Property experts warn that the latest proposals for business rates rules ‘are unfair on firms’

The Government’s latest proposals for business rates reform will create more difficulties for firms launching appeals than benefits, property consultants have warned. 

Experts at real estate advisory firm Colliers have called for ratepayers to oppose the plans during a consultation process, which ends next week. 

The Government launched a consultation paper in June and it proposed that business rates – the property tax facing UK companies – will undergo a revaluation every three years. 

Nevertheless, experts have said the proposals will result in difficulties for companies as they will toughen up the current appeals policy. 

John Webber, head of business rates at Colliers, said this will result in a ‘much more onerous and expensive way’ for businesses to appeal. 

‘This new system would increase the bar to appeal against unfair rating assessments and thus reduce the number of appeals,’ he added.