Independent Advice

The business section on the government’s website provides practical advice for businesses. This includes information on business rates.

Visit Gov.uk's business section

The business subjects the website covers include:

• Business premises;
• Working from home;
• How business rates are calculated;
• Paying business rates;
• Requesting re-assessment of business rates;
• Going to appeal;
• Rating advisors.

Appeals against rateable value can be made free of charge. The ratepayer doesn’t have to be represented in discussions about the rateable value of their rates bill.

It is worth noting that members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.

Before choosing your rating advisor, you should check that they have sufficient knowledge and expertise. They will need appropriate indemnity insurance. Be careful and, if necessary, get further advice before signing a contract.