Business Rates Services

Whilst the core work of the team is based around appeals against Rateable Value assessments on various types of properties, we undertake a broad range of other activities, most significantly focusing on the Billing Authority side of the process.   A large number of occupiers have uncollected credits on historic accounts, are paying bills which have been incorrectly calculated by their local Billing Authority or are paying full rates on empty properties for which they are responsible.  The team seeks to provide a full service to clients, allowing them to focus entirely on their core business and work smarter.  We are also adept at seeking the additional 20% relief which local authorities can grant to charities over and above the 80% mandatory relief which they receive.

In legal matters, we continue to be at the forefront of the debates over deletion of assessments on properties undergoing redevelopment, a "hot potato" topic which requires landlords and developers to fully understand the stance well in advance in order to best tackle this - do not be under the illusion that stripping out a property will simply eradicate the need to pay rates going forward.

Lastly, as mentioned, there are various options to reduce the burden of empty rates, all of which are entirely legitimate avoidance tactics for reducing this unwelcome cost to those still seeking tenants/subtenants in these difficult times.  We work hard to reduce costs for our clients and continue to enjoy success in doing so, saving one client in excess of £1.5m in rates this year alone.   Last year, the Government's concession to businesses was that properties with a rateable value less than £18,000 which were vacant would receive full empty relief on their accounts; however, this has now been reduced to an exceedingly low £2,600, meaning we must be more astute than ever to tackle this increasing burden.

 For further information, please contact Debbie Warwick (020 7246 5008).