Rates rises: your stories
Many licensees across the country are fearing the worst after receiving the new rateable value for their business.
Following The Publican's front page last week, we have been inundated with calls and emails from angry licensees, with tales of huge rates hikes.
One striking example has been at the Terminus Tavern, in Sheffield, where licensees Jeff Goddard has seen his rateable value soar from £11,700 to £40,000 - which means his business rates will rise from £5,600 to £16,000. "There's no way we can pay. I'm speaking to the council to get an explanation," he said.
The rateable value - based on market rental values from 2008 - is used by the local authority to set business rates and in many cases this simply means a much bigger bill.
With trade suffering, utility bills and wholesale prices rising, an increase in business rates is another headache licensees could do without.
But a spokeswoman from the Valuation Office Agency insisted the revaluation will ensure "each business pays its fair contribution and no more". She added: "It will not raise a single extra penny for government."
Sixty per cent of ratepayers will see a reduction in the rates bill from their council as a result of revaluation, she said.
And there will be a £2bn relief scheme to protect ratepayers from significant increases in their rates bills.
She added: "Businesses should contact us if they have any concerns so we can resolve any issues before bills are sent out next year."
Here's some other examples of licensees that have been affected…
Andrew Buck, the Five Bells, Cople, Bedford
Old rateable value: £5,250
New rateable vale: £41,500
"This rise means an increase of rate payable of £28,000. Obviously I have contacted the rating office but have received no reply as yet. I am a Greene King tenant and have also contacted their rating appeal body.
I am hopeful that I can get this reviewed before February when the rates are set in stone because obviously my business cannot cope with such an increase."
Dudley Bennett, MerryMoor Inn, Newquay
Old rateable value: £55,000
New rateable vale: £79,000
"This looks like it will mean an increase in our rates bill from £26,000 to £40,000 a year.
"This is nearly twice as much and of course utility bills have been rising as well.
"Over the last two summers we have picked up our food but our drink has gone down. I tried to appeal last time but did not succeed. I will be trying again now."
John Hutchings, the White Hart, Holsworthy, Devon
Old rateable value: £12,500
New rateable vale: £28,000
"I would warn people about rogue companies approaching you to say they can reduce your rates for a fee. I have already been approached about this but it is something you can do yourself.
"Our bill is likely to go from £6,000 a year to £14,000 which will have a massive impact on the business.
"I just don't understand how they can come to such a figure. Yes, in the last five years we have seen an increase in turnover - but nothing like the 125 per cent the rateable value has gone up by."
David Remmer, the Olde Talbot, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
Old rateable value: £7,500
New rateable vale: £24,500
"We estimate as you pay about 50p in the pound we will be going from a bill of £3,000 to about £12,000.
"This doesn't seem to take into account other factors such as a Wetherspoons opening up and the fact that 40 per cent of the businesses or shops in the town centre have closed."
How to appeal
The VOA recommends contacting your local valuation office and talking to someone on the business team, who will explain how your rateable value has been set. If you're still not happy, you can appeal online by visiting: www.voa.gov.uk/business_rates/appeals.htm
