Our client leases a retail unit in a prime pitch in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. We provided our recommendations to our client on the merits of appealing their 2017 Rateable Value.

Our initial investigations included an inspection of the property, collation of rental evidence and analysis of the values applied to comparable properties in the 2017 Rating List. 

As members of the Rating Surveyor's Association we kept in regular contact with other rating surveyors through their Town Committee. 

We initially submitted a Check, which is the first stage of the Check, Challenge, Appeal process where we can establish the facts (e.g. areas) with the Valuation Office Agency.

We next lodged a Challenge where we could argue for a reduction in the Zone A £/m² rate applied to the property and in turn the 2017 Rateable Value.

Our membership with the Rating Surveyor's Association for this case was key. The advantages for our client included greater sharing of evidence with other Rating Surveyors but also greater strength in numbers in our discussions and negotiations with the Valuation Office Agency.

The outcome was a reduction in our client's 2017 Rateable Value and business rates liability backdating to the 1st April 2017.