Rating List 2017 - CHECK, CHALLENGE, APPEAL
July 2016
The Government has over recent years attempted to try and limit the number of appeals against rating list assessments and there have been various discussions/papers/consultations to try and improve on the current system.
The suggestion appears to be a new system with effect from April 2017 that consists of CHECK, CHALLENGE, APPEAL.
The first stage, Check, will ensure that all facts are confirmed by the ratepayer and agreed as far as possible.
The Challenge stage will allow a ratepayer to challenge the actual rating list entry. This will involve discussions with the Valuation Officer, the presentation of facts, and possible alternative valuation to justify any alteration by the Valuation Officer. The emphasis is clearly on the ratepayer to provide evidence to support any justification for an alteration by the Valuation Officer.
The final stage, Appeal, allows the ratepayer to appeal the valuation to the Valuation Tribunal for England.
The above process has still to be confirmed and it is likely that a fee will be payable to lodge any appeal with the Valuation Tribunal (refunded on a successful outcome for the ratepayer).
It is apparent that the whole new procedure could further slow down the process of agreeing a rating list entry, causing additional frustration for ratepayers and their advisors.
The introduction of the revised appeal procedure, along with the new 2017 rating revaluations will without a doubt require a detailed understanding of the whole new process and the need for expert advice.
For further information and advice on Rating please contact Peter Rogerson on 07976 694 154 or email: peterrogerson@naylors.co.uk