Non-domestic rates (often called business rates) are the way in which businesses and other occupiers of non-domestic property contribute towards the costs of local authority services.
Every five years, the VOA carries out a revaluation of all rateable values in England and Wales. The current revaluation came into effect on 1 April 2005 and all properties have their rateable value assessed on the valuation date of 1 April 2003.
Did you know that...
Your rates are based upon a rateable value assessed by the Valuation Office, and it is only an assessment ... similar to any other tax assessment.
They are levied without any consideration of your ability to pay.
In many cases we can make savings for you. At the very least we can give you advice and tell you if your property is correctly assessed.
How can we help?
Virtually every property is unique. We carry out a rating survey by taking measurements of the parts that are rateable. We make a very detailed inspection to ensure for example that all disability allowances are claimed for ... such as poor access/layout etc.
We can usually give you an idea as to the correct rates payable and that an appeal is worthwhile.
We commence the appeal process with the Valuation Office.
When notified of a hearing date we commence negotiations and if an acceptable settlement is not reached the appeal with be heard by the Valuation Tribunal.