Chance to offer views on business rates revaluation

Firms are being reminded that they can express their views on the transitional arrangements for the next business rates revaluation.

The revaluation, which is carried out every five years, is set to come into effect on 1 April 2010 in England.

The aim of the revaluation is to make sure that the rateable values of business premises are based on up-to-date rental values. In this case, as they stood at April 2008.

Most businesses will enjoy a fall in their rates bills as a result, but some may see an increase.

The government plans to introduce a relief scheme that will help those businesses that are adversely affected. The scheme will phase in particularly sharp rises.

The Department for Communities and Local Government wants to hear comments from firms on the transitional arrangements.