A ratepayer can in certain circumstances appeal against the assessment directly to the Valuation Officer (Inland Revenue) on 01296 550300. This cannot be done through the local Council. Before lodging an appeal, advice may be sought from qualified rating experts. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors can be contacted if independent professional advice is needed. Their telephone hotline is 0207 222 7000. Appeals against your valuation can be made at any time before the next revaluation. New limitations mean that the effect of appeals may be limited.

There are exceptions to this. If a change in circumstances affecting the rateable value occurs, or an appeal is made on one of the following grounds, at any time, before the next revaluation, then any change in value will be backdated to the date of the change of circumstances.

• Removal of properties from the Rating List
• Changes between domestic & non domestic use
• Splits and mergers of properties
• Appeals based on other Valuation Tribunal, Lands Tribunal or Court decisions (appeals on these grounds can be made up until six months after the next revaluation, provided they are also made within six months of the relevant decision).

Date Published: 28/03/08