Grounds to appeal

You can appeal on any of the following grounds:- 

• You feel the rateable value is wrong.
• You feel a Valuation Officer’s change to the rateable value is wrong.
• You feel your property should be exempt, or part should be rated as domestic.
• You feel your property should be rated as more than one property.
• You feel several properties should be rated as one property
• A physical change to the property has occurred that has affected the value, such as if part of it was demolished or destroyed.
• The value of the property has been affected by a change in the local area.
• You have changed what the property is used for. 

If you wish to appeal you should do so as soon as possible as in some circumstances the date a change takes effect from is determined by when you made the appeal. 

Where your appeal is successful the Valuation Office will advise us and we will issue a revised bill. You will be entitled to interest on any amounts overpaid, although not on amounts that were subject to a Liability Order. 

Whilst an appeal is ongoing you still have to pay your business rates as billed. 

Rating Agents 

Some people employ rating agents to help them with rateable value appeals. Whilst this is by no means a necessity it is something that is available. Please be wary though of disreputable agents. Professional advice is available from a variety of sources, including the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors or the Rating Surveyors Association. 

Before you employ a rating adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract. Advice on employing a rating agent is available from the Valuation Office.

How to appeal 

To appeal you should put your details in writing to Non Domestic Rates North East, Valuation Office Agency, Cathedral Court, Second Floor, 1, Vicar Lane, Sheffield S1 1HD. You can also request an application form from the Valuation Office in writing, by telephoning 03000 501 501 or by email at ratingnortheast@voa.gsi.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your application within 10 working days.