On 23 February 2016, Lambert Smith Hampton’s (LSH) written evidence to the House of Commons Committee on the draft Enterprise Bill was published online. 

It was one of 80 pieces submitted for consideration by individuals or firms highlighting their concerns over whether the proposed changes to the Business Rates Appeals system will achieve their intended aim. 

Of particular significance included: 

• The burden of proof on the rate payer to demonstrate that the Rateable Value is wrong to the satisfaction of the Valuation Officer;
• Non-disclosure of evidence to the rate payer on which the Rateable Value is based;
• The cumbersome and inappropriate nature of the three-stage ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’ process;
• The counter-productiveness of a civil penalty. 

The full written submission can be downloaded here. For more information about how the Enterprise Bill might affect you, please get in touch with one of our Business Rates experts.