Business Section!Business
Rateable Value
 
Apart from properties that are exempt from Business Rates, each non-domestic property has a rateable value.  This is set by the valuation officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an agency of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. The VOA draws up and maintains a full list of all rateable values, which are available on their website at http://www.voa.gov.uk/
 
The rateable value of your property will be shown on the front of your bill. It broadly represents the yearly rent your property could have been let for on the open market at a particular date. 
 
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 also appeal against the value shown in the list if they believe it is wrong. Further information on the grounds for making an appeal, and on how to make one, can be found on the VOA website at http://www.voa.gov.uk/ or from your local valuation office -
 
The Valuation Office Agency
2nd Floor
Wellington House
Delamere Street
CREWE
CW1 2LQ
 
Telephone number 01270 452100
 
Please note that if you have appealed against your rateable value, payment is still due as detailed on your rates bill.  Payment should not be withheld pending the outcome of your appeal.  If your appeal is successful and results in an overpayment, this will be refunded to you inclusive of interest provided that recovery action has not been taken against you.
 
 
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), in partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), has developed a website, http://www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk/
 
This site is designed to bring together all the information on business rates that ratepayers might want, in one place, in an easily accessible format and in jargon-free, everyday language
 
Rating Advisers
 
Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill. Appeals against rateable values 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 http://www.rics.org.uk/ ) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV - website http://www.irrv.net/ ) 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.