The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), the organisation responsible for setting a Rateable Value for every business property, have warned of activity of so called ‘Rogue Agents’ in the Staffordshire area.
Businesses have a right to challenge the rateable value of their property and to employ specialist agencies to help with the process.
VOA advise business owners to always check a firm or individual’s background and professional status before signing a contract and to be cautious of any agent who:
- tries to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract
- says they are acting on behalf of the VOA
- demands large sums of money up front
- makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar.
The following help is also available from the VOA website:
- Create a business rates valuation account to manage your business rates yourself.
- A checklist to help businesses choose an agent, if you want an agent to manage your business rates.
- VOA agent standards set out clear expectations for agents.
- Guidance on identifying and reporting misrepresentation by agents and staying safe from scammers.