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Appeals Against Business Rate bills
If you disagree with the amount you are asked to pay, because you are not the liable person, you feel that you are entitled to some type of relief, or that the property should be exempt, please contact the Business Rates team on 01376 557788.
For Appeals against your Rateable Value, contact the Valuation Office Agency National Helpline on 03000 501501 or contact the VOA online.
Charitable and Discretionary Rate Relief
Charities and registered Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) are entitled to 80% mandatory relief where the property is occupied by the charity or a CASC. Braintree District Council has discretion to give further discretionary relief up to 100% to non-profit making organisations and clubs. Discretionary Rate Relief will be reviewed for 2023/2024. You can find out how to apply online.
Rating Advisers
Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about rateable value or their rates bill.
Appeals against rateable values can be made free of charge. However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS – website www.rics.org) and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV – website) are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.
Before you employ a Rating Adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise as well as the appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.
Information supplied with Demand Notices
Information relating to the relevant and previous financial years in regard to the gross expenditure of the local authority, is available on our website.
Need more information?
Local authorities are no longer required to provide individual copies of explanatory notes when bills are issued but you can find more explanatory notes on our business rates page. A hard copy is available by writing to the Council or by calling us on 01376 557788.