Recent Rating Surveyors Association Reports

You may have seen recent press reports that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has agreed reductions in the rateable values for office properties. We can confirm that there are discussions ongoing between the VOA and representatives of the Rating Surveyors Association with the intention of agreeing a framework for settling COVID related appeals. We are […]

VOA Consideration of COVID-19 Effects

HS Consultancy Group are number 9 in the National Surveyors Grading of Involvement regarding the national consideration of the effects of Covid19 upon the rateable values of various different property classes. Due to our prominent position within these discussions and within the Rating Surveyors Association, we are pleased to announce that there are likely reductions […]

Recent VT Decision Precedents

The Valuation Tribunal has held in a recent case that residential caravans/chalets should not be treated as chargeable assets for council tax if the park is closed due to coronavirus restrictions. Therefore we can appeal any separately assessed council tax caravans where the restrictions apply and secure a complete exemption.

Business rates increases causes big chain closure’s up and down the UK

As of April 2017, there was a major revaluation by the Government, seeing some bills go up and others go down. They estimated that 510,000 businesses were going to see an increase in their business rates. Due to the rise in business rates for a lot of businesses, the Federation of Small Businesses has warned […]

COVID19

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing unprecedented disruption to public services, businesses and individuals across the country.What this means for businesses in terms of business rates depends on numerous factors including your location within the UK and your business undertakings i.e. Hospitality, Retail, Leisure. We understand that these times are particularly tough on small […]

What is a Material Change in Circumstance (MCC)?

An MCC is a physical change that impacts the profitability or operational capabilities for your business. A typical example would be if you run a shop on the high street and there are road works occurring that are causing a downturn in your footfall. In these circumstances, you may be able to apply to the […]

How do I make an appeal for a business rate relief?

As already indicated, there has been no word from Government as to whether businesses can apply for some sort of relief, and whether coronavirus would be eligible as an MCC. However, we can advise you as to your likelihood of success in making such an appeal, depending on the disruption being caused.

Retail Rates Relief

You could qualify for High Street Rate Relief of up to £2,500 off your rates bill if your business is in Wales, has a Rateable Value of less than £50,000 and also one of the following: Shop Restaurant, Café, Bar or Pub Cinema or Music Venue Hospitality or Leisure business – for example, a Gym, […]

Revaluation of Rates

The Welsh Government today made an announcement as follows: – Following the UK Government’s decision not to bring forward the Non-domestic rates revaluation, the same position will also be taken in Wales. It is disappointing the UK Government has decided not to bring forward the revaluation to 2021, but understandable in the circumstances we are […]