What to Consider When Instructing a Business Rates Agent: Guidance for Ratepayers from the Rating Surveyors’ Association
Choosing the right business rates agent is an important decision for any ratepayer. A good agent can help you navigate the complexities of valuation, advise you of factual survey discrepancies, and support you through Check, Challenge, and Appeal where necessary. However, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) continues to warn that while most agents deliver a professional service, a small minority may act in bad faith, leading to financial or administrative consequences.
In this blog we cover the resources to aid the decision making process, alongside a summary of the key messages from the VOA to help you make an informed and confident choice. As a starting point, we strongly recommend reading the VOA’s official resources:
- VOA Blog – How to choose a business rates agent (blog)
- VOA Guidance and Resources:
1. Always Do Your Own Research
The VOA emphasises the importance of appointing your own agent. Never feel pressured by cold calls or unsolicited contacts. You should:
- Check reviews and feedback from other businesses.
- Ask for recommendations from trusted local networks or industry bodies.
- Investigate how long the agent has been trading under their current name, as frequent name changes can be a red flag.
2. Verify Professional Credentials
Anyone can call themselves a “surveyor” or “rating consultant”, but the title does not guarantee membership of a recognised professional body. The VOA highlights the value of checking for membership of:
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - Search for RICS regulated firms and Find a member of the RICS
- Rating Surveyors’ Association (RSA) - Find a member of the RSA
- Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) - IRRV Members and Organisations Directory and Find a member of the IRRV
These bodies require members to follow formal professional standards and the joint Rating consultancy code of practice, 5th edition which includes documentation that must be provided to a ratepayer as part of the written confirmation of the terms of engagement. Membership provides added reassurance that the agent is held to strict ethical and professional obligations.
3. Beware of Unrealistic Promises
The VOA repeatedly warns against agents who claim they can secure substantial reductions or guaranteed savings. Such promises by rogue agents may involve submitting incorrect or misleading information, which could result in penalties, increased rates bills, or costly disputes. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Understand the Contract Before You Sign
Before entering into any agreement:
- Read the small print carefully.
- Check the total cost over the full contract term, not just introductory fees.
- Make sure you understand the services offered and how to exit the agreement.
- Be cautious of high pressure sales tactics or large upfront payment demands.
5. Protect Your Business Rates Account
To appoint an agent, you must first set up your own Business Rates Valuation Account on GOV.UK. From there, you appoint the agent using their unique code.
You should:
- Never share personal login details.
- Ensure the agent’s name shown in the “Check and Challenge” service exactly matches the name on the contract, mismatches may indicate misleading activity.
- Monitor interactions with the VOA through your account.
Being proactive helps you safeguard against errors and maintain visibility over your case.
6. Remember: You Are Responsible for the Information Submitted
Even when represented by an agent, the ratepayer is ultimately accountable for the accuracy of any information submitted to the VOA. Incorrect data submitted by an agent may still result in penalties for the business.
7. Use Only Reputable, Regulated Rating Professionals
The VOA publishes a list of agents it has refused to deal with (see VOA refuses to deal with group of business rates agents). Checking this list before appointing representation is recommended.
Where issues arise with a non‑regulated agent, ratepayers may need to seek support from Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a business rates agent is a significant decision, one that can affect your compliance, financial outcomes, and peace of mind. By carrying out basic due diligence, checking professional credentials, and reviewing the VOA’s guidance, you can ensure that your appointed representative acts in your best interests and in accordance with professional standards.
We encourage all ratepayers to read the VOA’s official resources in full before instructing an agent. These contain both practical examples and checklists to help you make a safe and informed choice.