Rateable Value
- The Assessor for Lothian Valuation Joint Board, who is independent of the council, sets the rateable value for your property.
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- The rateable value is an estimate of the annual rent the property could command on the open market as at 1 April 2003. All rateable values have been revised from 1 April 2005. This is known as a revaluation. It is likely that you have received a Valuation Notice from the Assessor telling you of this change.
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- Rateable Values for all business properties in Scotland can be found online at Scottish Assessors Asscociation
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- Any questions you may have about your rateable value should be put to:
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- T he Assessor for Lothian Valuation Joint Board,
- 17A South Gyle Crescent,
- Edinburgh,
- EH12 9EB
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- Telephone: 0131 334 2500
- Email: enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk
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West Lothian Information Leaflet
- West Lothian Council has produced an Information Leaflet with all you need to know about Non domestic Rates and the Small Business Bonus Scheme. You can download it here.
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Business Rates Poundage
The Business Rate poundage is set each year by the Scottish Government. The rate poundage for 2008/09 is 45.8 pence for every pound (£) of rateable value and 46.2 pence for subjects with a rateable value above £29,000.
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How Rates are Calculated
To calculate the gross rates bill for your property, you should multiply the rateable value by the poundage rate. The amount you have to pay may be less if you fall within the transitional arrangements. You may also be entitled to rate relief or other reductions in your bill.
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Unoccupied Property Rates
If a property is left empty no rates will be due for the first three months. If it is still empty after three months then empty property rates will be due. Empty property rates are charged at 50% of the gross rates bill. The person or company entitled to possession of the property will be held liable to pay the bill. The empty property rate is not charged on certain properties. These properties pay nothing when they are empty. Some examples are:
- industrial properties (you must complete a short questionnaire)
- properties with a rateable value of less than £1,700.
Before we award any reduction we will arrange a visit to the property. If your property is empty please contact us.
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Useful Links
- The following website may provide you with some more detailed information on Business Rates.
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- Scottish Executive Website(URL)
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- Lothian Valuation Joint Board Website(URL)
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- Scottish Water Website(URL)
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