High Court Upholds Empty Rates Mitigation: A Clear Validation for Verity and Our Clients

London, UK – 15.05.2025 – Since 2015, Verity has championed transparent and effective empty rates mitigation. And now, the High Court has delivered a clear validation of this approach.

In a significant ruling for the commercial property industry, the City of London’s claim against 48th Street Holding Limited and Principled Offsite Logistics Limited was dismissed. A judgment which decisively confirms the effectiveness of well-structured empty rates mitigation strategies.

This is highly positive news which offers significant reassurance and benefits across the wider industry. It firmly upholds the long-standing legal principles guiding our approach to rateable occupation and the application of the Ramsay principles, providing clarity and confidence.

The City of London’s attempt to challenge the mitigation scheme’s effectiveness was definitively dismissed by the High Court, which found the scheme to be entirely effective.

What This Means for Verity and Our Clients

This High Court decision represents a significant turning point, demonstrating the legal efficacy of correctly executed empty rates mitigation. It stands as a validation of our methodology and our commitment to operating strictly within legal parameters.

We pride ourselves on transparent empty rates mitigation strategies, designed to offer genuine and compliant empty rates relief to our clients.

“This High Court ruling is a pivotal moment for the commercial property industry,” shares Jozef Weill, Managing Director at Verity Commercial Services Ltd. “When schemes are designed and executed with a deep understanding of legal principles, they are effective. At Verity, we operate within the framework that Parliament has chosen to maintain – even after regulatory updates. For our existing and prospective clients, this judgment provides assurance.”

At Verity, we understand the financial challenges that come with vacant commercial spaces. Our mission is to alleviate this pressure through solutions that are both legal and ethical. This High Court ruling reinforces our absolute confidence in providing solutions that stand up to any scrutiny, providing our clients with peace of mind that their empty rates liability is being managed responsibly.

We warmly encourage any property owners looking to understand their empty rates obligations and explore mitigation strategies to connect with Verity. This ruling only solidifies our position further as a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of empty property rates, ensuring compliance, and helping you to achieve maximum savings.