Rateable value (business rates) appeals
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) reassesses the rateable values of all business properties, usually every five years. From 2023 this will be reduced to every three years. This is called a 'Revaluation'.
If you are appealing against your business rates, you must continue to pay them according to your bill until the VOA writes to confirm any change.
Revaluation is done to maintain fairness in the system by redistributing the total amount payable in business rates, reflecting changes in the property market. Revaluation does not raise extra revenue overall.
The VOA's 2023 rating list comes into effect on 1 April 2023. You can visit Gov.uk: find and check your business rates valuation to find and review your rateable value. If you have reason to believe that your rateable value is not correct, follow the instructions provided on the site. You will need to do the following:
- Check: Gov.uk: find and check your business rates valuation
- Challenge: once the facts are established, explain why you believe your valuation is wrong.
An appeal on your 2023 rateable value is not possible until you have completed Check and Challenge. You may find after completing this that an appeal is not necessary.
If the appeal is successful
If the VOA confirms that your appeal has been successful we will update our records and recalculate your bill accordingly. Be aware however that you may find the amount you pay doesn't change if you are still paying transitional relief rates rather than the actual amount due. For more information on transitional relief rates, see our What are business rates? page.
What professional advice is available?
You do not have to have anyone representing you in discussions about rateable value, however you may wish to seek advice from a specialist rating advisor. It is highly recommended that you only use members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) since they will be regulated by rules of professional conduct.
If you choose to use an advisor who is not a member of the previously mentioned bodies, 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.
Please be aware that no-one can guarantee a reduction in your rateable value.
- Email businessrates@durham.gov.uk
- Telephone 03000 268 997
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