It is understood that some “advisers” are offering to prior agree business rate assessments with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for the forthcoming revaluation of non-domestic properties due to come into effect on 1st April 2005.

Whilst the VOA is keen to extend the limited amount of prior agreement that has taken place in the past, it is not possible in the time available to prior agree other than a relatively small number of the new assessments relating to the 1.75 million commercial properties in England and Wales. Decisions have already been taken on the identification of the assessments, usually relating to very specialised, high value properties, that the VOA will try to prior agree, and it is highly unlikely that additional properties can be considered.

If a ratepayer is approached by an individual or firm offering to prior agree their new 2005 rating assessment, care should be taken to ensure that the individual or firm concerned does indeed contact the VOA to see whether such prior agreement is possible.

There is a risk that some unscrupulous individuals or firms may seek to use the forthcoming revaluation as an opportunity to attempt to fraudulently mislead ratepayers into paying for a service, i.e. prior agreement of rating assessments, that they have no intention, or opportunity, to provide.

If ratepayers are ever in any doubt about this, they should contact their local Valuation Office for advice. Details of our offices can be found at www.voa.gov.uk/where.  Alternatively the number is in the phone book under ‘Valuation Office’.