EPPING FOREST: Warning over business rate fees (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

EPPING FOREST: Warning over business rate fees

12:24pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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THE Essex Federation of Small Businesses has issued a warning to traders in Epping Forest to watch out for companies apparently guaranteeing lower business rates in return for a fee.

Spokeswoman Tina Dulieu said: “New rateable values for businesses across Epping Forest are now in force and we know from contact with members elsewhere that not every rateable value has been properly calculated.

“What is already starting to happen is that some of our members have been approached by firms which appear to guarantee to get lower business rates and charging a fee, often several hundred pounds, for doing so.

“To a busy business owner that can be a tempting offer which appears to cut their costs for the next five years but our message is to beware as no third party firm can guarantee lower business rates and all the firms can do is lodge an appeal with the valuation office in exactly the same way that the business owner can do themselves.

“The team at the valuation office will give advice and assist in lodging an appeal as they are committed to making sure the rateable value is correctly calculated.

“In today’s economic climate it is important that businesses keep costs under control and making sure they pay the correct business rates is one way of doing just that but that doesn't mean you have to pay a hefty fee to a third party to lodge an appeal on your behalf."