Business Rates

Appeals against your Rateable Value

You can appeal against the rateable value shown for your property in the 2005 Rating List, at any time before the next revaluation at 1 April 2010.

Appeals can no longer be made for entries in the 1990, 1995 and 2000 Rating Lists unless you are appealing against an alteration made by the Valuation Officer.

You can appeal if, for example:

You believe the rateable value of your property is incorrect
There has been a change in the use of the property
There has been a change in the locality which has affected the value of the premises
Part of the property has been demolished or added to
The Valuation Officer changes your rateable value and you believe it is inaccurate
There has been a change between domestic and non-domestic use
There has been a merger or split of a property
You wish to appeal against a decision made by a tribunal or court

You should make an appeal as soon as possible, as there are rules which apply in certain circumstances which prevent alterations in the Rateable Value from being backdated prior to the current year's rating list.

For a complete list of grounds for an appeal, see the Valuation Office Agency website.

Who can appeal?

You can appeal against the rateable value of a property if you are:

The occupier; or
You have a legal interest in the property, e.g. owner, leaseholder, tenant

How do I appeal?

If you think the rateable value of your property is wrong you should contact the Valuation Officer.

Alternatively, a proposal can be completed online at the Valuation Office Agency website.

You may use an agent to handle your appeal if you wish. You are advised to contact a reputable firm of estate agents or chartered surveyors if you are going to seek valuation advice.

If the Valuation Officer agrees that the rateable value of your property is incorrect, the Valuation List will be altered and the council will issue you with a revised bill.

If the Valuation Officer does not agree with your proposal, or if no decision is made within 3 months the matter will be referred as an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Do I have to pay if I have an appeal outstanding?

You must continue to pay your Business Rates whilst any appeal is pending, otherwise recovery action will continue and you may receive a summons. If your appeal is successful all overpaid Business Rates will be refunded on request, usually with payment of interest.

What is a Valuation Tribunal?

You will be notified by the Valuation Officer if your appeal is referred to a Valuation Tribunal.

Valuation Tribunals are wholly independent of the local Council and the Valuation Office. However the members of the Tribunal are experienced in hearing Business Rates appeals.

The Tribunal will contact you in order to arrange a date for the hearing. A Tribunal hearing will not cost you anything unless you choose to employ someone to present your case.

The Tribunal will take into consideration the case put forward by both parties before deciding the outcome of the appeal. If both parties agree, your case can be dealt with by written representation, without you having to attend a hearing.

If the Tribunal upholds your appeal, the Valuation Officer will have to alter the Valuation List and the council will issue you with a revised bill.

The Valuation Tribunal's decision is normally final. An appeal may be made to the High Court, but only on a point of law.

Contact

Business Rate Section (NNDR)

Revenues and Benefits

90 Stour Road

Dagenham

RM10 7JD

Tel: 020 8227 2934

Fax: 020 8227 2089

Email: nndr@lbbd.gov.uk|

Reception hours:

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm