Business rates represent a major cost to property occupiers and Keppie Massie has significant experience in helping landlords and tenants to challenge ratings valuations and mitigate their business rates liability, wherever appropriate.

A professional and investigative approach can help to minimise your outgoings and as fees are related to your level of savings, you will not be tied into a misleading or unfair contract.

Appealing your 2017 rating list assessment

Current rating assessments became effective on 1 April 2017 and can be appealed during your occupation of the property. The Non-Domestic Rating (Alteration of Lists and Appeals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 set out the law around the new appeal process.

Keppie Massie can help you to consider the details of your property, the information on the Valuation Office website and the relevant grounds of appeal to determine the merits of appealing the valuation, as well negotiating appeals on your behalf and taking the matter forward to Valuation Tribunal Hearing, if appropriate.

Statutory rate relief & exemptions

There are certain circumstances where exemptions and reductions can be applied to business rates liability and it is wise that businesses should look to benefit from these wherever possible.

Keppie Massie can advise you on whether these exemptions and reliefs are applicable to your company’s own circumstances and if there is an opportunity to seek these from the local authority.

Rate payment budgeting

Business rates payments have become increasingly complex, with matters such as incorporation of transitional relief and other benefits now being incorporated into annual payments.

Seek expert advice on whether your bills have been charged correctly or whether any overpayments have been made and you are therefore entitled to seek a rebate.

Section 44A applications

Section 44A relief may be granted where a property is partly occupied.

In certain cases, a local authority can apply to the Valuation Officer for a temporary rate reduction for the parts in use, lasting for three months in the case of general properties and six months for industrial properties.

Keppie Massie can help you to understand the process of bringing a claim and any required reorganisation of the property to maximise the benefit of the relief.

Void rates budgeting

Void rates costs remain high for both landlords and occupiers alike. In many cases, careful reorganisation of your occupation of a property can lead to significant savings and we can help you to mitigate those costs.

Our commercial agency team can also give expert insight into the most beneficial occupation of your property, thereby minimising void rate costs and also exploring the possibility of disposing of or subletting areas to further mitigate overall costs.

Practical Completion Notice Advice

For new properties, rates become payable once practical completion notices have been issued. Strategic advice on the staging of development and potentially deferring completion notices could help you to manage and reduce your ongoing liabilities.

Building Work & Disturbance

While redevelopment works around your property can have a positive long-term impact on the local area, they can also lead to inconvenience and disturbance in the short-term.
Speak to Keppie Massie about the merits of appealing your rates liabilities in certain circumstances.