Business rates

The Council pays the rates collected into a National Non-Domestic Rating Pool which is then redistributed by the Government between all authorities in proportion to the adult population of each authority.

This money, together with revenue from Council Tax payers, revenue support grant provided by the government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by East Sussex County Council, LDC, Sussex Police and local Town and Parish Councils.

The four main organisations involved in the Business Rates process are:-

1. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

The ODPM is responsible for setting the overall Government policy on local taxation and for setting the multiplier or 'poundage' that is to be applied by the local authority when calculating the rates due.

2. Valuation Office Agency

An independent valuation officer of the Valuation Office Agency (an Executive Agency of the Inland Revenue) fixes the rateable value of a non domestic property, which is the basis for working out rates bills. There is a revaluation every five years. As from 1 April 2000, the rateable value of a property represents its annual open market rental value as at 1 April 1998.

The values of all rated properties are shown in the local rating list. You may inspect the list at the office of the Valuation Officer, St Annes House, St Annes Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3LG, 01323 530000, or on their website at http://www.voa.gov.uk/, and at Lewes District Council's offices during normal working hours.

3. Valuation Tribunal Service

This is an independent, judicial body that has the power to deal with appeals relating to non-domestic rating.

The Valuation Officer may alter the value of a property if he thinks that the circumstances of the property have changed. The ratepayer and certain others who have an interest in the property may also propose a change in the value. In any case, if the ratepayer and the Valuation Officer do not agree, the matter will be referred as an appeal to an independent valuation tribunal. Details on how to propose a change in value are available from the Valuation Office at the address shown above.

4. Lewes District Council

The Council is responsible for working out your rates bill by multiplying the RV supplied by the Valuation Office Agency by the 'poundage' supplied by the government. It is also responsible for granting any reliefs that may be due to the individual ratepayer and for collecting the money.

The Council aims to provide its business rates customers with a high level of service. We will maintain our high standards and welcome any suggestions you make to improve them.

These are the standards you should expect from us:

• We will give you full information concerning all rating matters.
• We aim to answer your letters within seven working days of receipt.
• Easily accessible private interview rooms are provided and we offer appointments with a named officer on request.
• Payments received by post will be credited to your account within two working days.
• Amendments to rate accounts will be processed within ten working days.