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The VOA has inspected all 55 major ports in England and Wales and the majority of businesses have been notified of any changes in their assessments.
To ensure a fast response and early resolution, the VOA has put in place special fast track arrangements for ratepayers affected by the review of ports who wish to question or challenge their new rating assessments. We have written to all the occupiers, explaining the process to them and will be in liaison with them, where necessary, to ensure we can reach a resolution as soon as possible.
Cases involving backdated rate liabilities in ports will be given priority attention at all stages by the Agency which will:
- Review all initial enquiries and respond within 5 working days, unless a site visit is requested or required in which case it may take up to 10 working days
- Give an initial response to points raised in any appeal within 10 working days and aim to confirm a final decision shortly after that; in any event a decision will be issued within 2 months in all but the most complex cases
- Refer appeals to the independent valuation tribunal (VT), where agreement can’t be reached and a ratepayer wants to pursue the case, requesting that the tribunal list the appeal for hearing as soon as possible
In all cases, ratepayers and their advisers can assist us to provide a quick response by ensuring full disclosure, from the outset, of facts or matters they wish taken into account, avoiding any further delay.
We will continue to give early attention to other priority cases in line with our existing published service standards.
If you have a query please contact your local valuation office
Further information on the port review can be found here
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