Preparing for the VOA’s New Duty to Notify: What Ratepayers Need to Know

On 7th November 2024, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) published details of a new duty on ratepayers, introduced as part of a broader reform to support more frequent property revaluations.

A key element of these changes is a new requirement for ratepayers to provide timely and accurate information about their properties to the VOA. This duty will be piloted from 1st April 2026 with a small group of ratepayers, ahead of full implementation from 1st April 2029.

What ratepayers will need to report

From the 1st April 2029, all ratepayers will be required to notify the VOA within 60 days of any relevant changes to their property. These include changes to the occupier, lease terms, rental agreements, or physical alterations to the property itself. This is a self-assessment for business rates and occupiers who will have to declare what is missing from the assessment, such as:

• For instance, a three-year-old extension or internal refurbishments carried out 18 months ago, such as converting factory space into laboratory accommodation.
• Any capital schemes undertaken must be reflected in the current assessment. If not, they will need to be added when the new duty comes into effect in 2029.
• Detailed inspections ahead of 2029 will be essential to ensure all relevant property details are accurately captured and submitted to the VOA.

Replacing existing obligations

The new duty will replace several existing ratepayer obligations, streamlining the process and reducing administrative burden. This includes the removal of Forms of Return, which are often lengthy and time-consuming, and the Check stage of the VOA’s current Check, Challenge and Appeal (CCA) process.

Instead, ratepayers will be required to notify the VOA via an online portal within 60 days of key events such as rent reviews, lease renewals, or new lettings.

Importantly, this obligation applies to all ratepayers, including those currently benefiting from small business rate relief. In addition, ratepayers will be asked to confirm annually that they have reported any relevant changes to their property.

Compliance will be managed through a new digital service, designed to simplify reporting and improve transparency.

Notification process and penalties

When a property is vacated or occupied under the 2029 List, ratepayers will be required to notify the VOA directly, rather than the local council, as is currently the case. The VOA will then update the portal and inform the relevant local authority on your behalf.

The new duty introduces strict penalties for failure to comply or for providing inaccurate information. Ratepayers should be aware of the following:

• False data offences carry a maximum penalty of 3% of the rateable value (RV) plus £500. In cases where false information is knowingly or recklessly submitted, criminal sanctions may also apply.
• Failing to comply with a penalty notice within thirty days of service could result in a maximum penalty of the greater of 2% of the RV and £900, plus £60 per day.

These measures are designed to ensure that property assessments accurately reflect reality. If the current valuation is outdated or incomplete, the 2029 List will correct it – potentially resulting in significant increases in rates payable.

Increased transparency for ratepayers

As part of the wider reforms, the VOA will begin sharing more detailed information about how property valuations are determined.

• By 2026, ratepayers will have access to more tailored data about their individual properties.
• By 2029, the VOA will provide more specific valuation evidence, offering greater clarity on how rateable values are calculated.

This increased transparency will support more informed decision-making, particularly around appeals. With the new duty requiring notification of changes within 60 days, the VOA will have up-to-date information on aspects such as lease terms, rental values, and physical alterations.

 

If you’re looking for expert advice on how to navigate the upcoming Rating Revaluation, the Montagu Evans Rating team is here to help.

Looking for more information on the 2026 Revaluation? Explore our Business Rates Revaluation: 2026 Handbook.