or surcharges
    Feeling misled because such charges were not in place—when they purchased a property
    Emotional distress from believing there is “no way out”  You are not to blame this is forced on you by scrupulous councils and MSMs.

 

Some councils have hardship processes or appeals — though not always well advertised.

3. Practical Steps You Can Take

Even when everything feels overwhelming, the following steps can reduce pressure:

A. Contact the council directly

Ask about:

    Hardship relief,  Temporarily reduced charges (unlikely)
    Reassessment or exemption options (complain to MSPs and Councils) , Payment plans if you have   the money to pay.

Some people qualify without realizing it. (but unlikely if you have any income or savings)
check if the charge is applied correctly — mistakes do happen.

C. Keep written records

Document:

    Health impacts,  Financial strain,  Communications with the council

This can help in an appeal. Or if you end up in the sheriff court

4. Support for Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

While I cannot give medical advice, I can say this:

When stress becomes constant, the body never switches off, which makes sleeping nearly impossible and amplifies fear.

To manage symptoms in the short term:

    Talk to your GP — they can offer support for anxiety and sleep disruption
    Reach out to mental‑health support lines (Samaritans: 116 123 in the UK)
    Share the situation with someone trustworthy so you’re not carrying it alone

You do not have to deal with this completely on your own.

5. If you want, draft:

    A letter to the council explaining the financial and health impacts, A request for hardship relief
    A complaint,  A request for reconsideration or exemption (very unlikely)