Reducing the business rate burden

In April 2017, the current Rating List was introduced, which brought with it a brand new online appeal system known as Check, Challenge, Appeal (or CCA for short).

It has been widely reported that the number of appeals made against business rates has plummeted since the new system was put in place, which has been put down to the new process being even more time consuming and onerous than before.

Information revealed under the Freedom of Information Act suggests that only 23,770 appeals were made in the last 12 months, in comparison with almost 220,000 in the first 12 months following the 2010 Rating List being published.

However, whilst it is still possible to successfully appeal the 2017 Rating List, there are growing opportunities to generate savings through other means, such as discretionary rate relief.

It is clear that there is a limited awareness amongst occupiers of business premises of the existing powers that local authorities have to potentially reduce the burden of business rates.

Recent legislation has been amended to give billing authorities the power to give locally determined discretionary discounts on business rates, which is aimed at assisting businesses adversely affected by the 2017 Rating List; funded 50 per cent by Central Government, and 50 per cent by the local authority budgets.

The eligibility criteria differs from one billing authority to another, with the cut-off date for applications this year being September 1.

Flude Commercial offers a comprehensive rating service, as well as a complementary initial review of your property or portfolio; identifying opportunities for savings and highlighting potential risks.

For an informal consultation, please contact business rates specialist Daniel Green on 01243 819000 or email: [email protected]