19 June 2017

Can I reduce my company's current Business Rates liability?

Business rates represent a significant cost to ratepayers of commercial property across the UK, which have been exacerbated by the recent Rating Revaluation which came into effect on the 1 April 2017. The Revaluation, which was postponed by the Government for two years in order to provide greater ‘stability' for businesses, has seen some of the largest, most redistributive changes to the system in recent times.

Ratepayers have also been presented with a new three-stage appeals system known as ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal' (CCA) to coincide with the introducing of the new Rating list. The process has been fraught with challenges, not least because it fundamentally changes the approach taken to the investigation of rateable value and places much greater responsibility on the ratepayer.

Given the complexity and level of uncertainty surrounding the rating system it is imperative for ratepayers to ensure that they receive advice from consultants with the knowledge and expertise of the rating system and physical resource to meet demanding timescales. BPIF Associate Member LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON's market leading business rates team, who have extensive experience in representing clients within the printing industry, can advise on all aspects of business rates including the impact of the new CCA process, bill verification and securing exemptions and reliefs.

Please contact Mark Clapham on 0121 237 2373 (e-mail [email protected]) should you require clarification of the impact of the Rating Revaluation on your business and advice on how LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON can verify and protect your financial interests (not forgetting to mention that you are a BPIF member!).