Client: British Ceramics Confederation
The British Ceramic Confederation (BCC) Rating Steering Group, represents the major clay brick and tile manufacturers in the UK. This includes Ibstock Brick, Hanson Brick, Michelmersh and Wienerberger. Working together we have been successful in substantially reducing the industry's business rates liabilities through central negotiations with the Valuation Office.
Ceramic brick and tile factories are assessed on a contractors test valuation approach for the 2005 Rating Revaluation, which reflects the capital value of rateable items decapitalised at a Government set rate of 5%. Included within this group of properties are associated quarries producing the raw materials for brick and tile manufacture. These are assessed on a royalty per tonne basis.
The solution
The BCC Rating Steering Group challenged the Valuation Office’s cost guide on the major cost items including factory buildings, kilns and driers. We also challenged the national quarry rating royalties applied. This heavily relied on our analysis of our clients' cost information associated with newly constructed buildings, kilns and dryers, and lease royalty evidence. This was principally supplied by Ibstock Brick and Sandtoft Roof Tiles.
The results
The BCC Rating Steering Group secured substantial reductions in mineral royalties, particularly associated with Etruria Marls in Staffordshire and the southern Weald clays. The Valuation Office also conceded to reduce the kiln costs and apply a revised age and obsolescence scale for kilns and dryers.
The net effect of our central negotiations has led to significant reductions in assessment, some below the 2000 List figures. This has saved the brick and tile industry millions of pounds over the life of the 2005 Rating List.
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