text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Rating (Empty Properties) Bill - Unoccupied hereditaments: chargeable amount
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  <p>Amendment tabled by the Conservative front bench that introduces a series of exemptions for empty properties:</p>
  
  <p>(a) the whole hereditament has, subject to subsection (1B), been unoccupied for a continuous period not exceeding three months;</p>
   
  (b) its owner is prohibited by law from occupying it or allowing it to be occupied;</p>
   
  (c) it is kept vacant by reason of action taken by or on behalf of the Crown or any local or public authority with a view to prohibiting the occupation of the hereditament or to acquiring it;</p>
   
  (d) it is the subject of a building preservation notice as defined by section 3 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or is included in a list compiled under section 1 of that Act;</p>
   
  (e) it is included in the Schedule of monuments compiled under section 1 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (c. 46);</p>
   
  (f) it is a qualifying industrial hereditament;</p>
   
  (g) its rateable value is less than Â£2,200;</p>
    
  (h) the owner is entitled to possession only in his capacity as the personal representative of a deceased person;</p>
   
  (i) there subsists in respect of the ownerâs estate a bankruptcy order within the meaning of Parts VIII to XI of the Insolvency Act.</p>
  
  <p pid="a.922.1/1"><i> Question put, </i>That the amendment be made:-</p>
  
  <p pid="a.922.1/2"><i> The Committee divided:</i> Ayes 143, Noes 236.</p>
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  