The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is urging businesses to protect themselves from rogue business rates agents. New rateable values for business properties came into effect in April 2023. Councils used these new values to calculate business rates bills.
Businesses can challenge their valuation if they think it’s incorrect. They can use a rating agent to do this. Some rogue agents submit inaccurate information, which can result in penalties or increased rates bills. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees they can secure big business rates reductions.
See: Be wary of rogue business rates agents - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a set of proposed commitments from Apple and Google that could make it easier for UK businesses that rely on app stores to reach their customers.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched a new weekly podcast series, ‘DBS discussions: Safeguarding in Focus,’ aimed at employers, HR teams and anyone working in safeguarding.