Business Rates – are you paying too much?
Business Rates are a tax on occupation of land and property.
The legal definition of Rateable Value is the Open Market Rental of your premises as at 1 April 2021.
If you consider your Rateable Value is too high, or if you think it’s not been unfairly assessed for example the description, or internal areas of the property are incorrect or agricultural exemption has not been applied, you have the right to appeal under the ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’ system.
Rosemary Brown of Bluebell Dairy, Brunswood Farm, near Derby received a surprise visit from their VOA Inspector in August 2018. The result of an inspection left the family feeling very concerned about the potential outcome and the possibility of being incorrectly assessed. They decided professional advice and help was needed so Rosemary contacted Davies & Co. Rosemary said:
“Having known Barry Davies of Davies and Co for many years and fully aware of his professional knowledge within this specific area, our choice of who to approach was clear.
After contacting Barry, we passed all correspondence from the VOA straight to him and it was dealt with professionally and efficiently. His knowledge and expertise meant we could move the situation forward quite rapidly.
Being tenant farmers, our situation is not straight forward, but he dealt with the queries including challenging the VOA on a possible “receipt basis” valuation. The positive outcome left us feeling extremely relieved and reassured.
His speedy approach and professional knowledge meant we achieved the desired outcome. Our Rateable Value remained at £4500, when it could have been increased to £17,500- £20,000.
Barry is extremely approachable, is a very good listener and took everything we said on board. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending him to any other farm attraction or retail outlet wanting a reduction in their Rateable Value.”
John McCutchan of Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trails, East Sussex appointed Barry Davies of Davies & Co, a Chartered Rating Surveyor for advice when he considered his Rateable Value was too high.
“I approached Barry Davies for help and assistance, when we suddenly received a Council rates bill on our business, backdated 3 years! I found him extremely knowledgeable and supportive, reinforced by his request for the appropriate documents and information, which he used in the successful negotiations with the VOA, to significantly reduce our Rateable Value.
Our Rateable Value came down from £16,750 to £5,000 a 70% reduction, back to 1 April 2017. His service was speedy and very effective; therefore, I have no hesitation in recommending him to other attractions or leisure businesses wanting a reduction in their Rateable Value”
For more information please contact: –
Davies & Co
Chartered Surveyors & Rural Consultants
Kettering
NN16 0BU
www.daviesandco.co.uk
01536 524808/ 07850 555026 or email info@daviesandco.co.uk
