EVANS & PAYNE LLP

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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 It is vitally important that Tenants of business premises seek professional advice as to rental levels and the terms of their leases. Evans & Payne have many years of experience in advising Tenants in respect of Rent Reviews, Lease Renewals and Lease Restructuring. Our track record shows that through our experience, expertise and market knowledge we are able to negotiate the lowest possible levels of rent, be that at Rent Review or Lease Renewal. We are also able to negotiate favourable lease terms either at Lease Renewal or during the term of the lease where we explore the benefits of Lease Restructuring. In most cases we will be able to achieve these aims through negotiation but where appropriate, if it is necessary to refer to a third party, then Evans and Payne have the required expertise to act as Expert Witness in referrals to Arbitration, Independent Expert determination, PACT or Court. These issues have been exacerbated by the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis and it is more important than ever that Tenants seek professional advice as regards rent and other lease terms. The Government’s updated Commercial rent code of practice following the Covid-19 pandemic can be downloaded here. Evans & Payne are ready to assist . Please call us on 020 7486 9597 or email Nigel Rand nrand@evanspayne.com Code of Practice for Commercial Property Relationships During Covid-19 pandemic, June 2020 click to open the PDF Document

Check Challenge Appeal Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 challenge This can only be submitted once the VOA has concluded the Check or it is deemed complete. There are strict time limits for submission of a Challenge. The onus is on the ratepayer or their advisor to provide a full and comprehensive submission which must include their valuation, evidence, comparables, case law and legal arguments etc. Only then will the VOA disclose their evidence to support their valuation and consider the Challenge. This is the point at which discussion and negotiation will take place. The VOA will issue a decision on the Challenge within 18 months otherwise it is deemed to have been concluded and there is then the right to appeal. 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. Your case appeal time line Check The Check process commences with a request by or on behalf of the ratepayer to the VOA to Check the information it holds on the property. On receiving such a request, the VOA may request further details however they must respond within 12 months. Challenge Once the Check Stage is complete it will be possible to make a Challenge to alter the Rating List. It must be made within 4 months of the completion of the Check Stage, or up to 16 months for a material change of circumstances proposal, relating to changes that have occurred in the locality of the property (e.g. road works or building works). Appeal If no agreement is reached on the Challenge, the VOA will issue a notice setting out its considered decision and the reasons for it. Only once a Decision Notice is issued – or if 18 months have elapsed from the date of the Challenge without a notice being issued – it is possible to Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal of England. An Appeal must be made within 4 months of the date of the Decision Notice.

Privacy Statement Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors established since 1979 Data Protection Notice CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM Evans & Payne LLP is committed to processing your personal data in accordance with relevant European Union ("EU") data protection laws. This Data Protection Notice aims to give you information on how your personal data (i.e., information which directly or indirectly identifies you) are processed by Evans & Payne LLP, "we", "us", "our") in the context of our communications with you. For the purposes of EU data protection laws, Evans & Payne LLP is the data controller. Subject to your consent below, we will process personal data with respect to you such as your name, contact details and services and communication preferences to keep in touch with you and provide information regarding events, products, services and content that may be of interest to you. We may disclose personal data about you to other Evans & Payne LLP affiliates and to our service providers who assist Evans & Payne LLP in delivering communications to you. Those recipients may be located in countries outside of the EEA, which may not have data privacy laws equivalent to those in the EEA. In such a case, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Under applicable EU data privacy laws, you may have a right to: (i) request access to and rectification or erasure of your personal data; (ii) obtain restriction of processing or to object to processing of your personal data; and (iii) data portability (i.e. to request the transfer of personal data from one data controller to another in certain circumstances). If you wish to exercise any of these rights you should contact Evans & Payne LLP. You also have the right to lodge a complaint about the processing of your personal data with your local data protection authority. We will take steps to protect your personal data against loss or theft, as well as from unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification, regardless of the format in which it is held. Subject at all times to applicable laws and unless you withdraw your consent, we will retain your personal data for the purposes described in the notice for a period of 6 years from the date of Evans & Payne LLP’ last interaction you.

