Your rateable value
Each non-domestic property has a rateable value which is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). A full list of all rateable values can be found on the VOA website. The rateable value of your property is shown on the front of your rates bill. This broadly represents the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market on 1 April 2015.
The valuation officer may alter the rateable value if the circumstances of the property change. The ratepayer (and certain others who have an interest in the property) can appeal against the rateable value if they consider it is incorrect.
How to appeal
Appeals should be made online via the VOA. Check and challenge your rateable value.
VOA East of England and East Midlands
Ground Floor
Ferrers House
Castle Meadow Road
Nottingham
NG2 1AB
t: 03000 501501
e: cteast@voa.gsi.gov.uk
Successful appeals shown in the rating list that came into force on 1 April 2017 will normally be backdated, although there are some exceptions.
Transitional arrangements
The business rates transitional relief scheme was introduced in 2017 to help those ratepayers who were faced with higher bills. The scheme ends on 31 March 2022.
Any transitional adjustments are shown on your bill. Further information about transitional arrangements and other reliefs may be obtained from Norwich City Council.
Rating advisers
Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about the rateable value on their rates bill, and appeals against rateable values can be made free of charge. However, if you wish be represented you should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation (IRRV) are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public.
Before employing a rating adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as indemnity insurance. Take care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.
