The rateable value of non-domestic (business) properties is fixed in most cases by an independent valuation officer of the Valuation Office Agency. You can appeal against a decision on the rateable value of your property, for the 2005 Rating List, and you must do it by 31st March 2010:
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of the date of any revaluation of your property, or;
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of the date you bought, leased or rented the property.
You need to appeal directly to the valuation officer.
How to make an appeal
You can complete an appeal online at http://www.voa.gov.uk/ or request an appeal form from the valuation officer by writing to:
The Valuation Officer - Breckland
Rosebery Court
St Andrews Business Park
Norwich
NR7 0HS
Telephone: 01603 241000
The Valuation Officer – Forest Heath
St Clare House
Greyfriars
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 1LR
Telephone: 01473 587800
The Valuation Officer – East Cambs
Eastbrook
Shaftesbury Road
Cambridge
CB2 2DU
Telephone: 01223 431300
Further information
Other reasons for appealing against the rateable value
1. Where the valuation officer notifies you that he or she has altered your entry in the rating list.
2. Where the property is affected by a ‘material change’ of circumstances such as:
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A change in it’s physical state (such as building and extension or the demolition of a building);
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A change in it’s manner of use;
3. Following a decision of the local Valuation Tribunal or the Lands Tribunal or a higher court which has a bearing on the valuation of the property.
4. If you feel that any other details about the property are incorrect, for example:
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The description or address are incorrect;
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The property has been left out of the rating list;
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The property is used wholly for agriculture or you believe that the property should be exempt from business rates due to the nature of is use;
Other people who may make a proposal about the property include:
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The owner of the property;
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A landlord if he/she has an under lease, or;
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The local council.
You and the valuation officer
After you have made your appeal to the valuation officer he or she will acknowledge it. If you both reach an agreement within six months of making your proposal the valuation officer will alter the list to reflect the agreement.
If an agreement is not reached within six months of you making the proposal the valuation officer will arrange for your proposal to be transferred to the Valuation Tribunal as an appeal against the valuation officer’s refusal to alter the list.
Invalid Proposals
If the valuation officer believes that the proposal is invalid you will be told within six weeks of the valuation officer receiving the appeal. You may, if you disagree with this decision, challenge it by making an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
Web: www.valuation-tribunals.gov.uk
Even if you appeal against your rateable value, you must continue to pay on your present rateable value. If your appeal is successful and the rates payable is reduced, we will refund any overpayment, with interest, providing the Magistrates Court have not granted a Liability Order against you.
