FPB: Rogue surveyors attempt to lower business rates

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

The FPB has warned of "rogue" business rate surveyors trying to take advantage of struggling small firms.

By Ashley Brunskill

Business rates are in the spotlight at the Forum of Private Business (FPB), which has warned small firms to be aware of "rogue" rating surveyors.

There has been a rise in the number of companies offering to carry out a business rate reassessment for firms that are unhappy about the rateable value change coming into effect next month.

While many of these surveyors do offer a legitimate service to help businesses appeal for a reduction in their business rates, the FPB stated that some are "unscrupulous".

Such organisations charge large fees and often have no evidence that they can enable business rates to be reduced.

"This is a problem that seems to come about every five years after the rates revaluations have been carried out," explained Philip Moody, senior member services representative at the FPB.

The Valuation Office Agency is responsible for calculating business rates and it recently reminded companies that new rate bills will become effective from April 1st 2010.

Source: ask-re The Property People LLP