Business rates: valuation and appeals

When and how to appeal

If you think your rateable value is wrong, you can make a proposal to the Valuation Officer to alter the rating list. This must be done within 6 months.

You can appeal against the rateable value if:

• You believe the rateable value shown in the rating list on the day it was compiled is inaccurate
• The valuation officer has changed the rateable value and you think it is now inaccurate
• There has been a material change in circumstances e.g. a physical change in the property or the local area
• A domestic part of the property has been wrongly rated for non-domestic rates
• The rateable value does not reflect a part of the property that should be rated
• A property is shown in the list as more than one entry but ought to be shown as a singular property
• A property is shown in the list as one property but has been divided into more than one property
• The address shown for a property is incorrect
• The description shown for a property is incorrect

Find out more about the appeals process, including the reforms the government has proposed, on the Gov.uk appeals web page.

Making an appeal does not allow the withholding of any business rates due. Legally, you have to pay rates based on the rateable value currently shown in the rating list even if you have appealed against it. Any overpayments you make will be refunded, with interest, if appropriate.

Rating advisors

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 Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) 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.

If you are contacted by any person or company who offers to appeal against your Business Rates on your behalf, you may wish to check the Valuation Office Agency page on agents for advice before making any commitment.

Contact us

Any proposal should be made directly to the District Valuation Office:

The Valuation Officer for Northampton Borough Council

Valuation Office Agency

Durham Customer Service Centre

Wycliffe House

Green Lane

Durham

DH1 3UW

Telephone: 03000 501501

Website: www.voa.gov.uk

Date last reviewed: 16/03/2017