Dec 2021

  1. Further Changes to 2022/23 Business Rates

    The Government issued on 20/12/2021 three new pieces of information and guidance you should be aware of: -

    1. Following Royal Assent of the Bill, which has now become the Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act 2021, this guidance has now been released in respect of the relief scheme which replaces the ability to make Material Change “appeals” for Covid factors
    2. Business rates guidance: Extension of Transitional Relief and Supporting Small Business Relief for
    … Read more

  2. Rating Coronavirus and Directors Disqualification Act

    This Bill received Royal Assent on the 15th December and has effectively barred Covid-19 as a Material Change of Circumstances for Business Rates Appeals.

    Why has this happened? Clearly because the Government were also of the opinion that it was a valid MCC and there was going to be too much tax loss.

    In its place the Government are supporting Local Authorities in England to the tune of £1.5bn in reliefs to be offered to … Read more

  3. Fundamental Changes to Ratepayer Rights and Obligations

    In the final part of our post-Budget round-up we outline the changes to introduce ratepayer mandatory duties and reduction in CCA appeal rights. 1. Duty to Inform; (D2I) The government will introduce:

    • a duty to notify the VOA of changes to the occupier and property characteristics that affect the assessment of the property for business rates. The VOA will share occupier details with billing authorities to support correct and timely business rates bills
    • mandatory provision
    … Read more

  4. Rates Exemptions for Building Improvements in their first year

    Following on in our series of Rating reform measures emanating from the October 2021 Budget, the government has announced a new relief to support investment in property improvements. This will enable businesses to adapt to meet rising demand, make improvements to their premises, and enhance productivity as employees return to the workplace. The measure will be introduced in 2023 and will be reviewed in 2028. To receive the improvement relief, ratepayers will need to demonstrate … Read more

  5. Green Initiatives for Business Rates

    The Government has published a technical consultation on reforms to the business rates system in England. This follows on from the Chancellor’s Budget Announcements in October 2021. We will outline the proposed changes in a series of Articles, this being the first. From April 2023, the government will introduce an exemption for eligible plant and machinery used in onsite renewable energy generation and storage, and a 100% relief for eligible low-carbon heat networks that have … Read more