All non-domestic properties, mostly businesses, have a rateable
value and this is normally set by the Valuation Office Agency
(VOA), which is part of HM Revenue & Customs. The figure
broadly represents the yearly rent the property could have been let
for on the open market on a particular date. We use this
rateable value to work out your Business Rates bill.
You can find out the rateable value of your property on
the VOA's website and lists of rateable values can be inspected at
the VOA's office in Ipswich and at Suffolk Coastal’s offices at
Melton Hill, Woodbridge.
2010 revaluation
To maintain fairness in the rating system, the VOA carries out a
revaluation of all rateable values in England and Wales every five
years. The 2010 revaluation came into effect on 1 April
2010 and all properties now have their rateable value assessed
on market rental values at 1 April 2008.
Following a revaluation, special transitional arrangements are
put in place to phase in significant increases or decreases in
rates bills. These set limits on the percentage by which your rates
bill can change each year. Follow this link for
more information about transitional
arrangements.
Appealing against your rateable value
The ratepayer and certain others who have an interest in the
property, can appeal against the rateable value if they think it is
wrong by applying to the VOA. This process is known as making a
proposal to alter the rating list.
You can submit an appeal online (new window) or you
can download a form (new window) and send it
to the local VOA office.
If the VOA agrees with your proposal, or if you can reach
agreement on another figure, the value will be changed. If they do
not agree, or the matter is still unresolved after three months,
the dispute will be passed to the local valuation tribunal as a
formal appeal. However, in many cases it may still be possible for
an agreement to be reached before the tribunal hearing itself, as
discussions can continue.
During the appeal period Business Rates must be paid, however,
refunds with interest will be paid, if appropriate, when the appeal
is settled.
Contacting the VOA
Issues and enquiries relating to valuation matters should be
taken up directly with the VOA. The address and telephone number of
the VOA's Ipswich office are given below:
Valuation Office Agency,
St Clare House,
Greyfriars,
Ipswich IP1 1LR.
Telephone: 03000 506030.
Fax: 03000 506090.