Retail properties which become empty are exempt from business rates. However that exemption expires after three months (and full business rates must then be paid again) unless:
(a) the property is a listed building ; or
(b) the property is owned by a charity and the next use of the building is likely to be for wholly or mainly charitable purposes ; or
(c) the rateable value of the property is under £2,600.
(In each of those cases, business rates don't need be paid throughout the whole of the period during which the property is unoccupied).
http://www.businessli...tl&topicId=1086075605
Chris