Rating team success with Welsh Local Authorities bucks trend

Almost three-quarters of challenges result in a reduction

24 November 2016

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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.”

Barclays have a long standing relationship with Cooke & Arkwright who continue to provide us with first class service and advice.

Steve Thomas, Director Real Estate Team, Barclays, South West and Wales