Rateable Values
An independent valuation officer of the Valuation Office Agency fixes the rateable value of non-domestic property. All rateable values for properties in Bath & North East Somerset are shown in the local rating list. The list can be inspected online at Council Connect in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, or on the Business Link website.
From 1st April 2010, the rateable value of a property represents its notional annual open market rental value as of 1st April 2008.
All non-domestic property is re-valued every five years. The valuation officer may however alter the value any time if they believe that the circumstances of the property have changed.
The ratepayer and certain others who have an interest in the property may propose a change in value. Details of the circumstances under which a change in rateable value may be proposed, and how such a proposal can be made are available from the:
Valuation Officer
Non-domestic Rates South West
Valuation Office Agency
4th Floor, CityPoint
Temple Gate
Bristol
BS1 6PL
Tel: 03000 501 501
Email: ratingsouthwest@voa.gsi.gov.uk
Transitional Arrangements
As property values can change significantly between valuations, transitional arrangements have been put in place to limit the subsequent loss or gain.
Transitional arrangements help to phase in the effects of changes to rateable values between the five-yearly valuations by limiting the amount by which a bill may rise following each valuation. To help pay for the limits on increases there are also limits on reductions in bills.
Limits are applied to yearly increases and decreases until the full amount becomes due.
The arrangements only apply to the value of a property at the time of revaluation. If there are changes to the property during the valuation period, transitional arrangements will not normally apply to the changes.