Business rates again

[Vixpy1]

Strange email from the VOA about subletting and needing a re-evaluation, they seem to have got the gist of this from a Form i returned about 8 months ago!

I have 2 business's, they both inhabit the building, the main business pays the rates in entireity, and the RV is £22k so there is no small business rates relief. The other business does not pay the main business any rent, nor are there any lease agreements as i also own the building through a 3rd company.

if i explain this to the VOA are they going to sod off? I have had fairly terrible experiences with them over the years and could do without another experience.

Thanks
Charlie

[Chrisgr31]

Who knows what they will do! Dealing with them at present is a bit of a nightmare.

Are all 3 companies registered at Companies House and show you sole Director etc?

If so I would respond

Dear VO

I am the owner and sole shareholder in the following 3 companies

Company A Ltd Registration No

Company B Ltd Registration No

Company C Ltd Registration No

The building is owned freehold by Company A and occupied by Company B and Company C.

As I am the owner and sole shareholder in all 3 companies there is no lease or license to occupy and in any event neither A nor B have exclusive occupation to any part.

I trust that this provides you with the information you require.

Regards

Vixpy

I do vaguely wonder if you could muck them around by granting leases to both companies therefore claiming neither company has exclusive occupation therefore one of the items necessary to create a repeating hereditament is not present. However in reality I wouldn’t bother. Tell them the truth and hope they go away.

Regards

Chris

[Vixpy1]

Chrisgr31 said:

Who knows what they will do! Dealing with them at present is a bit of a nightmare.

Are all 3 companies registered at Companies House and show you sole Director etc?

If so I would respond

Dear VO

I am the owner and sole shareholder in the following 3 companies

Company A Ltd Registration No

Company B Ltd Registration No

Company C Ltd Registration No

The building is owned freehold by Company A and occupied by Company B and Company C.

As I am the owner and sole shareholder in all 3 companies there is no lease or license to occupy and in any event neither A nor B have exclusive occupation to any part.

I trust that this provides you with the information you require.

Regards

Vixpy

I do vaguely wonder if you could muck them around by granting leases to both companies therefore claiming neither company has exclusive occupation therefore one of the items necessary to create a repeating hereditament is not present. However in reality I wouldn’t bother. Tell them the truth and hope they go away.

Regards

Chris

Thanks Chris

I am a big shareholder in the 2nd business, director and company secretary, but not the sold shareholder, does this matter ?

[Chrisgr31]

I don’t think so, just amend it accordingly. The alternative would be to split the unit up create separate assessments and possibly get small business relief but also get in to arguments about company ownership etc.

[Vixpy1]

Perfect , Thanks Chris

[Vixpy1]

'Thank you for your email.

I have now closed our enquiry.'

Thanks Chris, i owe you a beer!

[Chrisgr31]

Pleased it worked and you had a swift response! On reflection I wonder if they have had a case raised by the billing authority.

Local Authorities are using all sorts of data these days the initial purpose of which was to ensure businesses are not claiming reliefs they are not entitled to, but it potentially will reveal businesses with no corresponding rating assessments. So I wonder if Billing Authorities are using this to get the VO to make enquiries.

Guess we won’t know but do know how to deal with the queries.