Rateable Value and Valuation

Apart from properties that are exempt from Business Rates, each business property has a rateable value which is normally set by the valuation officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an Agency of HM Revenues and Customs. They draw up and maintain a full list of 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 revaluation that came into effect on 1st April 2005, this date was set as 1st April 2003.

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 appeal against the value shown in this list if they believe it is wrong. The Valuation Officer may also alter the rateable value if the circumstances of the property have changed.

Further information on the grounds for making an appeal, and on how to make one, or how to report a change to your property, can be found on the VOA website or from your local Valuation Office, at

Block A,
Government Buildings,
Whittington Road,
Worcester
WR5 2LB
(Telephone: 01905 687600)

Successful appeals against values shown in the rating list that came into force on 1st April 2005 will normally be backdated to the beginning of the list, although there are exceptions to this. Further information about this can be obtained from the valuation office.

Rating Advisers

Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill. Appeals against rateable value can be made free of charge. However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS - website www.rics.org.uk) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV - website www.irrv.org.uk) 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.