Rates bills increase periodically for 2 reasons.
An annual increase that is applied from 1st April until 31st March each year to represent the change to the Uniform Business Rates Multiplier. For the current Rating Period the Government used September 2017’s Retail Price Index figure to increase the Business Rates multiplier in April 2018, for the 2018/19 financial year by 3.9%.
The second reason that Rates Bills will increase is due to revaluation by the Valuation Office Agency for the forthcoming Rating Period. Historically Rating Periods have lasted for 5 years. In November 2017’s Budget speech it was confirmed that Business Rates revaluations would take place every three years in the UK, rather than every five, and that the 2017 Rating Period would end in 2021 rather than 2022 as previously stated.
After 2021, the next Business Rates revaluation is set to be in 2024.
Tighter regulations mean that clients can expect a much better standard of service from their Agents. The appeal process was reformed considerably for the 2017 Rating Period, resulting in a process that is more bureaucratic and impersonal than for appeals previous years.
Our investments in new technologies, experience of our industry and commitment to excellence ensure to deliver an exceptional customer experience that is at the forefront of the industry.
Timescales for the appeal process are essentially managed by the Valuation Office Agency, and every case will be different. The VOA have advised that the timescale to complete the first stage of the Check, Challenge Appeal process is typically around 12 weeks.
The Valuation Office Advise that around 75% of cases are likely to see some form of resolution within this timeframe.
Many of our clients tell us that the service they have experienced from other Rating Surveyors has been below standard, whereas we have exceeded their expectations. We pride ourselves on our fresh, friendly and professional approach.
