EVANS & PAYNE LLP

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Lease Advisory News Government announces plans to ban upward-only rent reviews in commercial leases Release 10 July 2025 On the face of it, this is good news for tenants /small businesses. Whether it is in the long term remains to be seen if it leads to a reduction in supply of commercial property which in itself will push up rents. It will probably benefit the High Street in towns where there are lower levels of demand and higher vacancy levels. The government has announced plans to ban upward-only rent reviews for commercial leases. Upward-only rent reviews are common in UK commercial leases and mean the rent can only increase or stay the same at review. The announcement was made today (10 July) as part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which was introduced to Parliament. Commercial Rent Arrears (Coronavirus) Act 2022 Release 12th September 2023 Whilst the window on referring rental disputes to arbitration has now closed it was interesting to note that very few cases were actually referred to arbitration. The RICS had only 2 cases both of which allowed relief from payment of rent of 50% and with 3 months to pay. Green leases and lease renewals Release 12th September 2023 Recent case law held that a proposed alterations clause which sought to prohibit alterations which would reduce the EPC rating below E could not be imported into the renewal lease. It was reasonable however to require that the tenant maintained the EPC rating at the end of the new lease to prevent in action by the tenant on a terminal schedule of dilapidations. Green clauses in new leases are becoming more important with the MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) becoming ever more stringent. The interaction with MEES at lease renewal and upon receipt of a terminal schedule of dilapidations and also at rent review during the term of the lease, is a complex area upon which advice should be sought form surveyors and lawyers. Government provides further halt to business evictions and more support for high street firms Release 19th June 2020 Gov.uk The UK government will extend measures to prevent high street businesses facing eviction over summer New code provides support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery with their landlord Industry leaders back code and welcome measures to support affected businesses Click Here For More Details Renegotiating a leasehold during the Covid-19 crisis Release 23 March 2020 Property Reporter As the impact of COVID-19 on the UK economy becomes clear, an increasingly common question is: “What steps can I take concerning reduction (either permanently or temporarily) of tenants’ leasehold liabilities until such time as the consequences of COVID-19 have passed?” Click Here For More Details Forty six per cent of June Quarter Day commercial rent now collected Release 2nd July 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Commercial tenants in the UK have paid 46% of the 24 June Quarter day rent, up from 18.2% a week ago, according to the up-to-the minute. Click Here For More Details Landlords’ 'relief', reports Colliers, as 22% of retailers paid rents on time Release 26 June 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Colliers' figures find retailers have broadly paid the same rent now after June rent quarter day as they had at the same time after March rent quarter day. Click Here For More Details Office occupiers in 'dramatic' race to offoad space across UK and Europe Release 22 May 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Corporate occupiers in major European cities are already preparing to shed excess space in anticipation of the post-Covid-19 working world, according to of􀃨ce specialists from the Society of Industrial & Of􀃨ce Realtors (SIOR), which have reported a surge in enquiries from occupiers seeking advice on sub-letting surplus space. Click Here For More Details Debenhams to file for administration Release 06 April 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman The famous department store chain has appointed FRP Advisory in what it has termed a “light touch” administration that will see the existing management team stay on under the direct control of the administrators. Click Here For More Details Office exodus predicted as Covid triggers home working revolution Release 06 April 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Landlords and agents are braced for a mass exodus from offices as a remote working revolution causes chaos on the commercial property market. Rents are predicted to fall sharply as companies seek out smaller, cheaper sites and there is a surge in employees working from home. Nine out of 10 agents and landlords expect firms to scale back office space in the next two years, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) revealed. Click Here For More Details Government extends support to stop business evictions this year Published 16 September 2020 by Gov.uk - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP The government has extended support to prevent business evictions until the end of 2020. This move will help businesses over the coming months and protect people’s jobs. This is an addition to the £160 billion package of support available for businesses during the pandemic. Click Here For More Details Govt Confirms End Date for Commercial Property Moratorium on Evictions Published 08 December 2020 by Gov.uk - Chancellor of the Exchequer - Rishi Sunak Business eviction ban extended until the end of March 2021 Review of commercial landlord and tenant legislation to be launched Builds on the extra £280 billion government support for businesses during the pandemic . Click Here For More Details Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30 June 2021 and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May 2021 to protect residential tenants. Published 10 March 2021 by Gov.uk - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, and The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30 June to ensure businesses are supported as they re-open Six-month notice periods and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May to protect residential tenants Follows unprecedented package of support for businesses and renters during pandemic . Click Here For More Details

