The Policy Memorandum explains:iiiParagraph 102
The policy objective is to empower local authorities to address this tax avoidance activity by putting the onus on the ratepayer to provide evidence to demonstrate that they are in receipt of the correct rate relief. To achieve this, the Bill provides that a local authority can serve a notice on a ratepayer who is in receipt of a relief other than unoccupied property relief in two circumstances: where a local authority considers that the property is not being used, thus suggesting that unoccupied property relief ought to apply instead of whatever relief is being received; and where the local authority is of the opinion that the property is significantly underused, thus suggesting the amount of relief being received is greater than would be received if unoccupied property applied, and the ratepayer’s reason for not leaving the property empty is to benefit from the greater amount of relief.