Business rates and getting them reduced

burnanator

I work for a company in central London. We were occupying a floor in a building where the business rates were paid by the landlord. The terms of the lease changed in 2012 and we are now liable for the business rates. The business rates we now have to pay are nearly equal to our rent!

I would like to get these reduced as I think they are out of line. There has been no shortage of solicitors getting in touch with us to try and convince us to signing on to reduce them, but I am unsure of their fees. The one I met today will basically take 50% of everything they save, dating back from the day we took the new lease until we move out. This seems like a lot to me.

I have tried to contact some others to discuss fee structure, but no one will give it to me without a full meeting and going through all this nonsense.

Is this a large fee? Is it in line with what others charge?

Is there a way for me to do this on my own quickly? By calling Camden council or something or do I need a solicitor?

Thanks!

lincroft1710

The Valuation Office Agency deal with assessing property for business rates not the council.

Chartered surveyors are the people to contact not solicitors. Plenty in London who specialise in business rate valuations and don't charge upfront fees. You can act for yourself but if you don't know anything about the rating system, the VOA may give you the brush off.