Think Pubs - Think Tasker!
Press release to the Newcastle Journal Homemaker
and Business News - March 2001
In times of crisis and potential trading difficulties money matters tend to come into even clearer focus that usual. When the future of many rural businesses in particular is in the melting pot of the consequences of the terrible Foot and Mouth crisis here's information from Tasker & Co., the licensed property experts, which might help to save you money and assist cash flow. But, it equally applies to those in business who will not suffer from the current situation.
The deadline for lodging appeals against the 1995 Rating List is 31st March, 2001. After this date there is no possibility whatsoever of lodging appeals against the 1995 Rating List assessment or rate liability.
This is important for two reasons:-
- Refunds/credits can currently be secured in their own right retrospectively to as far back as 1st April, 1990 or the date that the ratepayer occupied the property. If appeals are not lodged by this deadline of 31st March, 2001, then there will be no chance of securing any refunds/credits prior to 1st April, 2000.
- Where the transitional arrangements apply and the rate liability for the current year is based on what the 1999/2000 rate liability was, plus or minus the appropriate prescribed percentage, then it is often more important to pursue an appeal against the rating assessment in the 1999/2000 year (i.e. applicable to the 1995 Rating List) than against the 2000 Rating List assessment. In other words, a reduction in the assessment under the 2000 Rating List could be academic in terms of saving actual cash.
Confusing, isn't it! The solution is easy, though, and is to get in touch with a properly qualified and reputable Rating Surveyor who can give you honest, unbiased and correct advice. There have been many cowboys about in the world of business rating in recent years, many of whom have taken money 'up front' from Clients and then done very little or nothing afterwards actually to secure a rates reduction for them. To avoid this happening to you, do not pay any up front fees for rating work. No reputable surveyor will take 'up front' money from you for rating work. As Chartered Surveyors themselves, Tasker & Co. say that one step better is to use the services of Chartered Surveyors to handle your rating work. But, be quick, get in touch in the next few days. To protect your situation your Rating Surveyor needs to get appeals lodged by 31st March. There aren't many days left!
