The Valuation Officer maintains the Rating List and may alter the value of a property if the property's circumstances have changed.
You can also appeal against the value shown in the list if you believe it
is wrong. An appeal can be made directly to the Valuation Office Agency for
free. Appeals can be made online at the Valuation Office Agency website. The
council is not responsible for the content or reliability of external
websites.
Some ratepayers choose to appoint an agent to handle their appeal. Many
companies employ agents to act on a 'third party' basis in the appeal
process, and represent businesses in negotiations with the Valuation
Office.
Whilst the vast majority provide good advice for their clients, you should
be on your guard against the minority who promise big savings in rates
bills and may fail to deliver. Both the council and Valuation Office Agency
advise you to look very carefully at the terms of your contract, ensure you
understand exactly what you have agreed to pay for, and remember that a
reduction in your Rateable Value does not automatically mean that your
rates bill will be reduced.
All appeal queries should initially be directed to the Valuation Office
Agency. Contact details are available on the right hand side of this
page.
Successful appeals against values that came into force on 1 April 2005 are
normally backdated to the beginning of the financial year the appeal was
made. There are exceptions to this.
If the ratepayer and Valuation Office do not agree, the appeal is referred
to the Valuation Tribunal (see the Valuation Tribunal
website).
Appealing against your rating assessment does not entitle you to withhold
payment of your account.
Valuation Office Agency
Leeman House, Station Business Park, Holgate Park Drive, York YO26 4GB
tel: (01904) 528000
fax: (01904) 528049