Business rates are often the third highest operational overhead incurred by commercial and non-domestic properties after rent and staffing. Our reputation, in-depth knowledge, experience and success rate ensures our Clients return to seek our advice again and again.
Partner led, with a team of experienced chartered surveyors, Robert Clarke enjoys a national reputation as rating specialists, conducting appeals on a wide range of commercial, licensed, leisure and industrial properties, whether individually or as part of a national portfolio.
We have a proven track record acting for both Public and Private sector clients. We represent national PLC’s, limited companies and individual retailers as well as a number of local authorities.
We are members of RICS, the IRRV [Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation] and the Rating Surveyors Association, adopting the professional codes of practice.
Opportunities may still exist to challenge your current rateable value under the 2005 Revaluation, but these will be lost if action is not taken soon.
Every five years all commercial properties are revalued by the Valuation Office Agency [VOA]. The next Revaluation is due to come into effect on 1 April 2010, when properties will be assessed by reference to rental levels at 1 April 2008 [AVD] - the statutory valuation date.
In todays volatile market conditions the accuracy of new assessments should be closely scrutinised and although in some cases assessments will be reduced, arguably larger reductions are warranted.
The appeal process and its interaction with the rules over transitional relief and other reliefs becomes more and more complex and it is important to obtain up to the minute advice from a specialist before embarking on any challenge to your assessment.
Our rating experts provide a comprehensive service:-
- Analyse and advise on the current assessment and, if appropriate, appeal the current Rateable Value.
- Conduct negotiations with the VOA to secure, where possible, a reduction in Rateable Value.
- Appear on behalf of the ratepayer at Local Valuation Tribunal both as advocate and expert.
- Prepare cases for submission to Lands Tribunal and give expert evidence.
- Provide advice on a whole range of Reliefs including: Empty Property Rates, Rural and Small Business Rate relief, Deferral of Business Rates.
- Advice on Transitional arrangements, Uniform Business Rate, and the introduction of a new Local Authority Business Rate Supplement.
- Provide a continuing rating service throughout the five year life of Rating List including making subsequent appeals arising from Material Changes of Circumstance or Valuation Office Notifications.
Please contact Victoria Trafford or Robert King for more information.
