Rateable value appeals

• You believe your rateable value is incorrect
• There has been a change in the use of your property
• There has been a change in the locality which has affected the value of your property
• There has been a change in the use of neighbouring property
• Part of your property has been demolished or added to
• The VOA changes your rateable value for any reason

You will need to make your appeal in writing to the Government's Valuation Office Agency (VOA) which is responsible for setting rateable values.

You should contact the VOA's local Listing Officer stating your name and address, interest in the property and why you think the rateable value is wrong.

Alternatively, you can fill in an appeal form available from the VOA.

The local VOA office is at the following address:

The Valuation Office Agency
4th Floor
City Point
Temple Gate
Bristol BS1 6PL

You can also use an agent to handle your appeal and you are advised to contact a reputable firm of estate agents or chartered surveyors if you are going to seek professional advice.

If the VOA decides to revalue your property we will then amend your account and issue you with a revised bill and refund any overpayments where necessary.

However, if it does not agree to revalue or if no decision has been made within three months it will refer the matter to a valuation tribunal.

These independent tribunals will decide your case with their decisions normally final.

However, an appeal may be made to the High Court but only on a point of law.

The tribunal will contact you to arrange a date for a free hearing but if both parties agree your case can be dealt with in writing.

You should continue to pay your business rates during the appeals process as failure to do so will result in recovery action being taken.

If your appeal is successful all overpaid business rates will be refunded on request, usually with a payment of interest.