Commercial Property Rating Assessment

Uniform Business Rate

Currently all businesses pay rates based on a nationally set Uniform Business Rate but the present Government is actively considering the re-introduction of a locally applied rate in the pound. There is also the possibility of a national rate supplemented by an additional local rate. Whatever method is adopted the new rate poundage, coupled with the new Rateable Values, may well result in much higher rates bills in the near future.

Transitional Arrangements

The Rateable Value multiplied by the new Uniform Business Rate will establish the headline level of rates payable. However, Transitional Arrangements have been in place since the introduction of the 1990 Revaluation and therefore any significant increases or decreases in liability are likely be phased by transition over the period of the new rating list.

Valuation Officers

From time to time Valuation Officers prepare the revised Rating Lists. They are under a statutory duty to prepare and undertake this exercise using all the information that is available to them. As part of this exercise occupiers may receive "Notices Requesting Supply of Information".  We are able to deal with these Notices on behalf of our clients.

Rating Audits

Our Commercial Property team is able to review your business rates liability through a Rating Audit. We will then make recommendations as to how current, future and even past rating liability may be minimised. 

We have been successful in agreeing reductions in current rating assessments on behalf of many of our clients, usually resulting in significant financial savings.

If any of the factors set out below apply now, or have applied recently, please contact us, and we will consider whether there are grounds to challenge the rating assessment and reduce your overall rating liability.

• Unchallenged assessments
• Material change of use of premises or factors affecting the neighbourhood
• New or additional accommodation
• Periods of building works in progress
• Physical alterations to your property
• Under-utilisation of your property