Rateable Value - How does mine compare?

Rickb

Hi,

Just moved from a house that had a meter to one that doesn't and got the first indication of the rates based on the ratable value and I'm trying to consider the options.

Is there a website that indicates the 'average' rateable value so I can see if mine is above below av?

The property is detached, has a larger garden that will, once done, need watering a fair bit. There are two adults living in it and it will likely stay that way.

Our RV is £162 and is multiplied by the usage rate which they set at £0.959 by United Utilities. Is that relatively low?

What is the usage rate and how is it calculated?

Many thanks!

Rick

Cardew

A RV of £162 is low.

The rateable Value(RV) was the method of collecting 'local taxes' until 1990. It then changed to the Poll Tax and then the present system which is Council Tax.

The RV was not a measure of property value but the notional Rent the property could command.

The criteria for assessing RV depended on many factors - size, area, amenities, modernisation, garage. Bear in mind that the last general assessment in England and Wales was in 1973 and many houses did not have Central heating or modern bathrooms/kitchens which would have lowered the RV.

You only quote the water charge for United Utilities. In addition to the 162 x £0.959(£155) you pay a standing charge of £61 and assuming you have mains sewerage with United Utilities a further 162 x £1.458(£236) a total of £452.

It might be less if you can claim relief for Surface water Drainage.

Rickb

Hi thank for the reply.

I did just check and yeah there is the standing charge that is £61. It used to be £34 at the metered house which is annoying.

Sorry, I should have said there we won't pay main sewerage as we have a septic.

It's good to hear the RV is on the low side. I'm tempted to leave it off meter and see how it goes in the short term.

Cheers,

rick

spiro

Just bear in mind, when you contact UU to set up an account they have the right to come and install a meter and you have no choice.

macman

Since you can revert to RV billing within the first12 months, having one fitted is a no-brainer.
What will you gain from leaving it on RV biling and seeing 'how it goes'? You already know with RV exactly what you will be paying. You can't know that with a meter unless it's fitted.

spiro

macman wrote: »

Since you can revert to RV billing within the first12 months, having one fitted is a no-brainer.
What will you gain from leaving it on RV biling and seeing 'how it goes'? You already know with RV exactly what you will be paying. You can't know that with a meter unless it's fitted.

You can only revert if you opt to have a meter fitted. If the water company fits one without you requesting it, you have no option to revert to RV based billing.

macman

Correct, but there's no suggestion from the OP that UU are seeking to exercise this right. The OP has already moved in and presumably registered for an account.