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Business rates – a new appeals system

PROBLEMS are being experienced with the implementation of a new system for challenging and appealing new rateable values assessed with effect from 1 April 2017.

The Valuation Office Agency have set up a computer system and will only receive requests for a check or challenge of a rateable value through that system. Unfortunately, there have been teething problems in setting up the system and a great deal of frustration has been experienced by business ratepayers and their representatives.

The system requires the owner or occupier of the property to create a Government Gateway account. To do this personal identification information must be provided. The next stage is to go onto the Valuation Office website (www.voa.gov.uk) and to claim a property as being either owned or occupied by an individual or company. To do this, a copy of this year’s rates demand or similar identification must be provided.

The owner or occupier can then identify an agent or representative that they wish to act for them by typing in the agent code. For example with Underwoods, the agent code is 38803. The agent is then authorised to go onto the system and commence the challenge.

After all this has been done, there is then a three-stage process check/challenge/appeal. It remains to be seen how the implementation of the process will unfold but the Valuation Office have invested a great deal in this new system and hopefully things will work well after the initial teething problems. Agencies who are involved in this sector of work are advising clients to bear with them while they try to work through the difficulties presented by the new system with a view to launching challenges where these are required.

For more information contact Nik Moore Rating Surveyor at Underwoods Chartered Surveyors who can be contacted by emailing or through the Rating Helpline on 01604 783007.

1. Underwoods is the area’s leading independent firm of commercial property consultants both in size and reputation, offering property solutions to clients.

Underwoods has experts which are available for media comment on all aspects of commercial property services – development, investment, building surveying, planning, rating, landlord & tenant, valuation and agency work.

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