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Don't just take our word for it, see some of our work to date where appeals have been won and saved £££ for our clients business rates - Market Stalls - Portobello Road, London Original RV: £21,250 Agreed RV: £2,650 Achieved a huge reduction. - Offices - Camden, London Original RV: £2,820,000 Agreed RV: £2,590,000 Achieved savings over £185,000. - Industrial Plant and Machinery - Dartford Original RV: 425,000 Agreed RV: £165,000 Achieved Saving of £530,400. - Dental Surgery - Richmond, Surrey Original RV: £52,000 Agreed RV: £0 Our clients occupy the ground floor and acquired the 2 upper floors which they plan to convert into additional surgery space and we were able to secure a deletion of the assessment for the duration of the works to convert. - Workshop - Watford Original RV: £282,500 Agreed RV: £220,000 Achieved Rate saving of £110,000. - Offices - Euston, London Original RV: £367,000 Agreed RV: £330,000 Achieved Rate saving of £110,000. - Warehouse - Cricklewood, London Original RV: £208,000 Agreed RV: £79,500 Achieved a rate reduction of £128,500. - Office - Horsham, West Sussex Original RV: £46,000 Agreed RV: £36,250 Achieved a rate reduction of £9,750. - Helicopter Landing Site - West Ferry Road, London Original RV: £50,000 Agents of behalf Tower Hamlets seeking a new Assessment - Helicopter pad that was owned and let to Falcon. Valuation Tribunal originally determined a separate assessment was applicable RV £50,000. This decision was successfully Reviewed by Evans & Payne and a fresh Tribunal determined the proposal was invalidly made and no new assessment existed. - Warehouse / Office - Romford, Essex Original RV: £133,000 Agreed RV: £98,500 Achieved a rate reduction of £34,500. - Retail : Shop - Westfield Stratford, London Original RV: £202,000 Agreed RV: £191,000 Achieved a reduction of £11,000. - Offices - Heals Building, Torrington Place, London Original RV: £162,000 Agreed RV: £118,000 Achieved a reduction in £44,000 in valuation. - Offices - 20 Soho Square, London Original RV: £1,470,000 Agreed RV: £1,150,000 Achieved savings 21% for Crossrail Works at Tottenham Court Station, London - Retail : Shop - 6 Broadwick Street, London Original RV: £43,750 Agreed RV: £34,500 Achieved overall savings of £26,000 over the rating period. - Warehouse : Go-Karting Track - Loughborough, LE2 Original RV: £44,750 RV Agreed: £29,000 Achieved a reduction of £15,750. - Office - Warwick House, Houghton Hall Business Park, Dunstable Original RV: £375,000 Agreed RV: £345,000 Achieved reduction of £30,000 RV. Show More

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Choose Your Way To Register OPTION 1 You have opted to register yourself or someone in your company. Before you do this, the Valuation Office website will ask you for personal details for an ID check and to verify who you are. Valuation Office website will ask the following details: 1. National Insurance Number. 2. A valid UK passport. 3. Details of your latest payslip or P60. (if not available) 4. To go through a verification service run by a third party company TransUnion, which will be a number of personal questions relating to your credit file. https://www.transunion.co.uk/ If you still wish to proceed to register yourself or someone to do for you in your organisation, please click below next steps. CLICK HERE TO START If you do not wish to do this registration yourself and prefer to apppoint Evans & Payne to do it for you, please click below next steps. CLICK HERE TO START

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Choose Your Way To Register Your Details

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. OVER 175 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE We have the Business Rates know-how to succeed With us “No win” really does mean “No fees” Business Rates Retail Restaurant Office Industrial Dealing with Business Rates liabilities has always been at the heart of our business and Evans & Payne was one of the first firms to offer a solely performance-related service. With us “no win” really does mean “no fee”. Business Rates are no more than a property tax and whilst they may be difficult to avoid they can often be reduced. You only get one opportunity at reducing / Challenging your Rates liability in every Rating List and it is vital that it is done properly. Evans & Payne have the knowledge and experience to take maximum advantage of that one opportunity. Temporary reductions can also be obtained - Empty Rates, allowances for nearby building / road works, and don’t forget - demolitions, along with other material changes that can also result in successful reductions.

