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How to get rating advice

If you need advice about if you should appeal against rateable values, you should speak with a reputable independent rating adviser.

You must speak with a reputable adviser because fraudsters operate in this area.

Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.

Before employing a rating adviser, you should check that they have:

  • the necessary knowledge and expertise
  • appropriate indemnity insurance

Be cautious of false or misleading claims. Some agents do not explain, for example, that a reduction in rateable value may not necessarily lead to a reduction in the amount of rates you will have to pay. This is because there are limits on how much rates bills can change from year to year under the transitional relief scheme.

Be careful before entering into any contract, and get extra advice if needed before you do.

An adviser can never guarantee reductions in rateable value. Reductions can only happen because of a valuation officer's agreement or the decision of a valuation tribunal or higher court.

Page last updated: 8 March 2023

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