Businesses in Leeds and Manchester Warned to
Wise up on Appeals

The VOA is responsible for assessing rateable values for business rates and this warning follows a number of serious complaints about rogue agents operating in the areas who are offering unfair contract terms and demanding large sums upfront. Many businesses find themselves under pressure at this time of year from firms selling rating services.

VOA head of customer service, Pat Duckworth says, “If you feel your rateable value is incorrect you can make an appeal directly to the VOA and it costs nothing. Alternatively, if a rating service is not provided under the terms of any lease or agreement, you may wish to appoint an agent to act on your behalf in making an appeal and the vast majority provide good advice for their clients. However, ratepayers should be on their guard against the minority who promise big savings in rates bills and may fail to deliver.”

She warns, “Look very carefully at the terms of the contract and make sure you understand what you have agreed to pay for. Remember a reduction in your rateable value does not automatically mean that your rates bill will be reduced.”

The VOA has dedicated customer services managers who are available to deal directly with the public and provide assistance for completing the appeal forms. The VOA will also arrange to visit ratepayers at their premises if this is a more convenient option. Appeals can also be made on-line on the VOA website. In addition, ratepayers will receive a letter to acknowledge receipt of their appeal and confirm it will be taken forward.

The VOA advises:

• Beware of the ‘hard sell’ of telesales or doorstep sales people and ask searching questions before you sign anything
• Understand the terms of any contract you are offered and be aware that there may be terms which commit you to a period of service
• Find out if the agent is able and willing to put you in touch with satisfied clients
• Be suspicious of any agent who claims to be able to get a big reduction in your rateable value without inspecting your property or asking to see your accounts
• Check the credentials of any agent who claims to be a member of a professional rating body.

The VOA is not alone in issuing such warnings. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV), the Rating Surveyors Association, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the National Assembly for Wales are all keen that ratepayers should get the best advice about their rates.

Ratepayers can find VOA offices listed in the telephone directory under ‘Valuation Office Agency’. As directories are updated, the entries will appear under ‘Valuation Office’.

The VOA has made changes to the way it deals with the administration of appeals.
All appeals made since 1 April 2000 have been put into a programme showing when the VOA intends to deal with them. The changes were made so that ratepayers have a better idea about when their appeal will be dealt with. The programmes are published on the VOA website www.voa.gov.uk.

Notes for Editors

About the Valuation Office Agency
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is an Executive Agency of the Inland Revenue. Its main responsibilities are assessing rateable values for the purpose of non-domestic rating (business rates) and valuing domestic properties for Council Tax purposes in England and Wales. It is also involved in establishing capital values for the Inland Revenue in connection with capital gains tax and inheritance tax as well as carrying out a range of property related services for other government departments and public sector bodies. It has around 4,500 employees and a network of 80 offices throughout England, Wales and Scotland, which provide a local service.

The rateable value is not the amount to be paid but is a key factor used in the calculation of business rates.

Website: www.voa.gov.uk

Media enquiries
Michelle MacCrossen
Communications Projects Co-ordinator
Tel: 0207 506 1965
Email: michelle.maccrossen@voa.gsi.gov.uk