Your Rateable Value

All non-domestic properties have a rateable value, which is set and maintained by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). This value is based on the market rent that could be achieved for the property at a given date. A revaluation of this amount takes place every five years - the current rating list is based on the 2017 revaluation.

You can check your current rateable value on the VOA website. More information about rateable values is also available on GOV.UK.

All non-domestic property is re-valued every five years. The rateable value may also change if any physical changes are made to your property, for example, building or demolishing an extension. Therefore such changes must be reported to us immediately.

As owner, or chargepayer, you also have the right to appeal to the VOA against the rateable value of your property, if you believe it is incorrect.

When and how to appeal 

If you disagree with the rateable value that appears in the current rating list entry for your property, you may challenge it by contacting your local Valuation Office. 

Please note: You must continue to pay your Business Rates as billed while your appeal is being considered. If your appeal is successful, the VOA will automatically notify us so that we can update your account:

• Any overpayment for a previous tax year can be refunded to you.
• Any overpayment for the current tax year will result in your bill being adjusted and re-issued.

An appeal to the VOA against a rateable value begins with a proposal to alter the rating list. Before making an appeal, you should contact your local Valuation Office to discuss your rateable value and why you want to appeal against it. They may be able to resolve things without you needing to go through the formal appeal procedure.

The contact details for your local Valuation Office are:

Valuation Officer
Valuation Office Agency
Business Rate enquiries 
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Bristol
BS1 6PN

Tel: 03000 501 501 
Email: ratingsouthwest@voa.gsi.gov.uk

More information about making an appeal against your rateable vaule is also available on the GOV.UKwebsite.

Rating Advisers

Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill, and appeals against rateable values are free of charge. However, should you wish to be represented, you should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors  and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation are qualified and regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public.