Your rates bills are based on the rateable value of your property. Both domestic and business properties are valued each year for CEPC rates by an independent surveyor. Valuations are based on the annual market rental value of your property. All properties are valued on the same basis and at the same valuation date. Property valuations come into effect on 1st April each year with a one year antecedent valuation date. Business property valuations may vary from those carried out for local authority Business Rate assessments both in terms of the valuation date and methodology applied.
Paving Rates
To set Paving Rate bills, the CEPC estimates the cost of providing all its services and maintenance for the estate and calculates the contribution needed from each property towards meeting those costs, based on the rateable value of each property. The contribution is calculated by multiplying the Paving Rate (expressed in pence/£) by the rateable value of the property. The Paving Rate is the same for all properties during the year.
Garden Rates
For those terraces that have their own gardens, the Garden Rate bills are set using the same method based on property values but, instead of being a fixed rate for all properties across the estate, it is based on the costs of maintaining each terrace garden. Since this will vary from garden to garden, the Garden Rate in pence/£ will be different for each terrace. Also, specific costs for plants, compost and refurbishments etc, will vary from year to year, so the Garden Rate will go up and down. The maintenance of garden walls and railings is also charged to the Garden Rate.
Painting Rates
Painting Rate bills are an allocation of the cost of the five yearly painting programme for the communal parts within the terraces, where they exist, e.g. Chester and Cumberland Terrace arches. The allocation of cost is based on each property’s rateable value. Some terraces do not have shared buildings and therefore do not pay Painting Rates. Painting Rates are charged in the financial year following the painting and reflect the actual costs incurred for each terrace. Painting Rates will be chargeable in 2016-17 following the 2015 painting programme.
Is your rate assessment correct?
Most of the CEPC’s domestic property valuations are based on floor area. If you believe that the floor area quoted on your rate demand is incorrect and you are able to provide the CEPC with alternative professionally prepared evidence to support your view, please contact the CEPC. Where appropriate, we can then correct our data and your rate demand. If you provide the CEPC with your own evidence of floor area, we may still decide to confirm your measurements by arranging for our own survey of your property.
You can appeal against any rate levied on your property by the CEPC. Our statutes say that you must first pay the rate that has been demanded and then notify the Commissioners in writing, setting out the basis of your appeal. The Commissioners will then consider your appeal and, if they agree with your complaint, they will adjust your rates and make any necessary refund. If they decide not to adjust your rate, or if you are still dissatisfied, you may then appeal to your local Crown Court within 4 months of the Commissioners’ decision. The determination of the Crown Court will be final and binding. The Crown Court may award costs against you if you are not successful in your appeal.
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