All articles by Peter Chapman
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InsightEarlier release of rental information would benefit ratepayer and VOA
On 4 January 2015, the Department for Communities and Local Government closed its consultation on the proposed business rates appeal system, coined ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’.
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ProfessionalCourt decision throws spanner in works for office business rates
The recent Woolway v Mazars Supreme Court decision has thrown a spanner in the works for business rates on office buildings where the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has applied a quantum allowance on substantial accommodation occupied over several floors in a building.
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ProfessionalRatings Office ‘repairs’ appeal will make cases even more complicated
The recent surprise court ruling in relation to Newbigin and Monk, which found in favour of the appeal by the Valuation Office concerning an office building undergoing refurbishment, raises a question mark over the interpretation of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 in relation to what constitutes ...
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ProfessionalBringing back locally set business rates could create trouble
Last month, we learned that council leaders are looking for an overhaul of the business rates system to help family firms and independent traders, amid fears that more high street shops could be forced out of business at a time when almost one in seven high street stores sits empty.
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ProfessionalSupermarket tax likely to be shelved as election looms
A number of English councils have suggested imposing an additional tax on supermarkets and using the money to improve smaller local businesses — an appealing idea — but in reality likely to be turned down by the government, who warned that supermarkets may raise the price of food in response.
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MarketsMore frequent revaluations are the most sensible solution to the business rates dilemma
The government has called for comment on its discussion paper released in April on proposed changes to the business rates system. It seems that they are currently focusing on implementing a system that plucks an average from a number of selected properties’ rental values and uses this to inform the ...
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ProfessionalRegular revaluation is a fairer way forward for business rates
Industry is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and EY’s review of the business rates system at the end of next month - last month’s Budget did little, if anything, to improve the situation for struggling ratepayers hit by pre-recession level bills.
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ProfessionalMarry up empty rates and green policy to prevent demolition of vacant property
Despite its absence from the recent Budget, the subject of business rates remains a hot topic.
