About business rates

Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill.

However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented 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.

Valuation appeals procedure

• Check - a new pre-proposal stage must be gone through first to check material facts about a property. Ratepayers were invited to begin to do this from last October.
• Challenge - most cases are expected to be resolved at the pre-proposal stage.
• Appeal - restricted to consider material matters and requires evidence and predicted outcomes to reduces speculative claims.

More information about how to check, challenge and appeal a rateable value can be obtained from the the Valuation Office Agency website.