Terms and Conditions Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors established since 1979 TERMS & CONDITIONS CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM The material and information contained on this website is for general information only and does not constitute any form of offer for sale, create a contractual relationship or form advice or recommendations by Evans & Payne LLP. Evans & Payne LLP does not warrant or represent and excludes all warranties or representations that the material and information, including advertising material, on the Website is accurate, true or complete or that it is free of viruses or that it does not contain any material which is defamatory, obscene or illegal in any way. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of the statements contained in the property details or on the particulars. In no circumstances will Evans & Payne LLP be liable to you or any other third parties for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect, including loss of profits, loss of opportunity or any consequential loss) resulting from or in any way connected with your use of the Website or its content, whether caused by negligence, misrepresentation, breach of any statutory duty, or breach of contract or otherwise. You may access other websites via hypertext links from the Website. You use such links and other websites entirely at your own risk. Such websites are provided by independent third parties and Evans & Payne LLP accepts no responsibility for the availability, content or use of such websites or information contained on them. Evans & Payne LLP | Registered in England & Wales under company registration number OC404567 | VAT registration number: 333 2485 71 Registered address: 2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BD Tel:020 7486 9597 Fax: 020 7224 2208

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. CHECK challenge appeal What is Check Challenge & Appeal? As part of the reformed business rates system, the Department for Communities and Local Government has introduced a new three stage system known as 'Check. Challenge. Appeal.' (CCA) for the 2017 List. The CCA system is intended to manage the flow of cases through the system in a structured and transparent way, and each step must be fully completed in sequence to submit an Appeal. Check The Check stage sees the business ratepayer or agent confirming the specifics of the property and the physical facts that the Valuation Office have relied on in reaching their valuation. Any revised information is submitted as a formal declaration. This process requires a detailed knowledge of the premises. Some cases will be resolved at this stage and requires the Valuation Office and the ratepayer or agent to validate relevant facts, such as floor area. We cannot proceed to the Challenge stage until the Check has been completed – the intention being a property can remain in Check stage for up to 12 months although it is hoped that the majority of these cases can be resolved within a much shorter period. Challenge The Challenge stage must be instigated by the ratepayer or agent within 4 months of the conclusion of the Check stage. A further 18 months is allowed to conclude the Challenge. The business ratepayer or agent must prepare a substantive case detailing why the valuation provided by the Valuation Office is inaccurate, which is a far more detailed process than the previous Appeals system. It must include the grounds for the Challenge, reasons for the Challenge and detailed evidence to support the alternative valuation. All data would need to be entered manually. This stage will involve a far more detailed case and require a substantive amount of research evidence to substantiate a reduced Rateable Value, detailed discussions on the level of value and will, amongst other things, consider the evidence being adopted. Appeal Once the decision notice from the Challenge has been received, the business ratepayer or agent will have a further 4 months to decide whether to lodge an Appeal. Most cases will hopefully be dealt with during the initial two stages. If the case is to be progressed to the appeal stage, then we have to submit another full evidence bundle to the Valuation Tribunal. In addition, a fee of £150 to a small property and £300 of any other property is payable by the Ratepayer for submitting the appeal. If successful, the fee will be refunded in full or in part (in part if decided without an oral hearing).

