Client: BP Chemicals
When BP Chemical asked us to help it reduce its rates bill, our industrial team knew that it faced a major challenge, for two main reasons.
Firstly, because the initial rateable value calculated by the Valuation Office was not excessive, and secondly, the amount payable was affected by the transitional relief scheme limiting the annual reductions in their bill.
To make any major savings for BP, it was clear we needed to look very carefully at the technicalities of the rating system. We spotted that we could reduce the base line liability on which the transitional relief is calculated under the Non Domestic Rating (Alteration of Lists & Appeals) Regulations 2003.
We also saw that the VO had included plant up until six months after its decommissioning date. We knew the actual decommissioning date because of our regular site visits and were able to take immediate action and ensure that the plant was deleted from its correct date.
Including the additional negotiation of further relief for plant shutdowns, our rating specialists secured a saving of £650,000 for BP Chemical.
|
|