Through the OGC framework we can provide professional advice, guidance, negotiation and assistance on Rating Support issues including, but not limited to:

• Audit of rate payments
• Forecasts for budgeting purposes including estimates for new buildings
• Formal appeals against the rating assessment, valuation and negotiations with the Valuation Officer or assessor in an attempt to agree to a lower rateable value
• Support ‘Right first time’ principles for the 2010 rating revaluation
• Tribunal appearances, if agreement cannot be reached with the Valuation Officer or assessor
• Advice on discretionary and mandatory rates relief such as applications for vacant property or charity relief
• Advice on certification of rateable values for calculation of rate liabilities during transitional phasing, which can produce significant rate savings through additional transitional relief
• Surveys and data collection to provide an accurate record of the property
• Rate refund calculations and negotiation with the Billing Authority
• Interest payments linked to rate refunds checked and verified with the Billing Authority
• Management of the rate payment process

To find out more about the provision of Business Rates services under the OGC framework or to discuss how we could potentially reduce your rates liabilities, please contact:

Denise Trollope
Framework Lead Director
denise.trollope@gvagrimley.co.uk
0207 911 2393