UK Government takes first step in revising the Check, Challenge, Appeal Proposals in England

13 March 2017

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Those aware of the new burdensome and radical 2017 rating list appeal changes in England may recall that one of the areas of most concern was the proposal that the Valuation Tribunal would only have powers to hear rating disputes if the valuation differences between the parties were “outside the bounds of reasonable professional judgement”.

An example of the impact of the original proposal is illustrated by a large national supermarket chain.   If, “within reasonable professional judgement”, was quantified at, say, 10% the supermarket would not have a recourse to Valuation Tribunal in most appeals. A reduction in the value of this portfolio by 5% results in a reduction in liability to business rates of £60 million per annum which could, with the original proposal, be deemed to be within the bounds of reasonable professional judgement!


This proposal has caused the profession very serious concern that differences of tens of thousands of pounds RV could be covered by this definition, and not capable of remedy at Valuation Tribunal.


Last week  the Government responded to responses to  the Check, Challenge, Appeal consultation paper issued in October 2016. Thankfully this does dilute the initial proposals in allowing the Valuation Tribunal to decide whether it considers the valuation to be reasonable. This will now replace the original proposal to have the right to have a dispute heard only if the differences were “outside the bounds of reasonable  professional judgement”.


The move is a small step in the right direction in reflecting the very significant concerns of the professions on this draconian proposal. The requirement of the Valuation Tribunal deciding whether a valuation is reasonable  without the benefit of a hearing is asking a lot, and it is hoped that this power will be exercised in the ratepayer's favour if there is any degree of doubt. 


We still require more detail. For example whether there will be a right of appeal from the Valuation Tribunal decision that an extant valuation is reasonable.  


A consultation paper on appeal reform in Wales will be issued in the spring with any changes to the existing system implemented from April 2018. The outcome of this consultation is unlikely to be as radical as check, challenge, appeal in England. It is therefore advisable to make 2017 rating list appeals before then.

I have worked with Jeremy Symons over the past three years successfully leasing and buying property in support of my business. I continue to be very pleased with his knowledge of the market and expertise. Our relationship over this time has resulted in acquiring 20,000 sq ft at Capital Business Park in Cardiff, leasing 11,000 sq ft at Southpoint, and subsequently leasing an initial 42,000 sq ft at Parc Bedwas, followed by a succession of expansions of a further 11,000 and then 47,000 sq ft, enabling us to centralise all of our operations at Parc Bedwas in a single 100,000 sq ft facility. The acquisitions were completed at the perfect time for tenant purposes and the rent fixed throughout the term at very economical rates. A job well done.

Bob James, Aerfin