Our business rates appeals management service aims to mitigate our clients’ liabilities in a careful and professional fashion, reducing business rates payable to the absolute minimum.

Our approach to business rates appeals management

Proper and reliable appeals management relies on being able to identify which properties to appeal, which to negotiate and which to prosecute before the relevant tribunal.

We will review your complete portfolio and recommend appeals while minimising risk – unlike some representatives, we will not expose you to unexpected increases in liability.

Business rates appeal work is a skilled process, involving negotiating with experienced Chartered Surveyors. We operate under the appropriate RICS Guidance and Regulations.

Challenging business rates assessments and securing available reliefs

At each stage of the process, we’ll address a number of questions. We’ll also provide regular updates on progress as the appeals process can be long and bureaucratic.

Pre-revaluation representations:

Republic of Ireland

• Is Inspection of property/portfolio and provision of initial report/s required? 
• Submission of representations recommended?  
• Recommendation on proceeding with appeal?

Northern Ireland

• Compiling and submitting property and portfolio lease details as part of the forms of return process?
• Providing advice and reporting on entering into early discussions with Land and Property Services?
• Recommendation on proceeding with appeal?

Initial assessment review: 

• Has the property been assessed on the most appropriate valuation basis?
• How does the assessment compare with rental evidence?
• What is the change in value between two Rating Lists?
• Have physical alterations affected the rateable value of the property?
• Are there physical alterations in the locality that affect the property’s value?

Appeal management:

• Will an appeal against the business rates assessment lead to a reduced liability?
• If an appeal is merited, when should it be submitted?

Our mitigation service can help landlords and tenants reduce the impact of empty rates on their bottom line.

Tried and tested mitigation strategies to reduce your business rates bill

Our specialist team offers detailed advice in relation to empty rates, which can be tailored to your circumstances. LSH Business Rates can report on individual cases and assess whether an exemption may be secured, or a reduction on the current liability could be achieved.  

For example, building works projects invariably throw up rate savings opportunities. If you are carrying out building improvement or refurbishment works, you may achieve exemptions or reductions in empty rates liability.

We are also well connected to charities and short-term tenants who will take occupation of buildings and absorb the empty rates liability.