Business Link notes on Hardye Arcade rates appeals
September 2011

Valuation Office Agency

Need to make the appeal against valuation while work is in progress.

There are currently 5 outstanding appeals for Hardye Arcade, these are from the 2010 valuations and may be considered in December this year by officers at VOA. This will investigate the correct level of valuation to apply from 1st April 2010 (which is based on rent levels which might apply at 1st April 2008)

Any appeal against sudden downturn in trade will not be considered until after these general appeals have been resolved so may not be considered until spring 2012, to allow for any tribunal appeals to the existing appeals

Need to keep figures on a month by month basis and VOA would expect to see past three years figures to evidence the sudden downturn as opposed to any general trend decline. VOA would expect to see that any decline is worse than may be happening elsewhere.

If in rented premises, and trade has declined, VOA would expect to see at least an appeal to landlord for rent reduction and would anticipate that landlord would have supported the reduction. VOA suggests this should be a collective letter to the landlord from a concerted group, supported by evidence.

VOA would expect to see what traders themselves have been doing to manage and maintain trade and footfall, or at least minimise decline.

A collective submission can be made, its not necessary to employ an agent who may charge a significant % commission on any reductions achieved.

Any award would apply until the end of that phase of work, when there will be a revaluation.

Applications can be made online or in writing.

Alison Gidman 03000503282

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1086502612