Welcome to our newsletter which is focusing on the countdown to the next commercial Rating Revaluation!
With lots of questions coming in from clients, old and new, please find contact details for our team at the bottom of this newsletter.
New National Rate Poundage 2025-26
- The Basic Property Rate (RV up to £51,000) has been frozen at 49.8p
- The Intermediate (RV between £51,001 to £100,000) and Higher Property Rates (RV over £100,000) will increase by inflation to 55.4p and 56.8p respectively
New and Existing Reliefs
- 40% relief for hospitality premises (including Music Venues with capacity up to 1,500) for Rateable Values up to £51,000 and capped at £110,000 per business
- 100% relief for Hospitality premises on islands and specified remote areas will continue in 2025-26
- The small Business Bonus Scheme relief will be maintained at £12,000 and below
Rating Revaluation 2026
- The next tone date is approaching in April 2025 – this requires all Scottish Assessors to obtain property information in order to calculate the new rateable values
- This will be based on rents and costs around this time
- The effective date will be 1 April 2026
Fines/Penalty Notices
- Assessors will be issuing Assessors Information Notices throughout the coming year – these seek confirmation of ownership and tenancy, physical changes and lease terms
- Civil penalties are now being issues if Assessors Information Notices are not returned within 28days
- Civil penalties can be significant. Please do not ignore forms!
If you have received an Assessor Information Notice asking you to provide rental information, we would be happy to advise.
Vacant Land
- Since the Scottish Government gave autonomy on empty rates relief to each council, vacant land is now subject to rates liability
- This includes, brownfield and greenfield site, as well as land awaiting development
- This change to vacant relief was implemented after the last date for lodging a Re-Val 2023 Proposal and there are limited grounds on which to challenge Valuation Roll entry before the next Re-Valuation in April 2026
- One opportunity to challenge an entry on the Valuation Roll for vacant land may be on the grounds that the land is being actively developed
If you need assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to contact our Team direct.