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. " We make it as simple as 1-2-3 " CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM How to Register Your Property on the HMRC / Valuation Office website It is important that you complete this registration. Evans & Payne will not be able to deal with your instructions to appeal your Rateable Value until you register. Please click on “Don’t have a Government Gateway ID and Password” to create a ID and password to access the Valuation Office Agency website. Please click below to Register your property (ies) click here 1 - 6 Steps below to Complete your Registration on the HMRC / VO website 1. Register your yourself and your company details - *Note ! : HMRC will ask for your personal details to verify who you are before allowing you access to them. Anyone can register on behalf of your company. 2. Register your company details - registered address of company. 3. Once successfully completed, and you are in Manage Properties , click on the “My Properties” tab. 4. In this tab, click "Add Property" and follow the instructions (You will need a copy of your latest Rates Bill scanned and ready as a PDF to upload when asked in this next step. Note down the reference number. 5. Once you have added your properties, go back into “My Properties” tab, and click on "Appoint Agent ". 6. Appoint Evans & Payne as your Agent – use our agent code: 40812 and click "Yes" to Check and Challenge and then accept. Once you have completed the above, we will then be sent a request from HMRC / VO to our Evans & Payne Manage Properties Dashboard - where we will accept your request. By confirming your request, we will now be linked to your dashboard and properties claimed and allows us to continue the Check Challenge Appeal process, as your appointed agents. Please let us know by email or phone once you have fully completed the registration and appointed Evans & Payne as agents. click here If you need guidance on this process, please either call us or email us and we will be happy to assist you. 020 7486 9597

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. For any enquiries, please call or email us. Alternatively you can fi ll in the following contact form . 020 7486 9597 2nd Flr, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BD Company Reg. No: OC404567 VAT No: 333 2485 71 Send Us A Message Send Success! Message received. Your Business Rates Specialist

Check Challenge Appeal Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 appeal An appeal can be made to the Valuation Tribunal for England (VTE) within 4 months of the VOA decision notice or after 18 months have elapsed from the date of the Challenge. The Ratepayer (or their advisor) has to submit the full bundle of evidence and correspondence to the VTE. In addition, a fee of £150 for a small property and £300 for any other property, is payable by the ratepayer for submitting an Appeal. If successful, the fee will be refunded in full or in part (in part if decided without an oral hearing). Let us check your Business Rates

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. A walk in the park REGISTRATION MADE EASY FOR YOU The New business rates appeals process for properties in England - The Long Road Ahead - Step 1 - Organisation Government Gateway Account If you already have a Government Gateway Account for your business then this can be used for the CCA registration purposes. If your company does not have an Organisation Government Gateway Account then it can be set up as part of the sign in process on the VOA Portal. The VOA Portal can be accessed from www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Empty Rates and Mitigation Strategies Empty Rates can be a complex issue, but our dedicated team of experts can help clarify your position and help you reduce or remove liability on your wholly or partially empty properties. Commercial property throughout the U.K is subject to Business Rates, which is a tax on occupation and paid by the occupier. However, when a commercial property becomes vacant this liability still exists in the form of Empty Property Rates. There is now little difference in rates liability between vacant and occupied property. Despite these changes most ratepayers pay more in property rates than they have to. An initial period of 3 months relief is applied on empty properties once they first become vacant which is granted by Local Authorities. This is extended to 6 months if the property is industrial in nature. After this period, the ratepayer can become liable to pay these rates again, even if the premises remain unoccupied. Every new commercial development, proposed refurbishment scheme or vacant premises facing a rates liability, requires a detailed understanding of the property circumstances, allied to a specific mitigation strategy. We understand the legislation and how local authorities operate, making us ideally positioned to offer you the best mitigation solutions. By drawing on our significant experience, our team will develop strategies to mitigate, or in some cases, fully remove liability for rates on unoccupied premises. Our empty property rates solutions cover all property types and range from a single property to large portfolios throughout the UK. Examples of some of the routes available to mitigate your empty rates bills include: Intermittent occupation schemes Section 44a applications for partially occupied premises Splitting and merging Rateable Values Occupation prohibited by law, such as owing to presence of asbestos Proving Buildings are incapable of beneficial occupation Proving Buildings are uneconomic to repair Challenging invalid completion notices Delaying the assessment of new buildings If you have properties in your portfolio that are currently or soon-to-be vacant, we would encourage you to get in touch to find out how we can help you mitigate your business rate liability.