Rating team success with Welsh Local Authorities bucks trend

Almost three-quarters of challenges result in a reduction

24 November 2016

Share this

Over one million challenges against the 2010 local non-domestic rating list in England and Wales had been received by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) by 30 September 2016, according to the latest statistical figures released by the agency on 16th November. Of the 1.04 million challenges resolved (around 73%), only 29% (220,000) had resulted in a change to the appellant’s rating list, while 71% (544,000) had been unsuccessful.

In contrast, recent analysis conducted by Cooke & Arkwright’s specialist Business Rate Department revealed a much higher success rate for appeals conducted on behalf of eight Welsh local authorities.  The figures showed that of the total of 2010 list appeals conducted by the team on behalf of these clients, 72.38% had brought about an agreed reduction.

Associate Director, Jane Shankland comments, “Our success rate in representing our Welsh local authority clients is probably unparalleled and completely reverses the trend reported by the VOA, where almost three-quarters of challenges met with no success. We believe this is a reflection of the robust, highly professional and vigorous approach to negotiations adopted by the rating team here at Cooke & Arkwright.”

Cooke & Arkwright have provided independent property consultancy services to the College for a number of years. This advice has included property valuations and negotiation around property acquisition and disposal, rent reviews and the preparation and negotiation of the College’s farm business tenancy agreement. The College has consistently received an excellent and professional service from Cooke & Arkwright and their valuable support to the College is recognised and appreciated.

Bob Bates, Director, Coleg Gwent