Business rate valuation and appeals
Business rate valuation
Revaluation
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) assesses and sets the rateable value (RV) for all business (non-domestic) properties. The VOA is part of HM Revenue & Customs.
The purpose of the revaluation is to reflect the changes that have taken place in the property market since the last revaluation. The rateable value is based upon a property's potential annual market rental value as at a specified date.
The rating list that was effective between April 2017 and March 2023 had a valuation date of 01-Apr-2015. The rating list that is effective from April 2023 has a valuation date of 01-Apr-2021.
The rateable value is the basis on which your business rates are calculated. Your bill will show the rateable value of your property.
Business Rate appeals
The VOA are responsible for compiling and maintaining the local rating list for business properties (and also the council tax valuation list).
You can check your rateable value, and compare it with other properties, on the Gov.uk website.
Challenges, appeals and queries about your rateable value should be done directly with the VOA. Information is available on the VOA website.
Note - if you are making an appeal with the Valuation Office you must still pay your Business Rates on the dates they are due. If your appeal is successful, any overpayment will be refunded.
Information regarding rating advisors
Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill. Appeals against rateable values can be made free of charge. However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.
Before you employ a rating adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.