The Department for Communities and Local Government is to address the problem of empty properties, which could increase the availability of commercial and business premises in the UK.

New changes to empty property reliefs are to come into effect next month to 'remove perverse incentives to keep buildings empty', the department says.

Local government minister John Healey says that government will help councils to enforce the changes, which could mean that there are more business premises available for those considering setting up a small business.

'Commercial property demand remains high and there can be no excuse for deliberate dereliction,' Healey comments.

The reforms are 'good for business', as well as the environment and local communities, he adds.

In related news, Dan Griffiths, head of investment at DTZ Cardiff, predicts that the downturn in the US economy is having a negative impact upon the business premises market in Wales, the Western Mail reports.