I’m a Partner here at Gerald Eve and work as part of the Specialist Rating team. I am a Business Rates expert, with particular experience of local authority, police and educational properties and those used for charitable purposes. I am responsible for our firm’s advice to public sector clients in London and the South East and am involved in most of the valuations and negotiations. I also continue to take a leading role in national co-ordination and discussions with the Valuation Office for educational properties.
As well as making rating appeals and negotiating with the Valuation Office, my advice includes rates budgeting and the various rating reliefs and exemptions – charitable, empty rates, properties used by the disabled, theological and facilities ancillary to public open space. I am very experienced in representing clients at the Valuation Tribunal.
The main focus of my work over the last few years has been advising and making appeals in the 2017 Rating List and it is surprising how many “difficult” cases are still outstanding. I am now advising on the 2023 Rating List and beyond, meeting clients’ requirements for budgeting advice and risk management over their Business Rates as well as, of course, saving money where possible.
For Business Rates, my key clients include the City of London Corporation, Southwark Council, Hillingdon Council, Cambridge City Council, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire Police, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, two of the largest schools’ groups – Alpha Plus and Cognita, plus numerous independent schools and colleges.
Council Tax also forms a significant part of my work. As well challenging the A-H bands, I advise on exemptions and complex situations where there is debate as to whether single or multiple assessments should apply. Clients include private households, religious orders, schools, universities, retirement villages and residential developers.
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