Rates Appeal Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Business Rates?
  Businesses and any organisations that occupy non-domestic premises pay non-domestic rates, often called ‘Business Rates’. This is a contribution made to the cost of local services provided by local authorities, the police and fire and rescue services. Business Rates are paid to the local council who act as the Billing Authority on behalf of the Government.
  
  
• What is the ‘rateable value’?
  The rateable value is an estimate of the annual rent that would be paid for a property if it had been let on the open market April two years prior to the effective date of the rating list (currently 1 April 2008).
  
  
• Why appeal against the rateable value of my property?
  Quite simply, to save money. Many businesses/organisations are currently paying too much tax on their premises and as such, could make considerable save a considerable amount by lodging an appeal. You are entitled to appeal the rateable value if you think that:
  
  • the rateable value is wrong
  • there has been a physical change to the building
  • there has been a physical change to the local area
  • the use of the building has changed
  • the use of a neighbouring property has changed
  • your property or part of your property should be exempt
  • your property should be considered as more than one property (split); or
  • several properties should be considered as one (merged)
  
  
• How do I make such an appeal?
  By instructing CVS to act on your behalf, you will be calling on the services of one of the UK’s largest business rates specialists. CVS will arrange for an expert rating surveyor to inspect your premises and handle the entire appeals process on your behalf. There are no up-front costs to your business, only potential cost savings in the medium to long term.
  
  
• How does the process work?
  Assuming that you take the decision to appoint CVS, we will make an appeal submission. Once accepted, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) provides formal acknowledgement and a case number. The appeal is then placed in a holding programme until the VOA is ready to allocate it to a programme for discussion. By the time the discussion ‘target date’ comes round, discussions will already have commenced between the VOA case worker and the CVS surveyor, meaning that work will already have started on your case.
  
  
• How long will each rating appeal take?
  Each case is different but as a general rule, most appeals take between 12-18 months to be completed. However, every effort is made to ensure that the process is handled as quickly as possible.
  
  
• How much will my company save?
  In the last rating period (2005-2010), CVS lodged over 36,000 appeals on behalf of clients. A reduction in excess of 10% was achieved. Typically a client with a rateable value of £95,000 pa would pay £39,330 pa (assuming Uniform Business Rate – UBR of 41.4p). In over 50% of cases CVS would expect to save this typical client £19,665 over the rating period. Again, there are always a number of different variables. The final cost saving will depend on the size and location of your property/properties and the size of any recent rates increase(s). CVS uses a number of information sources to ensure a quick result. CVS is successful in the vast majority of cases although there is no guarantee that a reduction will be achieved, that’s why we operate a no win, no fee policy.
  
  
• How many times can I appeal?
  During any five year rating list period, generally only one appeal per commercial property can be heard unless there has been a material change in circumstances. The current rating list runs from 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2015.
  
  
• Am I committed to the CVS scheme for any length of time?
  Once instructed, CVS will constantly monitor changes over the five-year rating list period, identifying new opportunities to appeal and reduce your business rates. Using state of the art technology and constant data updates, the CVS team can actively track factors affecting your property. Our dedicated client support team and locally-based surveyors are always on hand to take your call.
  
  
• How much will it cost?
  With no upfront charges, costs will only be incurred when CVS achieves a business rate reduction on your behalf. Should the CVS team realise at any point during the process that no savings can be made, you will not be charged for any services or time incurred to date.
  
  
• Why use CVS?
  CVS is the UK’s largest business rates specialist and during the last rating list period, helped its clients to make total savings in excess of £100 million. Our professionalism is second to none and our clients enjoy the peace of mind guaranteed by our no win, no fee policy.