2010 Revaluation

The national business rates revaluation came into effect on 1 April 2010.

If you own or occupy a property, you can query the rateable value if you think it is wrong. For example, you might query the valuation if you believe it contains inaccurate information or if there has been a change to your property (eg partial demolition) or the neighbourhood that reduces the value of your premises.

You can do this yourself for free through the Government's Valuation Office Agency by visiting the VOA website (link on the right hand side of this page). You can check the details of your valuation, compare it with others and access a wide range of information to answer your questions, as well as contacting the VOA to raise any issues. If necessary, the VOA will carry out further investigation and inform you of any decision.

Beware of unscrupulous ‘agents’

Some businesses prefer to employ the services of an agent to help them ensure that they understand the valuation and check the details of the new valuation. If you intend to use an agent there are some simple checks you can do to make sure you use the right professional:

• Make sure the agent is a member of one of the 3 main representative bodies: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, The Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuations or the Rating Surveyors’ Association.
• Get a recommendation from another business who have used an agent
• Ask agents for details of previous work carried out in businesses similar to yours
• Ask for a clear breakdown of fees you will be expected to pay
• Check the details of any contract or agreement you are asked to sign

In addition be wary of anyone ‘cold calling’, asking for payment up front or payment for lodging an appeal which is free.