October 21, 2009


London – Fasken Martineau, a leading international law firm, announced today that it advised the Healthy Planet Foundation, an innovative social enterprise and global charity, in launching an "Instant Rate Saver" initiative. The initiative is designed to help landlords significantly reduce their empty rates bills, help a worthy cause, and improve the external look of empty shops and town centres across the United Kingdom.

"Many landlords can ill afford to pay tax imposed on vacant properties in the current difficult market," said David Connick, partner and head of the commercial property team at Fasken Martineau in London. "We are delighted to play our part in assisting Healthy Planet to create a legitimate means of raising awareness of its valuable work in a way that also helps landlords by reducing their rates bills.

Economic conditions in the UK have worsened considerably since the introduction of the unpopular empty rates tax in April 2008. Research conducted by the Local Data Company and supported by the British Property Federation has shown that the number of empty shops throughout England and Wales has risen from 4.5% at the end of May 2008 to 12% at the end of June 2009. Today, one in seven shops is empty and many businesses occupying office space are also downsizing.

Through Healthy Planet's "Instant Rate Saver" agreement, the charity installs posters describing its work in empty shop and ground floor office windows. Landlords make a small donation to the charity, typically a 25p multiplier on a £1 rateable value, compared to the typical 48.5p. In return, landlords gain the security of knowing they can operate on a short-term lease basis. For a landlord, this is a greener and more acceptable alternative to knocking out staircases and roofs to reduce their empty rates liability. The added benefit is that landlords also are supporting the charity's work in the UK and globally.

Fasken Martineau is assisting Healthy Planet by drawing up a "tenancy at will" contract. The firm is also hosting a seminar to raise the charity's profile amongst landlords and agents.

Land Securities, private landlords and charity rent reduction specialists, and Rent Re-form have already been convinced of the benefits of the scheme. Mall Corporation, the UK's leading community shopping centre brand, has also agreed to work with Healthy Planet. Plans are at an advanced stage for a trial in a prime unit at The Mall, Uxbridge which has an average weekly footfall of 180,000 people.

About Healthy Planet Foundation

The Healthy Planet Foundation (www.healthyplanet.org) is a UK-registered charity that is dedicated to inspiring, educating and supporting people to protect the planet's resources through better lifestyle choices and global conservation and community projects.  

About Fasken Martineau LLP

Fasken Martineau is a leading international business law and litigation firm. With over 650 lawyers, the firm has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, London, Paris and Johannesburg. For additional information, please visit the firm's website at www.fasken.com.

Media Contacts

Stephen Hastings
Director of Communications
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Tel. 416 865 4370
Cell 416 648 4076


Anne-Julie Maltais
Communications and Media Specialist
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Tel. 514 397 4349
Cell. 514 947 4349