"Like many of you, I watched the Chancellor's speech hoping to finally see the transformation we've been promised. Let me be blunt. We have been misled."
"What we got was a masterclass in political spin that masks a harsh reality - most independent retailers will be paying significantly more in business rates next year, not less."
The Budget announcement has inexplicably hit smaller independent retailers with bigger tax bills, while certain large retail businesses have seen reductions. Read the latest update on the Autumn Statement from Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira.
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders. Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating retail crime
- Pushing for greater protection for business owners who are leasing their property
- Demanding more support for high street development
- Ensuring smaller retailers are not disproportionately burdened by upcoming changes in employment regulations
One month to go to appeal your 2023 valuation - and we have a new resource on this crucial process for retailers
With just a month left to check and challenge your current 2023 business rates valuation, we have an updated resource to help you see if you need to appeal.
Click the link below for the most up-to-date information ahead of the 31st March 2026 deadline.
If you believe your business rates valuation is incorrect, you have the right to make an appeal through the VOA website.
> We have a new resource on this - click here to access the most up-to-date information for 2026.
This page gives you a simple step-by-step guide to registering for a valuation account, starting a check case, and challenging your business rates valuation.
Please note that while you can do this yourself, we strongly recommend seeking support from an RICS-registered professional. Bira has partnered up with Appeal Business Rates to offer Bira members a business rates audit & appeal service.
1. Sign in or register for a business rates valuation account
To be able to submit any appeal, you need to have a business rates valuation account.
If you already have a Government Gateway ID for other tax purposes, you can use this rather than create a new one.
You may have to go through an identity check again – but the system talks you through it.
2. Add a property to your account
Once your account is set up and active, you need to “claim” the property in order to submit an appeal. To be able to “claim” the property, you must be the bill payer or work within the organisation of the bill payer.
On the home page, you will see a box for your properties. You need to click “add a property” and then search for the property using the postcode.
Once you have found your property, click claim this property. You will then be asked to confirm whether you are the owner or occupier and when; you will then be asked to submit evidence.
You will receive a notification when the property claim has been approved. You are then ready to submit the Check Case. This can take up to 15 days to approve.
3. Start a Check Case
The appeal process is in 2 parts – Check and challenge. You need to start with a Check case. Click on Start a check case.
There are several options for submitting a Check case, and it is important to select the right one, or the case will be rejected. The system will walk you through the steps.
You will need to provide evidence to support your changes.
4. Challenge the rateable value
Once you have received the decision of the Check Case, you may want to send the VOA a ‘Challenge case’ if you think your rateable value is too high. Explain what you think it should be and provide evidence.
It is important to state to the VOA what you believe the RV should be based on your research and evidence. You need to submit the evidence, plans, photographs, comparable property details, etc.; then you need to submit a statement of the case. To do this, you need to click on Challenge Valuation.
The VOA may accept your challenge and change the rateable value.
5. Appeal the decision
If the VOA still reject your Challenge, you can ask the independent Valuation Tribunal for a review if you do not agree with the VOA’s decision on the rateable value. It is advisable to seek professional help at this stage, though.
Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.
Click on the topics below to find out our latest activity in each area.
Join to support Bira
You can support our continued efforts by joining our community for just £17/mo and in return you can benefit from a wider range of support and services aimed to help businesses to flourish.
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