What are business rates?

Business rates in England, or non-domestic rates, are a tax on the occupation of non-domestic property (National Non-Domestic Rates; NNDR). Rates are a property tax with ancient roots that was formerly used to fund local services that was formalised with the Poor Law 1572 and superseded by the Poor Law of 1601.

The Local Government Finance Act 1988 introduced business rates in England and Wales from 1990, repealing its immediate predecessor, the General Rate Act 1967. The act also introduced business rates in Scotland but as an amendment to the existing system, which had evolved separately to that in the rest of Great Britain.

Since the establishment in 1997 of a Welsh Assembly able to pass legislation, the English and Welsh systems have been able to diverge. In 2015, business rates for Wales were devolved.

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Reduce Your Business Rates

We can help you pay less Regardless of property size, type or location.

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CPB Specialist bring a level of specialisation and experience that makes them invaluable when it comes to ensuring your property’s rateable value is accurate and fair. 

Whether it's identifying errors, handling the appeal process, or maximizing discounts and reliefs, experts can help you save time, reduce stress, and lower costs.

If you want to avoid overpaying and ensure that you're only paying what’s necessary, engaging a CPB Specialist  is a smart investment.

1. Expert Knowledge and Experience
  • In-Depth Understanding of Valuation Criteria: CPB Specialist have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding property valuations. CPB Specialist are familiar with the complex criteria used by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to determine rateable values, and CPB Specialist can identify any errors or miscalculations more easily than someone without this expertise.
  • CPB Specialist Knowledge of Market Trends: CPB Specialist keep up with current and historical property market trends, which can influence rateable values. CPB Specialist can spot discrepancies between your property’s rateable value and the prevailing market conditions, making it easier to identify overvaluation.
2. Accurate Assessments and Property Reviews
  • Thorough Property Reviews: CPB Specialist carry out detailed reviews of the property, examining factors such as size, use, condition, location, and even how the property is classified. CPB Specialist know the nuances that can affect the rateable value and how to assess if it’s been calculated correctly.
  • Correcting Miscalculations: A common issue with business rates is the miscalculation of the rateable value. CPB Specialist will carefully scrutinize the VOA’s assessment to ensure it aligns with the property’s actual characteristics.
3. Successful Appeals and Reduction in Costs
  • Filing Accurate Appeals: If an error is found, CPB Specialist can handle the appeal process with the VOA on your behalf. CPB Specialist will ensure the appeal is based on solid evidence, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. CPB Specialist know what arguments and data are most likely to convince the VOA to reduce the rateable value.
  • Minimizing Financial Impact: A successful appeal could result in a reduced rateable value and lower business rates. In some cases, businesses can also claim back overpaid rates from previous years. CPB Specialist can ensure you're not paying more than you should.
4.Time and Stress Savings
  • Navigating the Bureaucracy: CPB Specialist know how to deal with the complex and often time-consuming paperwork involved in the rates appeal process. They can handle all the details, saving you the stress of trying to figure it all out yourself.
  • Faster Resolution: With our expertise, CPB Specialist can speed up the process of identifying issues, gathering evidence, and submitting appeals, potentially reducing the amount of time you spend resolving the issue.
5. Access to Specialized Tools and Resources
  • Data and Benchmarking: CPB Specialist have access to specialized databases, market comparisons, and tools that can help us assess the fairness of your rateable value. This data can be critical in making your case during an appeal.
  • Up-to-Date Knowledge: CPB Specialist are always aware of changes in regulations, tax rates, and revaluation cycles, so we can ensure your business is compliant and not overpaying due to outdated information.

6. Tailored Advice and Support

  • Custom Strategy: Every business is different, and CPB Specialist can develop a tailored strategy for your specific property. Whether you're in a high-demand city or a quiet rural area, CPB Specialist can use their knowledge of local market conditions to optimize your rates.
  • Ongoing Advice: Business rates can change over time due to revaluation cycles or local tax changes. CPB Specialist can continue to provide advice to ensure that your business stays on track and that you’re not overpaying in the future.
7. Maximizing Reliefs and Discounts
  • Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR): CPB Specialist can ensure your business takes full advantage of available discounts or reliefs, such as Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) or Charitable Rate Relief. They will be aware of any applicable exemptions and can make sure you're benefiting from them.
  • Mitigating Negative Effects of Rate Increases: When rateable values go up following a revaluation, CPB Specialist can help you appeal or explore available relief schemes to mitigate the impact of higher rates.

8. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

  • Value for Money: While hiring CPB Specialist may involve an upfront cost, their services can save you much more money in the long term by reducing your rateable value, helping you reclaim overpaid rates, or ensuring you qualify for reliefs.
  • Avoiding Overpayment: Overpaying business rates can add up over time. With the help of CPB Specialist, you reduce the risk of continuing to pay too much and ensure that your business is only paying what’s fair.