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. Let us Check Your Business Rates Now Download Form

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. Rating List April 2017 The 2017 Rating List began on 1 April 2017 when the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) updated the Rateable Value of all business properties for the next six years and is based upon the rental value as at 1st April 2015. At Revaluation, the Government adjusts the value of Business Rates to reflect changes in the property market. Having not done this exercise for the past 7 years, we have seen some major fluctuations in levels of business rates across the UK. In response to the Covid 19 outbreak the Government have introduced a number of Business Rate reliefs to the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality sectors along with Grants and postponed the 2021 Revaluation so as to provide some certainty to Business Rates liability for 2021/22. The Government have now announced that the next Revaluation will now take place on 1st April 2023 with a valuation date of 1st April 2021 with the subsequent Revaluation on 1st April 2026. The Government has introduced a new Business Rates Appeals system called the Check Challenge and Appeal (CCA). How your property is valued and your Business Rates are calculated remains unchanged – the only difference is, if you think your Business Rates bill is inaccurate and want to lodge an Appeal, you have to do this via the new online platform through the Government website. This process is called the “Check. Challenge. Appeal. ” The CCA system created a range of barriers and disincentives to the Ratepayer wanting to challenge their business rates. In addition, fines have been introduced for submitting incorrect information. However, with our support, it is possible to find your way through this system and challenge the value. This reform has introduced a far more complex process and puts an even greater responsibility on the Ratepayer to ensure that they are receiving the best advice and are paying the correct amount. Appealing your Business Rates is a 3 stage process CHECK challenge appeal

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. Frequently Asked Questions What are Business Rates Business Rates are a tax on property used for business purposes. They are charged on properties such as offices, shops, pubs, and warehouses – nearly all non-domestic properties will attract Business Rates. They may also be charged where only part of a building is used for non-domestic purposes. Business Rates are based on a Rateable Value of your property A Rateable Value is a rental value ascribed to a commercial building based on its size, location and other factors, as at 1st April 2015, for the 2017 Rating List used to determine the rates payable by its owner. Who pays Business Rates The occupier of the property is usually the one responsible for paying business rates, and is where the bill will be addressed to. If you rent your business premises, your rent may include Business Rates. Your Landlord is then responsible for passing on the rates money to your Local Authority. Check with your Landlord whether or not this is the case. You are responsible for notifying the council when you move into new business premises or when you start a new business. Your bill comes from your local council around March or April time each year. How much are Business Rates Business Rates are calculated based on a property’s ‘Rateable Value’. The Rateable Value is a property’s estimated Rental Value on the open market. The last Revaluation, conducted by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and which came into effect on 1 April 2017, refers to Values as of 1 April 2015. It is possible to estimate your Business Rates by multiplying your property’s Rateable Value by the relevant poundage. The Rating List after 2021 will be updated every three years - the last one was put together in 2017. Your property's Rateable Value may change in 2021. The multiplier is set by the Government every April 1 based upon the Consumer Price Index rate. What if I think my Business Rates are wrong It’s not uncommon for Business Rates payers to believe that their Rateable Value is incorrect. If this is the case, then the Rates you are required to pay will be calculated wrongly. First, you should check the VOA’s Rateable Value for your property you can easily do this on their website. Factors that could lead to an incorrect valuation maybe : a 'material change' to your property or an incorrect reference scheme, age or location of your premises, has it been incorrectly split into more than one listing or combined with others into a single listing? Material changes could also make your Business Rates wrong, these may include: new developments in the area, new roads or road closures or changes to access routes, change of use of the property for example from an office to a shop. How do I appeal my Business Rates You should immediately contact a Rating Expert to handle the assessment of your property. A RICS Surveyor can help you do with this with ease as they have the professional capability to handle such complex matters with the Valuation Office on your behalf. Remember: You can only appeal once on your property to the Valuation Office - it is therefore imperative that when you process your appeal to reduce your Rateable Value, that all the information required by the Valuation Office is both accurate and comprehensive; otherwise you will run the high risk of losing your appeal and you will not be able to appeal again. Evans & Payne are RICS Chartered Surveyors and Rating Experts. We can assist you in challenging the complexities of your Business Rates. Contact us with no obligation to s ee how we can help reduce your Business Rates today Please either give us a call or simply email us and we will be happy to assist you. 020 7486 9597 info@evanspayne.com

