Covid-19 – Update – The Scottish Government has made updates to Non-Domestic rates in Scotland for 2020-21. Please download our brochure for more details. Covid-19 Update Brochure

Business rates are a major cost for businesses throughout the country.

Every business is liable to pay business rates on its commercial property, although some benefit from the sometimes-confusing system of relief that the Scottish Government and, in some cases, Local Authorities have in place.

A Revaluation of all commercial property in the country took effect from 1st April 2017. This was the first Revaluation since 2010.

The Rateable Value of a property set at the 2017 Revaluation is the figure upon which rates bill calculations will be based for the next five years. Appeals against the Rateable Value set at Revaluation had to be submitted by 30th September 2017.

There are still circumstances under which a Rateable Value can be appealed: new owners, tenants or occupiers have a right to appeal when they acquire an interest in a property; there is a right to appeal if a property is affected by a ‘material change of circumstance’ and, subject to strict criteria, there is a right to appeal an error.

At Shepherd, we offer clients the specialist knowledge, experience, and expertise to provide exceptional rating advice and rate appeal service, with a proven track record of ensuring that our client’s liability for business rates is kept to a minimum.

Our blend of specialist rating expertise, Scotland-wide coverage, and local market experience is unrivaled.

We have almost £100 Million of Rateable Value under appeal following the 2017 Revaluation, covering properties as diverse as shops, offices, factories, public houses, hotels, and football stadia.

Revaluation appeals are now being listed for hearing and negotiations taking place with the local Assessors – who set the Rateable Value. Reductions are backdated to 1st April 2017, with any overpayments that have been made being reimbursed, again backdated to 1st April 2017.

Rating is a specialist subject. We would urge proprietors, tenants, and occupiers of commercial property to contact us at the earliest opportunity with any rating issues. Our Head of Rating, Andy Boal can be contacted on 01382 878005, andy.boal@shepherd.co.uk or register with us at rating@shepherd.co.uk.