Apart from properties that are exempt from Business Rates, each non-domestic property has a rateable value, which is normally set by the Valuation Officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is an executive agency of H M Revenues and Customs. The VOA compiles and maintains a full list of all rateable properties together with the associated rateable values, which are available on their website at www.voa.gov.uk .

The rateable value of your property will be shown on the front of your bill. The rateable value broadly represents the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market on a particular date. For the 2010 rating list this date was set at 1 April 2008. For the revaluation that comes into effect on 1 April 2017, this date was set at 1 April 2015.

The Valuation Officer has to maintain the list and may alter the value if he or she believes that the circumstances of the property have changed. The ratepayer (and certain others who have an interest in the property) can also appeal against the rateable value shown in the list if they believe it is wrong.

Business rates - check your rateable value

The council uses the rateable value provided by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to work out your business rates bill.  You can check your rateable value and compare it with others on the VOA website.  You can also get in touch if you need to let them know of any issues.

Appeals

If you wish to appeal against your rateable value you must do so to the Valuation Office Agency. Further information on the grounds for making an appeal, and on how to make one, can be found on the Valuation Office Agency  website and the Valuation Tribunal Service website.

Advice

You do not have to be represented in discussions about your rateable value or your rates bill. If you wish to make an appeal against rateable values you can do it free of charge. However if you do wish to be represented you should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) 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.

Further information on Business Rates can be found at the Businesslink.

Remember: You should report changes affecting your Business Rates as soon as possible.

Do I have to pay if I have an appeal outstanding?

You must continue to pay your Business Rates whilst any appeal is pending, otherwise recovery action will continue and you may receive a summons. If your appeal is successful all overpaid Business Rates will be refunded on request, usually with payment of interest.