Check Challenge Appeal Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 CHECK Requires validation of the VOA’s property survey data and full disclosure of all physical changes to the property. If a change to the property is required for example part has been sublet then full details of the changes including floor plans need to be submitted at the Check phase. Likewise details of material changes need to be flagged to the VOA via the Check process. Once a check has been submitted the Valuation Officer will review any changes detailed in the Check and where appropriate will amend the Rateable Value but be warned Rateable values can increase as well as decrease. The VOA is aiming to clear checks within 12 weeks of submission and they are deemed to have ended 12 months after submission. Once a Check has been concluded there is a 4 month window of opportunity to then Challenge the basis of valuation. However for material changes the window is 16 months from the date of submission to allow the gathering of evidence. Let us check your Business Rates

Business Rates Revaluation 2026 - what does it mean for you? The Valuation Office will publish your new 2026 Rateable Value towards the end of this year, which will take effect on 1 April 2026. This represents your property’s Rental Value as of 1st April 2024. The Rating List will last for 3 years. As at the Valuation Date, 1st April 2024, we were in a period of great instability arising from the Conservative Government leadership of Boris Johnston , Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak and the decision announced, in May 2024, by Rishi Sunak to hold a General Election in July 2024. The period prior to 1st April 2024 was one where Inflation was running at record highs during 2022 and we were all being faced with high energy costs and the problems caused by the war in Ukraine. We would expect to see the Revaluation result in a general reduction in Rateable Values for the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality sector but we expect rises in Rateable Values within the Office and Factory/Warehouse sectors. Whilst the Non Domestic Rating Act 2023 was passed almost 3 years ago, we have yet to see the Valuation Office introduce a Duty to Notify. We expect this to now be introduced during the course of the 2026 Rating List and will require Ratepayers to annually notify the Valuation Office of any errors, omissions or changes to their property details. This new Regulation will also require Ratepayers to advise the Valuation Officer of any properties not included in the Rating List and therefore not valued. DUTY TO NOTIFY REASONS List of reasons to notify the Valuation Office Air conditioning or comfort cooling This is your Air conditioning or comfort cooling New extensions not already included or added When you have new extensions not already included or added Incorrect floor area being used When you have Incorrect floor area being used Converting valued space Converting valued space Mezzanine floors not valued or added Mezzanine floors not valued or added Heating not valued Heating not valued Incorrect eaves Incorrect eaves Plant & Machinery Plant & Machinery Solar panels Solar panels This list is by no means exhaustive, but I am sure you’ll agree that to fulfil these onerous annual requirements is going to be exceedingly time-consuming for Ratepayers. There will be a further requirement to confirm every April that you have complied with any relevant There will be a further requirement every year to provide any changes to your rental details to the Valuation Officer. We wait to see whether this will remove the requirement to complete Forms of Return or whether on receipt of this information it will require a fresh Form to be completed. In view of the proposed annual Duty to Notify it is, therefore, more imperative than ever that you look at instructing a Rating Agent for the 2026 Rating Period. At Evans & Payne LLP, we can prepare our assessment of your property in advance of any possible increase in your business rates liability. We can appeal to them immediately. The Regulations relating to changes to Rateable Value are exceedingly complex and Evans & Payne can advise you and help you to mitigate any potential increase. Please do contact us at the earliest opportunity for us to review your Business Rates liability position preferably in advance of the 2026 Business Rates Revaluation coming into effect on the 1st of April 2026. Please either call us or email us and we will be happy to assist you. 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. 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